What happened to Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) in the latest crypto market update?

Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) stayed under pressure after falling from around $82,000 last week. The token was trading near $77,400 and struggling to reclaim the $78,000 level.

Why is Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) struggling below $80,000?

Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) is struggling because of heavy ETF outflows. The article says more than $1.3 billion left Bitcoin ETFs over three trading sessions, with more than $2.1 billion exiting over six sessions.

Why do Bitcoin ETF outflows matter for crypto traders?

Bitcoin ETF outflows matter because they can signal weaker institutional demand. When large funds see withdrawals, traders may view it as selling pressure on Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC), especially near key levels like $80,000.

What happened to Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) after ETF outflows?

Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) traded near $2,120 after slipping 0.2% on the day. The article says around $400 million left Ethereum ETF products during seven straight days of negative flows.

Why is the $2,000 level important for Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH)?

The $2,000 level matters because analysts warned that losing it could create deeper pressure for Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH). Traders often watch round numbers as support zones, especially during weak market conditions.

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Crypto dips as Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs see outflows

Written by Jon CuthbertPublished May 20, 2026, 11:28 AM

Bitcoin remained under pressure during the midweek session as the wider crypto market struggled to recover from sharp losses across major assets.

The Bitcoin price was trying to reclaim the $78,000 level after falling from around $82,000 last week.

The latest decline kept Bitcoin below the closely watched $80,000 mark, which traders often treat as an important psychological level.

Ethereum also stayed weak, with ETH trading near $2,120 after slipping 0.2% on the day.

Analysts warned that a move below $2,000 could create deeper pressure for Ethereum if buyers fail to defend support.

The main pressure on Bitcoin came from heavy exchange-traded fund outflows across recent trading sessions.

More than $1.3 billion reportedly left Bitcoin ETF products over the last three trading sessions.

The selling pressure has been even wider over the past six trading sessions, with more than $2.1 billion exiting Bitcoin ETF funds.

BlackRock’s IBIT fund reportedly accounted for a large part of the negative flow, with more than $1 billion in Bitcoin sold in recent days.

The ETF weakness has added to Bitcoin’s loss of momentum as the asset traded around $77,400.

Ethereum has faced similar pressure after seven straight days of negative ETF flows.

Around $400 million reportedly left Ethereum ETF products during that losing streak.

The outflows have pushed ETH closer to the $2,000 area, raising concern among traders watching for another breakdown.

While Bitcoin and Ethereum funds saw withdrawals, Solana and XRP ETF flows moved in the opposite direction.

Solana and XRP products showed positive flows, suggesting some investors may be rotating into higher-beta crypto assets.

However, the dollar value of those inflows remained much smaller than the money leaving Bitcoin and Ethereum funds.

XRP recorded nine consecutive days of positive ETF flows, according to the report.

Solana also saw a run of positive ETF demand, though both SOL and XRP still ended the week lower.

XRP fell around 6% over the week, while Solana dropped about 10% despite the improved ETF flow picture.

Bitcoin also faced added pressure as Strategy appeared to pause its recent buying activity.

The company’s last reported Bitcoin purchase came on May 18, when it bought 24,869 BTC for about $2.01 billion.

Strategy paid an average price of $80,985 per Bitcoin in that transaction.

The broader market picture now centres on whether ETF flows continue to drag on Bitcoin and Ethereum or whether demand returns near key support levels.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $77,422.69.