Bitcoin dropped below $81,000 as U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $409.2 million in net outflows for the week of October 12 to 16. Outflows eased from the prior week, but rising U.S.-Iran tensions added pressure.
Bitcoin fell below $81,000 and touched a low near $80,250, while U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs posted outflows and geopolitical risk grew.
ETF outflows slow but continue
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $409.2 million in total outflows between October 12 and 16, 2026, despite drawing $180.8 million in inflows over the same period. BlackRock's IBIT led with around $240 million withdrawn, and Fidelity's FBTC recorded approximately $163.2 million in net outflows.
The pace did slow. The prior week, from October 5 to 9, Bitcoin ETFs recorded $818.8 million in total outflows, so this week's figure marks a decline of about 50%.
Bitcoin fails to hold $84,000
Price action stayed weak regardless. BTC fell from around $87,000 last week to $80,395 before recovering to $84,352 this week.
That recovery did not last. Bitcoin later dropped below $81,000, touching nearly $80,250, and needs to reclaim the $84,000 level to stabilize and prevent further declines.
U.S.-Iran tensions add pressure
Rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran have added to fears of a wider conflict. The U.S. reportedly asked Iran for permission to strike the Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site without retaliation, and Iran rejected the request.
An Iranian official warned: "Trump's statements today point to war within the next 24 hours".
Meanwhile, tensions around shipping routes have kept Brent crude near $106 a barrel, and U.S. 10-year Treasury yields have climbed to 5.25%.
Bitcoin's next move depends on whether ETF outflows keep easing and whether economic and geopolitical tensions calm down.
Source: Coinpedia Fintech News
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