Blockchain data shows that BlackRock recently transferred significant amounts of Bitcoin and Ethereum to Coinbase-linked wallets, a move that caught the attention of market participants.
According to on-chain data, BlackRock held 2,164 BTC, worth approximately $195 million, and 26,704 ETH, valued at around $83 million. Transfers to Coinbase wallets are often associated with exchange liquidity management, leading traders to interpret the move as a potential signal of upcoming market activity.
The transfers occurred during a period of heavy outflows from spot crypto exchange-traded funds. On January 7 alone, Bitcoin ETFs recorded nearly $480 million in net outflows. BlackRock’s Bitcoin fund accounted for about $130 million of those withdrawals in a single day.
Other major issuers also experienced redemptions. Bitcoin ETF products from Fidelity, Grayscale, Bitwise, and Ark Invest all saw capital outflows, indicating that selling pressure was spread across the sector rather than concentrated on a single provider.
Ethereum-focused funds followed a similar pattern. Daily net outflows reached nearly $98 million, while BlackRock’s ETHA fund reported more than $6 million in withdrawals. Grayscale, Fidelity, and VanEck also recorded notable redemptions from their Ethereum products.
The pressure was not limited to Bitcoin and Ethereum. XRP ETFs saw more than $40 million in outflows, marking their first day of net negative flows since November. This suggests that risk reduction affected multiple crypto investment vehicles simultaneously.
Following these developments, Bitcoin prices dropped below $90,000 after briefly trading above $94,000 earlier in the week. The renewed volatility reflects growing uncertainty among investors as macroeconomic and liquidity factors continue to weigh on the market.
Market Focus Shifts to U.S. Jobless Claims
The BlackRock transfer took place ahead of the latest U.S. initial jobless claims report, scheduled for release today. Analysts expect around 210,000 new claims, up from the previous 199,000. Traders are closely watching the data for signals on the strength of the labor market.
Recent indicators have already pointed to some cooling in U.S. employment conditions. November JOLTS data showed job openings falling to 7.1 million, below expectations. Additional labor market data and upcoming inflation reports next week are likely to continue shaping market sentiment and short-term crypto price movements.
