Bitcoin ETFs Face $100B in Losses as Market Stress Mounts

Markets 2025-12-16 15:36

Bitcoin ETFs Face 0B in Losses as Market Stress Mounts

Bitcoin is currently trading near $86,000, with significant unrealized losses building across spot ETFs, mining companies, and public treasuries.

Recent analysis from Checkonchain estimates that investors are carrying about $100 billion in unrealized losses, with around 60% of spot Bitcoin ETF inflows now underwater.

The average cost basis for these ETFs hovers near the $80,000–$82,000 zone, making this a pivotal support range for institutional investors.

Market enters distribution phase

Miners are responding by pulling back network hashrate, while many treasury-company stocks are trading below their Bitcoin book value.

About $127 billion in ETF capital is concentrated near the $80,000 breakeven, but only a small portion sits in the $75,000–$85,000 range, providing limited downside protection.

Amberdata also highlights a denser zone of ETF capital between $65,000 and $70,000, meaning price drops below $75,000 could accelerate sell-offs.

Losses mount despite price rebounds

According to Glassnode, the realized loss among Bitcoin entities recently hit $555 million per day, the highest since the FTX collapse.

This elevated loss realization persists even as prices rebound, signaling ongoing market stress.

U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs collectively hold about 1.3 million BTC, worth over $117 billion.

Miners and treasury equities under pressure

Mining economics have weakened, with Luxor’s Hashrate Index showing hashprice averaging $39.82 in November and falling to an all-time low near $35.06.

Miners are scaling back operations, which could foreshadow further margin compression or a sector-wide capitulation.

Meanwhile, many Bitcoin-focused public companies are trading at a discount to net asset value, hampering their ability to raise capital by issuing new shares.

This stalls the “issue equity, buy BTC” cycle that fueled corporate accumulation in prior years.

Macro risks amplify volatility

Bitcoin’s correlation with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 has risen considerably, with current levels around 0.5—making it more sensitive to equity market swings.

Share to:

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

Curated Series

SuperEx Popular Science Articles Column

SuperEx Popular Science Articles Column

This collection features informative articles about SuperEx, aiming to simplify complex cryptocurrency concepts for a wider audience. It covers the basics of trading, blockchain technology, and the features of the SuperEx platform. Through easy-to-understand content, it helps users navigate the world of digital assets with confidence and clarity.

Unstaked related news and market dynamics research

Unstaked related news and market dynamics research

Unstaked (UNSD) is a blockchain platform integrating AI agents for automated community engagement and social media interactions. Its native token supports governance, staking, and ecosystem features. This special feature explores Unstaked’s market updates, token dynamics, and platform development.

XRP News and Research

XRP News and Research

This series focuses on XRP, covering the latest news, market dynamics, and in-depth research. Featured analysis includes price trends, regulatory developments, and ecosystem growth, providing a clear overview of XRP's position and potential in the cryptocurrency market.

How do beginners trade options?How does option trading work?

How do beginners trade options?How does option trading work?

This special feature introduces the fundamentals of options trading for beginners, explaining how options work, their main types, and the mechanics behind trading them. It also explores key strategies, potential risks, and practical tips, helping readers build a clear foundation to approach the options market with confidence.

What are the risks of investing in cryptocurrency?

What are the risks of investing in cryptocurrency?

This special feature covers the risks of investing in cryptocurrency, explaining common challenges such as market volatility, security vulnerabilities, regulatory uncertainties, and potential scams. It also provides analysis of risk management strategies and mitigation techniques, helping readers gain a clear understanding of how to navigate the crypto market safely.