[News Brief] Apr 22, morning | Bitcoin Spot ETFs Recorded $824 Million in Net Inflows Last Week

Bitcoin Spot ETFs Recorded $824 Million in Net Inflows Last Week

According to Odaily, based on SoSoValue data, U.S.-listed Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded $824 million in net inflows during the trading week from April 20 to April 24.

The product with the largest weekly net inflow was BlackRock's IBIT, which attracted $733 million. IBIT's cumulative net inflows now stand at $65.37 billion. ARK & 21Shares' ARKB followed with $59.6 million in net inflows, bringing its cumulative net inflows to $1.61 billion.

Meanwhile, Grayscale's GBTC recorded the largest weekly net outflow at $59.01 million. GBTC's cumulative net outflows now total $26.22 billion.

The total net asset value of Bitcoin spot ETFs currently stands at $102.64 billion. The ETF net asset ratio is equivalent to 6.60% of Bitcoin's total market capitalization, while cumulative net inflows have reached $58.23 billion.

Ethereum Spot ETFs Recorded $155 Million in Net Inflows Last Week

Ethereum spot ETFs recorded $155 million in net inflows last week, marking a third consecutive week of capital inflows.

According to Odaily, citing SoSoValue data, Ethereum spot ETFs posted $155 million in net inflows during the trading week from April 20 to April 24, U.S. Eastern Time.

BlackRock's ETHA saw the largest weekly net inflow, attracting $138 million. ETHA's cumulative net inflows reached $11.97 billion. It was followed by ETHB, which posted $60.9053 million in net inflows, bringing its cumulative net inflows to $456 million.

On the other hand, Grayscale's ETHE recorded the largest weekly net outflow, with $49.2393 million leaving the fund. ETHE's cumulative net outflows totaled $5.25 billion.

The total net asset value of Ethereum spot ETFs currently stands at $13.79 billion. The ETF net asset ratio is equal to 4.91% of Ethereum's total market capitalization, and historical cumulative net inflows have reached $12 billion.

Western Union Plans to Launch Solana-Based Stablecoin USDPT Next Month

Western Union plans to launch USDPT, a Solana-based stablecoin, next month, according to PANews citing The Block on April 27.

According to the report, USDPT is designed not for general consumers but primarily as a settlement tool between Western Union headquarters and its agents. The company plans to use it as an alternative to the existing SWIFT network.

Western Union is also building a digital asset network connecting crypto wallets with its retail and agent network. Through this system, wallet users would be able to exchange digital assets for local currencies at Western Union locations.

In addition, the company plans to launch U.S. dollar-based stablecoin cards in dozens of markets by the end of this year, allowing consumers to hold and spend stablecoins globally.

This initiative is seen as part of a broader trend of traditional remittance firms integrating stablecoins and blockchain-based payment infrastructure into real-world use cases.

Crypto Market Structure Bill Said to Face Critical Window Around May 25 Holiday

Progress on the crypto market structure bill has recently been limited, but the period around the May 25 Memorial Day holiday is being discussed as a critical window for legislative action, according to Odaily.

Market participants believe that if this period is missed, the bill may become even harder to advance as the summer election season intensifies.

Issues such as stablecoin yield and DeFi sales activities are still under discussion. Last week, more than 100 organizations sent a joint letter to the Senate Banking Committee urging it to begin formal consideration of the bill and move the CLARITY Act to the next stage.

Market structure legislation aims to codify regulatory principles for crypto assets into law and reduce uncertainty stemming from future policy changes.

Trump Says He Would Sign CLARITY Act Immediately if Passed

According to Odaily, President Trump attended the TRUMP dinner at Mar-a-Lago on April 25 local time and spoke for about 45 minutes, saying he hopes the CLARITY Act will pass and that he would sign it immediately if it does.

White House correspondent Sander Lutz said Trump offered few additional details regarding crypto policy beyond that bill. Some in the industry had expected more specific remarks given the importance of the legislation, but his comments remained general.

The CLARITY Act has drawn attention for its aim of establishing a clearer regulatory framework for digital assets in the United States.

Iranian Lawmaker Warns Security Threats Along Iran's Coast Could Affect Safety in Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf

An Iranian lawmaker said that if security along Iran's coastline is threatened, the safety of coastal areas in the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf would also be affected.

According to Odaily, citing Iran International TV, Fadahossein Maleki, a member of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, claimed that the United States is obstructing progress in negotiations and that U.S. measures, including a maritime blockade, violated the ceasefire agreement. He added that Iran has full control over the Strait of Hormuz and is not seeking negotiations or a ceasefire.

The remarks come as tensions surrounding Middle Eastern maritime routes resurface. The Strait of Hormuz is a key corridor for global crude oil and energy shipments, and such comments could heighten risk-off sentiment in both macro financial markets and the digital asset market.

U.S. Central Command Orders 38 Vessels to Return to Iranian Ports

U.S. Central Command has instructed 38 vessels to return to Iranian ports, according to Odaily citing Jinshi.

The move is being interpreted as a response to rising tensions in the Middle East. Growing uncertainty in maritime logistics could weigh on global financial markets and investor sentiment toward risk assets.

Barclays Expects Fed to Hold Rates Steady This Week

Barclays expects the U.S. Federal Reserve to keep the federal funds target range unchanged at this week's meeting, citing still-elevated inflation.

According to Odaily, Barclays analysts said the Fed is likely to maintain a wait-and-see stance for now in an environment of elevated uncertainty. Strong demand and persistent inflation are supporting policy patience, and Fed officials have also signaled weakening confidence in the case for near-term rate cuts.

However, the analysts said that if inflation slows as expected, the Fed may gain enough confidence to begin easing around September. Accordingly, Barclays maintained its forecast for rate cuts later this year.

Meanwhile, LSEG data shows that the money market is currently pricing in 10 basis points of Fed rate cuts for 2026.

French Prosecutors Charge 88 Suspects in 'Wrench Attacks' Targeting Crypto Holders

French prosecutors have charged 88 people over so-called 'wrench attacks' targeting cryptocurrency holders, in which victims are threatened, assaulted, or kidnapped to force access to their wallets, PANews reported citing Cointelegraph.

According to the report, 10 of the suspects are minors, and 75 are currently in custody. An investigative judge in Paris is examining 12 related cases.

A 'wrench attack' refers to a crime in which perpetrators use threats or physical violence to force victims to reveal wallet passwords or transfer their crypto assets. Vanessa Perez, a prosecutor specializing in organized crime in France, said some suspects appear to be linked to multiple cases, suggesting the possible existence of an organized network.

The investigation is focused on identifying both the direct attackers and the masterminds behind them. According to data from France's organized crime agency, similar incidents numbered 18 in 2024, 67 in 2025, and 47 so far in 2026.

On-Chain Analytics Firm Ember Says Whale Moved 300,000 SOL to Binance

According to on-chain analytics firm Ember, a whale unstaked and transferred all 300,000 SOL to Binance within the last 30 minutes. The amount is worth approximately $26.07 million.

Large transfers to exchanges are often interpreted as a sign of potential selling pressure and may be viewed as a supply overhang for Solana. However, whether the funds have actually been sold has not yet been confirmed.

Source: PANews