Global institutional investors appear to be moving capital away from Bitcoin and Ethereum, with growing interest in alternative cryptocurrencies such as XRP, Solana, and NEAR Protocol. The trend comes as crypto investment products recorded another week of heavy outflows, signaling increased caution across the broader market.
Crypto Funds Suffer $1.47 Billion in Weekly Outflows
According to recent CoinShares data, digital asset funds experienced $1.47 billion in outflows during the latest week, marking the second straight week of negative flows. This represents the third-largest weekly withdrawal seen in 2026, following major outflows recorded in January.
Over the last two weeks, cumulative crypto fund withdrawals have reached approximately $2.54 billion. Bitcoin accounted for the majority of losses, seeing around $1.315 billion exit investment products — its largest weekly outflow this year.
Ethereum also continued to experience selling pressure, recording roughly $222 million in outflows. Analysts suggest geopolitical uncertainty, including renewed tensions involving Iran and broader macroeconomic concerns, have intensified risk-off sentiment among investors.
XRP Leads Altcoin Inflows While Solana and NEAR Gain Momentum
Despite weakness in major assets, several altcoins attracted fresh institutional capital.
XRP led the inflows with approximately $31.8 million, followed by NEAR Protocol with around $9 million and Solana with $7.7 million. Other assets, including Sui and diversified crypto funds, also reported positive inflows.
The fact that multiple crypto investment products received more than $1 million in new capital suggests institutions may be increasing exposure to selected altcoins while reducing positions in Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Derivatives Activity Points to Rising Interest
Open interest across derivatives markets has increased significantly for XRP, Solana, and NEAR, indicating stronger speculative and institutional participation.
NEAR Protocol showed one of the strongest moves, with futures open interest jumping over 26% to approximately $911 million. Growing enthusiasm around artificial intelligence narratives and bullish comments from industry figures have helped fuel momentum.
NEAR has surged nearly 150% over recent weeks and gained another 18% within the past 24 hours, while trading activity continues to rise.
XRP and Solana Prices Continue Higher
XRP moved modestly higher, climbing more than 1% during the day as whale activity and institutional accumulation remain in focus. Market analysts have also highlighted bullish technical signals surrounding the asset.
Meanwhile, Solana gained roughly 2%, supported by continued institutional demand and ongoing interest in Solana-related ETF products. Reports regarding exposure from major financial institutions have further strengthened sentiment toward SOL.
Although Solana’s price advanced, overall trading volume declined, suggesting investors remain cautious despite improving momentum.
Institutional Rotation Could Reshape Short-Term Crypto Trends
The latest fund flow data indicates a potential shift in institutional strategy, with capital moving away from dominant assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum toward selected high-growth altcoins. Whether this trend continues may depend heavily on macroeconomic developments, geopolitical risks, and broader investor appetite for risk.
