# Bitcoin Open Interest Drops Below Long-Term Average as Spot ETF Outflows Continue

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/bitcoin-open-interest-drops-below-long-term-average-as-spot-etf-outflows-68f51e
- Published: 2026-10-19T07:55:44Z
- Category: crypto; sentiment: mixed; impact: medium
- Symbols: [BITSTAMP:BTCUSD](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/BITSTAMP-BTCUSD)
- Written by our AI from expert market sources across the web for FreeTheAI Stocks, built by Vibhek Soni
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Growth in Bitcoin (BITSTAMP:BTCUSD) derivatives has slowed as the cryptocurrency's seven-day moving average for open interest slipped below its 365-day moving average this month. This marks the second time the short-term indicator has fallen beneath the long-term benchmark since August 25. Meanwhile, spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded a second consecutive week of net capital withdrawals, shedding $678.9 million in the week ended October 9 following $228.4 million in net outflows the week before.

The drop in open interest, which tracks unsettled futures and options contracts, signals a decline in speculative market activity compared to earlier levels. While spot market demand briefly approached neutral territory earlier in the month before turning negative again, demand in the futures market has remained comparatively stable. Furthermore, despite recent weekly ETF withdrawals, spot Bitcoin ETFs have maintained broader monthly momentum, accumulating 15,400 BTC in net inflows over the past 30 days. Currently, Bitcoin is trading near $82,300, up 0.33% today.

Market watchers are tracking several key factors required for a sustainable price recovery. A rebound will likely depend on renewed capital inflows into spot ETFs, stronger spot market purchasing, and steady long-term accumulation by holders.

## Key points

- Bitcoin's seven-day moving average for derivatives open interest dropped below its 365-day moving average for the second time since August 25.
- Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $678.9 million in net weekly outflows for the week ended October 9, following $228.4 million in net outflows the prior week.
- Over the past 30 days, spot Bitcoin ETFs have maintained overall positive net inflows totaling 15,400 BTC.
- Bitcoin spot demand briefly approached neutral levels this month before turning negative, while futures demand remained firm.

## Questions and answers

### Why is Bitcoin open interest declining?

Bitcoin's seven-day moving average for open interest fell below its 365-day average, signaling that speculative demand in the derivatives market has weakened compared to earlier levels.

### How much money has left spot Bitcoin ETFs recently?

Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $678.9 million in net outflows during the week ended October 9, following $228.4 million in net outflows the previous week. However, total net inflows over the past 30 days remain positive at 15,400 BTC.

### What needs to happen for Bitcoin to recover?

A stable recovery in Bitcoin will likely require stronger capital inflows into spot ETFs, a rebound in spot market demand, and continued accumulation by asset holders.