US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds extended their inflow streak to a sixth consecutive session, adding to signs of renewed institutional demand as broader risk sentiment improves. The move came as crypto-linked equities posted gains amid expectations that progress in US digital asset regulation could provide clearer rules for the sector, while enthusiasm for parts of the artificial intelligence equity trade appeared to ease.

The latest session brought about $203.1 million in fresh capital into US spot Bitcoin ETFs, according to a Cointelegraph report on the funds’ six-day inflow streak. Across the streak, total inflows reached roughly $930 million. The period also coincided with Bitcoin briefly trading above $67,000 and the Crypto Fear & Greed Index moving from “extreme fear” to “fear.”

The flows add to a mixed broader picture for the products. Since US spot Bitcoin ETFs launched in January 2024, they have accumulated $51.8 billion in cumulative net inflows and hold $80.9 billion in net assets, according to figures cited in the source report. However, they remain down $4.84 billion on a year-to-date net flow basis. Analysts cited in the report said Bitcoin likely needs to hold above the $65,000 to $65,500 range to strengthen the case for a sustained bullish breakout.

A multi-session inflow pattern can be significant because it may indicate institutional participation rather than a short-lived retail-driven rebound. Spot ETFs are also closely watched because they provide regulated market access to Bitcoin exposure without requiring investors to hold the asset directly. However, continued inflows do not ensure follow-through in price or broader market strength.

Crypto rally tied to regulation and cooling AI momentum

The digital asset move described by Cointelegraph was linked to two overlapping developments: progress toward US crypto legislation and signs that the AI trade may be losing some momentum. In a separate report, Cointelegraph said the broader crypto market breakout came as the AI trade cooled, with crypto-related equities also gaining.

Cointelegraph reported that Coinbase, American Bitcoin and Cipher Digital recorded double-digit percentage gains as sentiment improved. One factor cited was commentary from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who suggested lawmakers were near the “1-yard line” on the CLARITY Act, a proposed legislative framework for digital assets. While legislative signals do not amount to enacted law, indications of progress can affect positioning in companies that have been waiting for clearer rules.

Analysts described the shift in AI-linked equities more as a rotation than a collapse. The source pointed to fading enthusiasm in AI stocks and increasing confidence around the interest-rate outlook as supportive factors for Bitcoin. One gauge of that change is the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, or SOX, which fell more than 20% from a recent high and entered technical bear-market territory. Although the index remains above its year-ago level, the decline suggests investors are becoming more selective about paying high valuations for future AI-related monetization.

For crypto markets, that distinction matters because capital often moves between high-beta themes. If liquidity tied to AI and semiconductor trades becomes less aggressive, some capital may look for opportunities elsewhere, including in digital assets, provided regulatory and market conditions remain supportive.

Bitcoin miners gain on AI infrastructure deals

Bitcoin mining stocks also strengthened after major AI infrastructure announcements. Cointelegraph reported that Hut 8 and IREN unveiled multibillion-dollar AI infrastructure agreements, helping lift shares of Hut 8, IREN, Cipher Digital, CleanSpark and MARA Holdings.

The report said Hut 8 disclosed a 15-year, $9.8 billion lease for its AI data center campus. IREN also released details of $2.8 billion in cloud services contracts with AI developers. The announcements reflect an ongoing effort by Bitcoin miners to diversify beyond Bitcoin production as mining economics become more challenging.

The AI pivot has become large enough to influence how parts of the mining sector are valued. According to the report, IREN projects more than $4 billion in annual recurring AI cloud revenue by the end of 2026. Long-term infrastructure contracts and recurring-revenue forecasts may appeal to investors looking for more visibility than mining businesses typically offer during crypto market cycles.

The source also highlighted risks tied to execution and funding. Blocksbridge Consulting estimated that the sector may need about $50 billion in additional capital to pursue its AI ambitions, while insider stock sales have attracted additional scrutiny. Investors may reward miners for expanding into AI-enabled infrastructure, but funding needs and corporate actions remain closely watched.

Robinhood focus turns to tokenization and prediction markets

Outside the immediate market moves, Bernstein updated its view on Robinhood, saying the brokerage’s next phase of growth is likely to depend more on tokenized products and prediction markets than traditional crypto trading. Cointelegraph reported that Bernstein raised its Robinhood price target to $160 from $130 while maintaining an Outperform rating.

Bernstein’s forecast cited in the source expects prediction markets to become Robinhood’s fastest-growing segment, generating $1.7 billion in revenue by 2028. The firm also identified tokenized equities as a major growth opportunity and pointed to Robinhood’s Arbitrum-based layer-2 network as infrastructure for bringing real-world assets on chain.

The report said Wall Street’s tokenization efforts are accelerating, naming Broadridge, Alpaca, Securitize and Cantor Fitzgerald as companies expanding blockchain-based securities infrastructure. Tokenization remains a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain systems because it applies onchain rails to familiar asset structures, potentially supporting demand for compliant blockchain-based securities infrastructure.

The next developments to watch include whether multi-day ETF demand continues, whether US lawmakers advance the CLARITY Act, and whether Bitcoin miners’ AI infrastructure plans translate into measurable financial results beyond headline announcements.