Bitcoin ETFs Poised to Overtake Gold ETFs in AUM

Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are experiencing unprecedented growth and are on track to surpass gold ETFs in assets under management (AUM) for the first time. Over the past year, AUM in the largest Bitcoin ETFs doubled to $150 billion, while gold ETFs rose 40% to $180 billion. Three years ago, gold ETFs were five times larger than their Bitcoin counterparts. If current inflow trends continue, Bitcoin ETFs could eclipse gold ETFs as early as next year. ETFs have become a major driver of the crypto bull market. Almost 20% of all crypto liquidity now flows through ETF products. BlackRock’s IBIT stands out as the primary engine, attracting significant institutional capital despite a low 0.25% fee. On peak days, US spot Bitcoin ETFs generate $5–10 billion in trading volume. Institutional demand is rising. Analysts from The Kobeissi Letter and PushpendraTech note that regulated ETF exposure is the preferred gateway for large investors. However, Binance still leads in spot trading, handling $10–18 billion daily and controlling a 29% market share compared to the 13% share of US-based ETFs. This historic flip underscores crypto’s evolution from speculation to mainstream portfolio allocation.