BlackRock’s Spot Bitcoin ETF Outshines Gold ETF Despite Market Conditions
BlackRock’s Spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) has defied expectations in 2025, securing $6.96 billion in inflows year-to-date, marking it as the sixth-largest ETF by inflows globally, according to Bloomberg’s senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas. This impressive performance comes despite bitcoin (BTC) underperforming gold in price gains this year.
While the price of gold has surged nearly 29% in 2025, Bitcoin has seen a more modest 3.8% gain. Yet, investors remain bullish on Bitcoin’s long-term prospects, with IBIT’s inflows continuing to outperform other funds. The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), the world’s largest gold-backed ETF, dropped to seventh place after reporting $6.5 billion in net inflows this year.
The contrast between the two assets highlights institutions’ ongoing confidence in Bitcoin, despite its relatively flat price performance. Gold’s impressive price increase is driven by concerns over international trade tensions, inflation, and geopolitical risks, while Bitcoin, which briefly hit an all-time high in January, is now trading over 10% below that peak.
Balchunas expressed optimism about Bitcoin’s future, noting that attracting significant investment amid current market conditions signals long-term strength for Bitcoin. He also reiterated his prediction that Bitcoin ETFs will eventually surpass gold ETFs in assets under management within the next 3 to 5 years.
“This is a very positive sign for Bitcoin’s future growth, even in a market where its price has been relatively stagnant,” Balchunas wrote on X.
