In 2025, BlackRock’s Spot Bitcoin ETF Outpaces the World’s Largest Gold Fund in Inflows

BlackRock’s Spot Bitcoin ETF Surpasses Gold Fund in Inflows, Reflecting Institutional Confidence

Despite a relatively flat performance for Bitcoin (BTC) in 2025, BlackRock’s Spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) has seen significant inflows, attracting $6.96 billion since the beginning of the year. This positions the ETF as the sixth-largest by inflows globally, according to Bloomberg’s senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas.

In comparison, gold has experienced a near 29% price rally this year, outperforming Bitcoin’s modest 3.8% gain. However, this price disparity has not deterred institutional investors. The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), the world’s largest physically-backed gold ETF, has dropped to the seventh spot in terms of net inflows, with $6.5 billion added in 2025.

The outperformance of IBIT signals a strong vote of confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term potential, especially as the cryptocurrency faces a turbulent market. The price of gold has climbed sharply, bolstered by rising concerns over global trade disputes, inflation, and geopolitical instability, while Bitcoin remains over 10% below its record highs from January.

Balchunas noted that the ability to draw in substantial inflows despite Bitcoin’s recent price dip is a promising indicator of institutional belief in the asset. He also shared his view that Bitcoin ETFs will outpace gold ETFs in assets under management (AUM) over the next 3 to 5 years.

“In this environment, seeing Bitcoin funds attract fresh capital is a positive sign for the asset’s future trajectory,” Balchunas commented on X.