Gold Exchange-Traded Funds vs Bitcoin ETFs

Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have surpassed bitcoin ETFs in assets under management as investors move toward traditional safe-haven assets. Bitcoin’s price has dropped over 19% in the last three months, while gold has risen by 12.5%.

Bitcoin ETF Outflows

Following their U.S. launch in January last year, bitcoin ETFs initially saw substantial inflows. However, since February 24 of this year, they have experienced major outflows totaling about $3.8 billion, according to data from Farside Investors.

Gold ETF Inflows

In contrast, gold ETFs observed their highest monthly inflows since March 2022, according to the World Gold Council. As a result, gold ETFs have reclaimed the asset crown over bitcoin ETFs, as noted by Bloomberg Senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas on social media.

> “The Empire Strikes Back: Gold ETFs have reclaimed the asset crown over bitcoin ETFs thanks to a 12% gain this year.”
> — Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) March 14, 2025

Market Dynamics

Spot bitcoin ETFs first surpassed gold ETFs in assets under management in December 2024, spurred by a surge in the cryptocurrency market after Donald Trump’s U.S. presidential election victory.

Gold recently exceeded the $3,000 per ounce mark for the first time, with gold futures for April delivery also breaking through this level.

Market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty have contributed to rising gold prices, increasing demand for a safe haven.

Read more: Gold’s Historic Rally Leaves Bitcoin Behind, But the Trend May Reverse