Bitcoin and Gold ETFs Surpass $500B in Combined AUM, Signaling Institutional Shift
The total assets under management (AUM) for bitcoin and gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have crossed the $500 billion mark for the first time, according to the latest figures from the Bold Report, underscoring a changing investment landscape.
Gold ETFs still lead with around $325 billion in AUM, cementing their role as a traditional safe-haven asset. But bitcoin ETFs have rapidly gained ground, now accounting for $162 billion—a dramatic rise since the U.S. approved spot bitcoin ETFs earlier this year.
Prior to the U.S. launch, global bitcoin ETF AUM hovered near $20 billion. Since then, inflows have surged more than eightfold, reflecting accelerating institutional interest. Gold, meanwhile, has also seen solid growth, with AUM nearly doubling from $170 billion over the same timeframe.
The AUM trajectory over the last five years shows a steady climb for gold, while bitcoin has seen a sharp post-ETF spike, highlighting the digital asset’s growing appeal.
Price performance mirrors this shift. Bitcoin has jumped roughly 175% since the U.S. ETF debut, far outpacing gold’s 66% gain, showcasing bitcoin’s high-risk, high-reward profile versus gold’s stability.
The $500 billion milestone is more than symbolic—it marks a new phase in portfolio construction, with bitcoin now a central feature of ETF-driven investment strategies alongside gold.
