Bitcoin ETFs Surpass Gold ETFs in AUM: A Defining Moment for Digital Assets

For the first time in financial history, Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have overtaken gold ETFs in assets under management (AUM). According to K33 Research and Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas, U.S. Bitcoin ETFs reached a combined total of $129 billion on December 16, 2024, edging past gold ETFs, which stood at $128 billion.

This is a monumental moment for Bitcoin, especially considering its ETFs were launched just 11 months ago, compared to gold ETFs that have had over 20 years to grow. The rapid rise of Bitcoin ETFs highlights the increasing demand from institutional investors and growing optimism about Bitcoin’s future as a financial asset.