According to BlockBeats, the launch of the U.S. Bitcoin ETF on January 11 has emerged as one of the most significant financial events of the year. Data from Farside indicates that these ETFs, including the BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), have collectively attracted a net inflow of $17.7 billion since their inception.
For some, IBIT has become a competitor to MicroStrategy (MSTR), known for its substantial Bitcoin holdings and dual business model. Led by Executive Chairman Michael Saylor, MicroStrategy currently holds 252,220 Bitcoins, valued at approximately $16 billion. To date, MicroStrategy's stock has surged by 119%, while IBIT has increased by 35%, demonstrating a performance difference of more than threefold.
As an ETF, BlackRock's Bitcoin Trust charges a fee rate of 0.25%, whereas MicroStrategy does not impose such fees on its shareholders. MicroStrategy benefits from revenue generated by its analytics business, providing financial stability beyond its Bitcoin holdings. MSTR has the capability to raise funds through debt and stock issuance, while IBIT relies on direct investor inflows.