According to CoinDesk, gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have surpassed bitcoin ETFs in assets under management as investors increasingly turn to gold, a traditional safe-haven asset. This shift comes as the price of Bitcoin has dropped over 19% in the past three months, while gold has seen a 12.5% increase.
Bitcoin ETFs, which gained popularity following their U.S. debut in January last year, have faced substantial outflows, losing approximately $3.8 billion since February 24, 2025, based on data from Farside Investors. In contrast, gold ETFs experienced their highest monthly inflows since March 2022 last month, as reported by the World Gold Council. This trend has led gold ETFs to reclaim their position over bitcoin ETFs in terms of assets under management, a development highlighted by Bloomberg Senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas.
Spot bitcoin ETFs listed in the U.S. initially surpassed gold ETFs in assets under management in December 2024, following a surge in the cryptocurrency market after U.S. President Donald Trump's victory in the presidential elections. However, recent market dynamics have favored gold, which has seen a significant rise. On Friday, gold prices exceeded the $3,000 per ounce mark for the first time, with gold futures for April delivery also breaking through this level earlier in the week.
The increase in gold prices is attributed to market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, which have driven demand for safe-haven assets. As investors seek stability amid fluctuating markets, gold's appeal continues to grow, potentially reversing the trend that previously favored bitcoin ETFs. The ongoing shifts in asset preferences underscore the evolving landscape of investment strategies in response to global economic conditions.
