Since their January 2024 launch, spot Bitcoin ETFs have surged roughly 100%, placing them on par with physical gold ETFs.
By comparison, the S&P 500 has delivered about 45% over the same period.
The performance has reignited a debate about Bitcoin’s role in portfolios: Is it a risk-on asset like stocks, or a store of value like gold?
ETF Store founder Nate Geraci argues the striking similarity to gold returns underscores a need to reevaluate Bitcoin’s traditional narrative.
While Bitcoin is typically viewed as a high-risk asset, its ETF performance over the past year has aligned with the performance of one of the most stable stores of value.
Risk-adjusted returns remain a key consideration when evaluating Bitcoin’s place within diversified portfolios.
Over the past five years, ETFs have been among the fastest-growing retail investment products.
Domestic retail adoption is accelerating as 19 million US adults are projected to buy an ETF in the next 12 months, with 44% of them first-time buyers and 71% under 45.
Among these new investors, stocks and cryptocurrencies are expected to be among the most popular allocations, with 47% likely to invest in crypto ETFs.
BlackRock has moved large amounts of crypto to Coinbase: 4,880 BTC (approximately $467 million) and 54,730 ETH (approximately $176 million) transferred to Coinbase, according to Arkham.
This marks the second such transfer this month.
Such moves can signal potential selling pressure and influence near-term prices for Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Looking ahead, retail and institutional inflows, ETF innovations, and macro conditions are likely to shape the trajectory of cryptocurrencies in 2026.
As younger investors allocate more to crypto ETFs, markets may experience rapid growth paired with higher volatility, underscoring the need for prudent portfolio strategies.
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