Celebration of Bitcoin-ETF Debut Anniversary: Trading Figures, Pacesetters, and Progress in Adoption
In a groundbreaking development for the cryptocurrency industry, the top Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in the United States have not only delivered impressive one-year returns but also surpassed the asset accumulation pace of traditional ETF launches.
Leading the pack is the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), managed by BlackRock, which has amassed an impressive $52B–$65B in assets under management (AUM). IBIT has offered returns of 54% to 55% since its launch, and boasts a custodian in Coinbase Prime, ensuring high transparency.
Following closely is the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), with a return of 54% to 55% and AUM of $16B–$21B. FBTC charges a fee of 0.25%.
Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), while dropping to third place, still holds a significant $15B–$19B in AUM and offers a return of 54%. GBTC, however, has a higher expense ratio of 1.5%.
VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) is another notable player, with returns of 55% and a fee waived until January 2026. HODL has a smaller AUM of $1.2B–$1.5B.
Other funds like ARKB, BITB, and BTCO also show strong returns of 52% to 55% with varying fees from 0.20% to 0.25%.
The extraordinary debut of these Bitcoin ETFs saw them amass roughly $65 billion in inflows in 2024 alone. This rapid asset growth and high price appreciation reflect both a strong investor demand for crypto exposure and the rising price of Bitcoin itself, which surpassed $100,000 in late 2024.
By early 2025, global crypto ETF/ETP assets were estimated between $130 billion and $170+ billion, with U.S. funds dominating about 80–85% of that total. This remarkable growth trajectory is unlike typical traditional ETF market introductions which generally experience slower asset accumulation and moderate initial returns.
Steven McClurg, CEO of Canary Capital, highlighted the importance of the one-year mark for any ETF, as financial advisors start considering the product for recommendations to their clients. Experts from CF Benchmarks previously predicted that by 2025, investment consultants would increase investments in bitcoin and Ethereum-based ETFs by more than 50%.
The popularity of IBIT is also felt in the options market, as the November-launched options on IBIT have already entered the top dozen most traded assets.
Bobby Zagotta, head of the American branch of the Bitstamp exchange, stated that the approval of the first bitcoin ETF provided cryptocurrency with regulatory legitimacy as a full-fledged asset class. Zagotta also mentioned that ETFs allow investors to acquire bitcoin in a familiar format, making it simple for both retail and institutional participants.
Eric Turner, head of the American division of Bitwise, attributes this interest in new tools to fiscal policy in 2024. Lowering interest rates by central banks created a favorable macro environment, attracting capital as financial liquidity increased.
The first spot bitcoin ETFs started trading in the U.S. on January 11th. With the success of these ETFs, it is clear that the future of cryptocurrency as a legitimate investment asset class is on an upward trajectory.
[1] Source: CNBC [2] Source: Bloomberg [3] Source: The Wall Street Journal
- What's driving such high returns for Bitcoin ETFs like iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), and others, is the strong investor demand for cryptocurrency exposure and the rising price of Bitcoin itself, which surpassed $100,000 in late 2024.
- In the world of finance and technology, leading Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) such as IBIT and FBTC are not just offering high returns, but are also revolutionizing the way investors approach cryptocurrency, providing a comfortable, regulated, and familiar format for both retail and institutional participants.
