Bitcoin ETFs See $1 Billion Inflows as Price Hits $118,000

Spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced a significant milestone on Thursday, recording over $1 billion in daily inflows. This surge coincided with Bitcoin reaching a new all-time high above $118,000, marking one of the strongest single-day totals for these funds since their launch. The inflows reflect a growing investor appetite for direct Bitcoin exposure through traditional brokerage accounts, which offer an easier on-ramp for both institutional and retail investors.

Leading the charge was BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which crossed $80 billion in assets under management (AUM). This achievement made IBIT the fastest ETF in history to reach this milestone, taking just 374 days. In comparison, the previous record-holder, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), took 1,814 days to reach the same mark. IBIT now ranks as the 21st largest ETF globally by assets, a remarkable feat for a fund that launched just over a year ago amid the broader approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S.

Thursday’s $1 billion inflow is only the fourth time spot Bitcoin ETFs have posted daily amounts that large. The last occurrence was in January as the U.S. President took office. Before that, it happened twice in November 2024, shortly after the U.S. election. The surge in interest underscores the increasing demand for direct Bitcoin exposure, as spot Bitcoin ETFs provide a more accessible and compliant investment option for those wary of the complexities in the crypto space.

Bitcoin has seen a 25% increase since the start of the year, further fueling investor enthusiasm. The growing acceptance and integration of Bitcoin into traditional financial systems are likely to continue driving inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs. As more investors seek exposure to the cryptocurrency market through regulated and compliant vehicles, the demand for these ETFs is expected to remain robust.