TLDR
- Bitcoin ETFs recorded over $9 billion in inflows in the past five weeks.
- Gold-backed ETFs lost more than $2.8 billion during the same period.
- BTC recently reached an all-time high price of $119.9K.
- Fifty million Americans now own Bitcoin, compared to thirty-seven million who own Gold.
- BTC’s price has surged from $13 in 2012 to over $1.1 million in 2025.
Bitcoin continues to dominate market attention as new data reveals a strong shift from traditional assets like Gold. Fueled by ETF inflows and rising adoption, Bitcoin recently reached an all-time high of $119.9K. Bloomberg confirms that the growing capital rotation from Gold to Bitcoin is supported by changing investor behavior and macroeconomic trends.
Bitcoin ETF Gains Momentum Amid Strong Inflows
Bitcoin ETFs have recorded consistent net inflows over the past ten days, reflecting increasing market confidence. Over the last five weeks, Bitcoin ETFs attracted over $9 billion in capital, with BlackRock’s IBIT leading the charge. This growing demand highlights a structural trend, as Bitcoin consolidates its position through institutional backing.
The positive sentiment has coincided with BTC reaching a record price, further boosting inflows. As capital continues to shift, market data suggests BTC’s role in portfolios is expanding rapidly. ETF growth is reinforcing Bitcoin’s position as a leading digital asset.
At the same time, U.S. fiscal concerns are pushing more capital into digital assets. Bitcoin benefits directly from this shift, especially as traditional stores of value face pressure. The ETF structure offers ease of access, further enhancing BTC’s mainstream appeal.
Gold Sees Outflows As Capital Shifts Toward Bitcoin
According to Bloomberg data, gold-backed ETFs faced over $2.8 billion in outflows during the same five-week window. While Gold remains the top store of value by market capitalization, its performance is being questioned. Growing interest in Bitcoin signals a changing narrative around wealth preservation.
Despite Gold gaining 25% year-to-date, it trails behind in momentum compared to BTC’s market activity. The number of holders also reflects a shift, with 50 million Americans owning Bitcoin versus 37 million owning Gold. This trend suggests a widening gap in demand and perception.
Investors are dumping gold and cash as FOMO replaces fear in vibe shift.. via @psarofagis pic.twitter.com/oGkb19jVnI
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) May 20, 2025
Macro uncertainty and changing demographics are accelerating BTC adoption, while Gold struggles to maintain its dominance. Institutional holdings in BTC, including the U.S. government’s 198,000 BTC, further validate its growing importance. Capital is reallocating, and Gold is no longer the only perceived safe asset.
BTC Outperforms and Gains Broader Adoption
Since 2012, BTC has surged from $13 to $1110.9K, significantly outperforming Gold’s increase from $1,600 to $3,394. The return profile highlights Bitcoin’s long-term growth potential, attracting attention from asset managers and sovereign entities alike. Global participation, including holdings by China and the UK, reflects expanding adoption.
Surveys show Americans prefer Bitcoin to Gold, as reported by River. The data aligns with market flows and growing user adoption of the digital asset. Additionally, corporations like Strategy and Metaplanet continue to accumulate Bitcoin, supporting upward pressure.
BTC ranks sixth by market capitalization at $2.156 trillion, compared to Gold’s $22.408 trillion. However, Bitcoin’s current momentum and increased accessibility position it as a serious contender.
