IBIT posted $25 billion of inflows in 2025 even as returns went negative
Bitcoin ETF investors have proven to be quite different from traditional momentum chasers this year. The BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has been a massive success since its launch in January 2024. However, recent data compiled by Bloomberg’s ETF analyst Eric Balchunas sheds new light on this success.
In 2025, IBIT has attracted over $25 billion in investor cash, making it the sixth highest ETF in terms of inflows. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) tops the list with $145 billion in inflows, while the iShares S&P 100 ETF (OEF) ranks 25th with $10 billion. What sets IBIT apart is that it is the only fund in the top 25 with a negative return for the year, down 9.6% as of midday Friday.
Despite its negative performance, IBIT has managed to attract significant investor interest. Even the SPDR Gold ETF (GLD), which saw a 65% increase in 2025, brought in less money than IBIT. Balchunas pointed out that this demonstrates a strong commitment from investors, referring to them as “boomers putting on a HODL clinic.”
Looking ahead, Balchunas believes that the strong inflows into IBIT during a challenging year bode well for its future. He noted, “If you can do $25 billion in a bad year, imagine the flow potential in a good year.” This resilience and long-term perspective among investors indicate a positive outlook for the Bitcoin ETF despite its current performance.
Overall, the data suggests that Bitcoin ETF investors are focused on the long game and are willing to weather short-term fluctuations for potential long-term gains. This strategic approach to investing in the cryptocurrency market sets a promising tone for the future of digital assets within the ETF space.
