The world of crypto and commodities is hitting new milestones. For the first time ever, the total assets under management (AUM) in gold and bitcoin ETFs have exceeded $500 billion, according to the latest Bold Report. This achievement marks a major moment for investors tracking both traditional and digital stores of value.
As of early August 2025, gold ETFs represent around $325 billion of that total, while bitcoin ETFs have surged to $162 billion. The remaining amount is made up of smaller precious metals and crypto funds.
US Spot Bitcoin ETFs Fuel Massive Institutional Demand
The recent spike in bitcoin ETF AUM is largely thanks to the launch of US spot bitcoin ETFs. Before their approval, global bitcoin ETF holdings were sitting at just $20 billion. Since then, institutional investment has exploded, growing more than eightfold in a relatively short time. This signals a major shift in how big-money players are viewing digital assets.
Meanwhile, gold has held its ground as a time-tested safe haven. Its ETF market has nearly doubled from $170 billion over the past few years. This growth shows that demand remains strong for both gold and bitcoin as investors look to hedge against inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and market volatility.
In terms of price performance, bitcoin has been the standout. Since the launch of the US spot ETFs, bitcoin’s price has climbed nearly 175%, compared to a 66% rise in gold. While bitcoin is known for its higher volatility, the return figures highlight its growing appeal among both retail and institutional investors.
As both markets mature, investors now have more diversified options to gain exposure to these assets through regulated, accessible ETFs — whether they lean toward the stability of gold or the growth potential of bitcoin.
