As a researcher, I find it fascinating to witness the significant impact of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from BlackRock and Fidelity on their respective companies’ overall ETF inflows this year. According to the data from Bloomberg Intelligence, these Bitcoin ETFs have contributed 26% and 56% to BlackRock’s and Fidelity’s year-to-date inflows, respectively.


This year, the Bitcoin spot Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) offered by BlackRock and Fidelity have significantly boosted the total inflows for these companies’ ETF businesses.

Based on Bloomberg Intelligence’s data, Bitcoin ETFs have contributed approximately 26% to BlackRock’s and an impressive 56% to Fidelity’s total inflows this year.

Spot Bitcoin ETF Data

Over the past five months, both the BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) have seen significant inflows of investment.

Based on Farside Investor’s findings, IBIT experienced a massive inflow of $16.6 billion, while FBTC attracted $8.9 billion. However, despite these significant numbers, Vanguard, which doesn’t manage any Bitcoin spot ETFs, has taken the lead in overall ETF inflows for the year 2024 with an impressive total of $102.8 billion, outpacing BlackRock’s $65.1 billion.

For inquirers, the influence of $IBIT is significant for both BlackRock, where it accounts for approximately one quarter (26%) of their inflows, and Fidelity, with around half (56%) of theirs. Consequently, yes, its impact on the leaderboard is undeniable.

— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) June 3, 2024

In the American stock market, BlackRock continues to lead as the top ETF provider with a total of 433 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and an impressive asset management of over $2.8 trillion. On the other hand, Fidelity occupies the eleventh position in this category, managing $74.04 billion through its 70 listed ETFs.

As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed that the influx of funds into some products has slowed down significantly in the past few weeks. In fact, several issuers have reported zero inflows and outflows for days on end. A case in point is the Franklin Bitcoin ETF (EZBC), which according to Farside Investors, has seen no activity since May 16.

In spite of various factors, the total Bitcoin spot ETF market achieved a significant milestone on May 24th. The combined holdings of all these ETFs surpassed one million Bitcoins for the first time. A large portion of this Bitcoin is invested in U.S.-based products, which represent 32 out of the available 32 ETF offerings.

BlackRock’s IBIT Surpassed Grayscale’s GBTC

As a crypto investor, I’m keeping a close eye on the latest developments in the Bitcoin ETF market. Exciting news came in on May 28 when BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) surpassed Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) to become the largest spot Bitcoin ETF in the world, according to the Apollo Bitcoin TRACKER. With a current holding of approximately 291,567 BTC, IBIT now boasts a value exceeding $20 billion at present prices.

Originally controlling around 620,000 Bitcoins in the market, Grayscale’s holdings have experienced significant reductions. Currently, they manage approximately 285,139 Bitcoins, equivalent to a value of roughly $19.6 billion.

As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed that BlackRock’s growing influence in the Bitcoin spot ETF sector, as pointed out by Aniket Ullal of CFRA, is evidence that leading the pack doesn’t always ensure lasting victory.

Grayscale, an early entrant in the digital asset investment space, encountered hurdles such as significant selling pressure and high fees of approximately 1.5%. In contrast, more recent competitors like Fidelity and ARK Investments charge fees around 0.25% – a significantly lower amount. Nate Geraci from the ETF Store highlighted that Grayscale’s higher fees are a major deterrent for financial advisors and potential investors.

Ullal pointed out that a significant factor contributing to BlackRock’s achievements is its robust distribution system among financial advisers and wealth managers.

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2024-06-04 15:37