Bitcoin ETFs Could Overtake Gold ETFs, Says Bloomberg Analyst

Highlights:

• James Seyffart says spot Bitcoin ETFs could eventually surpass gold ETFs in total assets under management.
• He says Bitcoin fits more portfolio strategies, unlike gold, which mainly serves safety-focused investors.
• Recent ETF flows show rising Bitcoin interest, even as both Bitcoin and gold prices declined.

Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds may soon hold more investor money than gold ETFs, according to ETF expert James Seyffart. Speaking on the Coin Stories podcast on Friday, he explained that Bitcoin funds offer more reasons for everyday investors to add them to their portfolios. He believes this flexibility will drive Bitcoin ETF assets past gold ETF totals in the coming years.

Why Bitcoin ETFs Appeal to More Investors

Seyffart, a Bloomberg ETF analyst, said investors look at Bitcoin in different ways. For example, some see it as digital gold. Others treat it as a store of value, a diversification tool, or a higher-growth risk asset. Gold, however, usually plays a more limited role. It is mainly viewed as a traditional safe-haven asset.

Because of this difference, Seyffart said Bitcoin gives investors more reasons to buy an ETF tied to it. “There are just more use cases of why somebody would put a Bitcoin ETF in a portfolio,” Seyffart said. He added that Bitcoin has “all these different ways” of being viewed, while gold has “one of those things.” 

Seyffart compared BTC ETFs to “hot sauce” in a portfolio. In his view, Bitcoin can work in many different investment strategies, just like hot sauce can go with many kinds of food. Some investors may buy Bitcoin ETFs to seek higher returns when markets are strong.

At the same time, others may use them as a hedge against inflation or weakness in fiat currencies. Because of this flexibility, Bitcoin funds may appeal to a broader group of investors. Gold funds, by contrast, mainly attract people looking for stability and safety.

"BITCOIN ETFS WILL BE LARGER THAN GOLD ETFS," ANALYST SAYS

ETF analyst James Seyffart says Bitcoin ETFs may grow larger than gold ETFs because BTC has more use cases, acting as growth asset, inflation hedge, and digital capital, while gold is mostly just a hedge.

However, he… pic.twitter.com/3hSRo7lW5w

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) April 4, 2026

Recent fund flow data support growing interest in Bitcoin ETFs. In March, US-listed gold ETFs saw net outflows of $2.92 billion. During the same month, US spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted $1.32 billion in net inflows. 

The largest US gold ETF, GLD, recorded a $3 billion single-day outflow on 4 March, the biggest withdrawal in more than two years. These moves show some investors are shifting capital from traditional safe havens toward digital assets.

Meanwhile, over the past 30 days, both Bitcoin and gold have moved lower. At the time, writing, Bitcoin was trading near $67,000, down about 8% for the month. Gold also fell about 8% and traded near $4,676 per ounce. However, ETF flows told a different story. Even though both assets showed similar price declines, money moved in opposite directions.

Analysts See Bitcoin Taking the Lead

Market watchers also say Bitcoin and gold often take turns leading the market. In Fidelity Digital Assets’ 2026 Look Ahead report, analyst Chris Kuiper said the two assets have historically alternated in outperformance. After gold posted strong gains earlier, he said Bitcoin could be next to lead. 

“Historically, gold and bitcoin have taken turns outperforming. With gold shining in 2025, it would not be surprising if bitcoin takes the lead next,” he stated in the report.

Seyffart’s view follows that idea. However, he also adds a longer-term point. In his view, Bitcoin’s wider use in portfolios could help its ETFs grow steadily, not just during short market cycles.