BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has become the fastest exchange-traded fund (ETF) in history, exceeding $70 billion in assets under management (AUM) in just 341 trading days. This milestone is a new industry benchmark since the ETF has achieved it in just 341 trading days. The fund’s rapid ascent underlines growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin despite global economic uncertainties and ongoing US-China trade tensions.
IBIT’s growth is faster than that of any other ETF, up cracking only record holder SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)’s 1,691 trading days. This milestone highlights Bitcoin’s increased acceptance among mainstream investors and reflects changing attitudes amid global shifts such as the evolving US-China trade relationship.
$IBIT just blew through $70b and is now the fastest ETF to ever hit that mark in only 341 days, which is 5x faster than the old record held by GLD of 1,691 days. Nice chart from @JackiWang17 pic.twitter.com/5VeGT9twpQ
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) June 9, 2025
As of June 9, IBIT holds $71.9 billion in AUM and 661,457 Bitcoin. This positions BlackRock ahead of Binance and Strategy in Bitcoin holdings. However, during this period of heightened US-China trade friction, the fund remains at the top of institutional crypto exposure.
IBIT Leads Bitcoin ETF Inflows Again
Since launching in January 2024, IBIT has drawn $48.7 billion in net inflows, outperforming all other spot Bitcoin ETFs. It has sustained interest from a diverse range of institutional and retail investors. This growth coincides with rising uncertainty in the US-China trade arena, which has fueled interest in decentralized assets.
IBIT ended a record 31-day inflow streak on May 30, posting a single-day outflow of $430.8 million. Despite this, the ETF’s long-term trajectory remains sharply upward. Traders and investors continue to treat Bitcoin as a hedge amid intensifying U.S.-China trade disputes.
The ETF’s market performance has remained strong, with its shares trading at $61.77 and gaining 5.3% in the last five days. Bitcoin has also reclaimed the $110,000 level. Market watchers note that global demand has accelerated as US-China trade pressure persists.
BlackRock Nears Top Spot in Bitcoin
BlackRock’s IBIT now holds more Bitcoin than any institutional entity, surpassing Binance and Strategy. Analysts estimate that Satoshi Nakamoto’s addresses hold about 1.1 million BTC, around 5.2% of Bitcoin’s total supply. However, if current trends continue, BlackRock may soon become the top holder.
ETF analysts suggest BlackRock could exceed Nakamoto’s total by next summer. This projection comes as Bitcoin becomes more integrated into traditional finance. Meanwhile, ongoing US-China trade stress continues to push investors toward decentralized alternatives.
Institutional buying, led by BlackRock, has changed the landscape of Bitcoin investment. Experts note that simplified access through ETFs is driving demand. Yet some warn of over-concentration if ETFs end up holding a majority of Bitcoin supply, especially amid volatile US-China trade conditions.
FAQs
What is IBIT, and when did it launch?
IBIT is BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF. It launched in January 2024 and is listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
How much Bitcoin does IBIT hold?
As of June 9, IBIT holds 661,457 Bitcoin, making it the largest institutional holder.
How does the US-China trade situation affect Bitcoin ETFs?
Rising US-China trade tensions increase demand for decentralized assets like Bitcoin, benefiting ETFs such as IBIT.
What was the previous ETF growth record?
SPDR Gold Shares held the prior record, reaching $70 billion in 1,691 trading days.
Will IBIT surpass Satoshi Nakamoto’s Bitcoin holdings?
Analysts believe it might, likely by the end of next summer if growth continues at the current pace.
Glossary of Key Terms
ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund): A type of investment fund traded on stock exchanges, much like stocks.
AUM (Assets Under Management): The total market value of assets an investment company manages.
Bitcoin (BTC): A decentralized digital currency operating on a peer-to-peer network.
Satoshi Nakamoto: The pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, believed to hold around 1.1 million BTC.
US-China Trade: The economic relationship and trade exchanges between the United States and China, currently marked by tension.
Inflows: The total value of new funds being invested into an ETF.
Outflows: The amount of funds withdrawn from an ETF.
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