Bitcoin ETF Surpasses Gold Fund in Record Inflows: A New Era for Institutional Investment

BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing the world’s largest gold fund, SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), in year-to-date inflows. With $6.96 billion in inflows, IBIT has outpaced GLD’s $6.5 billion, signaling a notable shift in institutional asset preferences. This development comes despite Bitcoin’s modest price gains of 3.8% compared to gold’s 29% rally this year. The trend underscores growing investor confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition, even as traditional safe-haven assets like gold continue to perform well. As of May 7, 2025, this milestone highlights the increasing adoption of Bitcoin as a mainstream investment vehicle, further solidifying its position in the global financial landscape.

BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Outshines Gold Fund with Record Inflows

BlackRock’s spot bitcoin ETF (IBIT) has surged past the world’s largest gold fund in year-to-date inflows, amassing $6.96 billion despite bitcoin’s modest price gains. The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) now trails at $6.5 billion, marking a symbolic shift in institutional asset preferences.

While gold prices have rallied 29% this year—far outpacing BTC’s 3.8% rise—investors continue betting on bitcoin’s long-term value proposition. IBIT’s sixth-place ranking among all ETFs demonstrates growing mainstream acceptance, even as geopolitical tensions fuel gold’s ascent.

Bitcoin Struggles to Breach $100,000 Amid Macroeconomic Pressures

Bitcoin’s ascent toward the $100,000 milestone faces resistance as macroeconomic forces tighten their grip. Bond markets have aligned with the Federal Reserve’s cautious stance, rebuffing former President Donald Trump’s calls for aggressive rate cuts. The April jobs report—showcasing unexpectedly strong hiring—further complicated the narrative, with Trump leveraging the data to pressure Fed Chair Jerome Powell within minutes of its release.

Market participants swiftly recalibrated rate-cut expectations following robust employment figures and a surprise uptick in manufacturing activity. This shift reflects growing unease over trade war volatility and its potential to trigger a US recession. Treasury investors, initially positioned for dovish policy, executed a sharp pivot—dragging risk assets like cryptocurrencies into the turbulence.

Former Binance CEO Zhao Predicts Bitcoin Could Reach $500K–$1M in This Cycle

Changpeng Zhao, the ousted founder of Binance, has made a bold projection for Bitcoin’s price trajectory. In a recent interview, he suggested the cryptocurrency could surge to between $500,000 and $1 million during the current market cycle.

"Bitcoin at $500k to a million? Absolutely possible," Zhao stated during an appearance on Farokh Radio. His Optimism stems from growing institutional adoption and shifting regulatory attitudes worldwide. The prediction comes as traditional financial systems increasingly integrate blockchain technology.

Zhao’s commentary, delivered from his current circumstances, reflects the maturing crypto landscape. While declining to specify timelines, his confidence underscores the sector’s evolving narrative—from speculative asset to institutional investment vehicle.

Bitcoin’s Profit-Taking Hits Top Gear, Here’s What To Expect

Bitcoin holders have settled into a sideways trading pattern over the past fortnight, with institutional and retail investors ramping up selling pressure. This trend signals intensified profit-taking, even as analysts reaffirm confidence in the ongoing bull cycle. The stagnation follows Bitcoin’s dip below key psychological thresholds.

On-chain data reveals a significant sell-off by Bitcoin whales, who offloaded 50,000 BTC—worth roughly $4.6 billion—in the last ten days. The moves coincide with Bitcoin’s consolidation above $95,000. Traders like Ali Martinez have highlighted these substantial outflows, echoing broader analyst concerns about market sentiment.

Persistent transfers to exchanges continue to thwart attempts at breaching the $100,000 resistance level. The market saw heavy inflows after bulls rekindled momentum at $80,000.

Florida Halts Bitcoin Reserve Legislation Amid Broader Regulatory Uncertainty

Florida’s legislature has indefinitely postponed two bills that would have created a state Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, dealing a setback to crypto advocates. House Bill 487 and Senate Bill 550 were withdrawn from consideration without explanation, mirroring challenges faced by similar initiatives in other states.

The move comes despite growing institutional interest in Bitcoin, with the Federal Reserve’s measured openness to digital assets providing a counterbalance to state-level hesitancy. Market analysts note such regulatory delays often create short-term volatility but rarely derail long-term adoption trends.