Half of the top 20 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) launched in the United States in 2024 are tied to digital assets, highlighting the surging investor interest in cryptocurrencies.
ETF analyst Nate Geraci reported that over 1,300 ETFs have debuted since January 2024, with crypto-related funds commanding the top spots for inflows. These include ETFs tracking Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), leveraged ETH positions, and MicroStrategy (MSTR) exposure products. According to Geraci, the top four ETFs by inflows are all crypto-linked. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) leads with an impressive $57.4 billion in inflows, far surpassing other funds. Following closely are Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) with $12.1 billion, iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) with $9.6 billion, and the YieldMax MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY) with $7.2 billion. While MSTY focuses on generating monthly income through options on MSTR stock, MicroStrategy’s significant Bitcoin treasury holdings tie it to the crypto market.
Crypto ETFs Lead the Pack
Among the top 20 ETFs launched in 2024, crypto-related funds include five spot Bitcoin ETFs, two spot Ether ETFs, two MicroStrategy-focused ETFs, and one leveraged ETH ETF. Beyond the top four, the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB), Bitwise Bitcoin ETF Trust (BITB), and Fidelity Ethereum Fund ETF (FETH) rank 11th, 12th, and 13th, respectively, each attracting over $2.2 billion in inflows. The Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC), 2x Ether ETF (ETHU), and Defiance Daily Target 2x Long MSTR ETF (MSTX) round out the list at 18th, 19th, and 20th, each with over $1.5 billion in inflows.
The dominance of crypto ETFs signals strong demand for regulated, exchange-traded vehicles that provide exposure to digital assets, a shift from the more complex investment options that have historically defined the sector.
Spot Ether ETFs Hit Record Highs
Spot Ether ETFs have also seen remarkable growth, with July marking a record-breaking $5.4 billion in monthly inflows, fueled by bullish sentiment in the underlying asset. The funds maintained a 20-day inflow streak, though this was interrupted by outflows in August. Despite the brief setback, spot ETH ETFs rebounded with a new daily high of $1 billion in inflows on Monday, underscoring sustained investor enthusiasm. The rise of crypto-linked ETFs reflects a broader trend of institutional and retail investors embracing digital assets through familiar, regulated investment products, cementing crypto’s place in mainstream finance.
