USDCrypto Funds Weekly Recap: Bitcoin ETFs Soar, Gold ETFs Struggle, VanEck Eyes BNB ETF
Spot Bitcoin ETFs Buy 18,644 BTC, Outpacing Miners by Nearly 6x
In the week ending May 4, U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs purchased 18,644 BTC, nearly six times the 3,150 BTC mined, reflecting strong institutional demand amid a post-halving supply squeeze. Despite a net outflow on April 30, the total weekly net inflow was approximately $1.8 billion, buoyed by a Bitcoin price rally to $97,700. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust led with $2.5 billion in inflows over five days. Spot Bitcoin ETFs now represent a nearly $110 billion market, although distribution access remains limited. Meanwhile, the SEC is poised to announce decisions on new ETF applications, including a proposed Litecoin ETF.
BlackRock's Bitcoin Trust Tops Gold ETF Inflows Amid Historic Gold Prices
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has surpassed inflows of the leading gold-backed ETF, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), attracting over $6.9 billion in 2025 compared to GLD's $6.5 billion, amidst gold's surge to a historic $3,500/oz. IBIT has seen a remarkable 15-day inflow streak, adding more than $4 billion recently and nearly $2.5 billion in the past week alone. This performance signifies strong institutional interest in Bitcoin, highlighting a shift from retail to a broader investor base seeking regulated exposure to crypto, which may lead to Bitcoin ETFs outpacing gold in assets under management in the coming years.
Hilbert Group Launches Two AI-Driven Crypto Funds for Bitcoin and Ethereum Yields
Hilbert Group AB has launched two AI-driven crypto hedge funds: the Hilbert Liberty Fund, targeting enhanced yields on Bitcoin and Ethereum, and the Hilbert Multi-Strat Fund, focusing on market-neutral, low-volatility strategies. The Liberty Fund requires a minimum investment of $5 million and has a capacity of $500 million, while the Multi-Strat Fund requires $500,000 and can handle over $3 billion. Both funds charge a 2% management fee and a 20% performance fee. CEO Barnali Biswal emphasized the growth of Bitcoin yield products, catalyzed by an improved regulatory environment and increasing demand from investors.
BlackRock Urges SEC to Approve Ethereum ETF Staking to Boost Yields and Promote Tokenization
BlackRock is urging the SEC to approve staking in Ethereum ETFs to enhance yield potential, highlighting that without it, these ETFs are “less perfect.” Robert Mitchnick from BlackRock emphasized that staking could significantly improve revenue opportunities, despite regulatory challenges. Other firms, including Fidelity and Grayscale, also support this initiative. Additionally, BlackRock is promoting its $2.9 billion BUIDL fund, focusing on blockchain tech for faster, cheaper asset trading and settlement, alongside rival projects like Franklin Templeton's BENJI fund. The SEC has not yet revealed the meeting's outcome, but BlackRock's advocacy indicates growing interest in crypto integration with traditional finance.
VanEck Files for First U.S. ETF Focused on Binance Coin (BNB)
VanEck is seeking to launch the first exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the U.S. focused on Binance Coin (BNB) by filing an application with regulators. This initiative marks a shift in institutional interest, moving beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. The proposed fund aims to hold BNB and potentially earn yield through staking—an atypical feature for ETFs. Following a similar registration in Delaware, VanEck's move comes as trading activity for BNB increases, with a 15% daily volume rise to over $1.4 billion, despite BNB's recent price dips. Approval of the ETF could enhance institutional exposure to cryptocurrencies.
SEC Delays Decision on Canary Capital’s Litecoin ETF, Opens Public Comment Period
The SEC has delayed its decision on Canary Capital's spot Litecoin (LTC) ETF, opening a public comment period to assess its regulatory compliance. This follows similar delays for other crypto ETFs, including Grayscale’s Ethereum and Franklin Templeton’s XRP proposals, with decisions now expected by mid-June. James Seyffart of Bloomberg predicted the delay, suggesting a 90% chance for Litecoin ETF approval this year, which temporarily boosted Litecoin's market sentiment, despite a recent 2.2% decline in price to $83. The SEC extended review periods to counter potential deceptive practices, influencing overall market dynamics for crypto ETFs.
Bitwise Files for Spot NEAR ETF with SEC Following Preliminary Delaware Submission
Bitwise has submitted a registration statement for a spot NEAR ETF with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, following a preliminary filing in Delaware two weeks prior. This ETF aims to provide investors with exposure to NEAR, the native token of the Near protocol, allowing them to invest without directly holding the digital asset, similar to Bitwise's existing spot bitcoin ETF. As of now, NEAR is trading at $2.30, having decreased by 2.15% in the last day. Additionally, there are other proposals for ETFs tracking various digital assets like DOGE, PENGU, SEI, and TRX.
21Shares Launches Cronos ETP (CRON) for Regulated CRO Exposure on Euronext
21Shares has launched a new exchange-traded product (ETP) for the Cronos network's native token, CRO, listed on Euronext Paris and Amsterdam under the ticker CRON. This ETP offers regulated exposure to CRO, enabling investors to add it to their portfolios without the need for crypto wallets or exchanges. It carries a 2.5% annual fee. This launch expands 21Shares' range of crypto-linked ETPs, which includes various cryptocurrencies. Additionally, the firm is seeking to grow its presence in the U.S. with a recent S-1 registration for a SUI ETF. Currently, CRO's price is down 1.4%.
XRP ETF XRPH11 Struggles with 10% Loss in First Week; SEC Postpones U.S. Approval to June 17
The first spot XRP ETF, XRPH11, debuted on Brazil's B3 stock exchange but has struggled, plummeting nearly 10% over the past week to R$19.30 ($3.47), with an 8.70% decline in five days due to market volatility. XRP itself is trading at $2.10, down over 4% in 24 hours, mirroring the ETF's losses. The SEC has postponed its decision on Franklin Templeton's proposed U.S. spot XRP ETF to June 17, 2025. Meanwhile, approval odds stand at 74%, and three XRP futures ETFs from ProShares are tentatively set to launch on May 14, pending approval.
Tidal Launches ETFs Pitting Bitcoin Against Gold Amid Market Volatility
Tidal Financial Group has filed to launch two long-short ETFs that pit Bitcoin against gold, allowing investors to bet on which asset serves as a better hedge in volatile markets. The Bitcoin-long/gold-short ETF targets those favoring Bitcoin, while the gold-long/Bitcoin-short ETF appeals to traditional gold advocates. Critics argue these products are unnecessary, as similar trades already exist. In 2025, gold ETFs attracted over $14 billion, while Bitcoin ETFs garnered $8 billion. Bitcoin hit $100,000 amid trading volatility, while gold remains a safe haven against geopolitical uncertainty. Both assets appeal to traders with contrasting market outlooks.
This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.
