Bitcoin ETFs now control 90% of global crypto assets under management (AUM), according to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas, affirming Bitcoin’s dominance as the premier institutional asset. Meanwhile, Ethereum and altcoin ETFs continue to struggle with low inflows and minor market share.
Institutional Capital Backs Bitcoin as the Leading Crypto Asset
As of April 20, 2025, Bitcoin ETFs have amassed an impressive $100.59 billion in AUM, accounting for 89.46% of the total crypto fund market. Ethereum ETFs trail far behind at $7.05 billion, just 5.72%, while all other altcoin products collectively hold less than 5%.
This overwhelming dominance underscores the institutional preference for Bitcoin, driven by its liquidity, regulatory clarity, and long-term credibility compared to alternative digital assets.
Weekly Inflows Reflect Investor Confidence in BTC
In the past seven days alone, Bitcoin ETFs attracted over 3,900 BTC in net inflows, reinforcing their status as the primary gateway for institutional crypto exposure. Notably, Fidelity’s Bitcoin ETF saw inflows worth 306 BTC (approximately $27 million), while iShares Bitcoin Trust led in price performance with a 3% weekly gain.
The surge in fund interest coincided with a 3.5% rise in Bitcoin price, lifting BTC to $88,400 on April 22, supported by strong trading volume above $40 billion.
Ethereum and Altcoin ETFs Fail to Gain Traction
Despite growing excitement around Ethereum ETF approvals and potential meme coin products, investor enthusiasm remains limited. Ethereum ETFs represent just 2.72% of ETH’s circulating supply, with no net inflows recorded during the same period.
Altcoin index funds and meme token-themed ETFs like TRUMP or DOGE also lack significant institutional traction due to:
- Regulatory ambiguity
- Lower liquidity
- Higher volatility
- Limited use cases compared to Bitcoin
Technical Analysis Reinforces Bullish BTC Outlook
As Bitcoin ETFs surge, several technical indicators validate the momentum:
- RSI stands at 62, indicating sustained bullish sentiment
- MACD shows a bullish crossover
- Active addresses rose by 10%, hitting 1.2 million
- Hash rate remains strong at 250 EH/s, confirming miner confidence
These metrics suggest that ETF-driven demand is backed by both market structure and on-chain activity.
AI Trading Bots Amplify ETF Market Moves
Although no direct AI innovation caused the ETF inflow spike, algorithmic trading bots likely amplified the price movement following Balchunas’s data. These bots respond to social sentiment, macro headlines, and volume shifts—pushing BTC’s upward trend faster than organic retail reaction.
Projects like RabitiAI, Kira Nexus, and Peanut Unbound are also leveraging AI for trading automation—offering retail access to tools once reserved for institutions.
Key Takeaways for Investors
Why Bitcoin ETFs Are Winning
- Deep liquidity and daily trading volume
- Trusted by institutions as a digital store of value
- Regulatory clarity relative to other assets
- Strong technical and on-chain support
Why Altcoin ETFs Struggle
- Low volume and investor demand
- Unclear regulatory approval timelines
- Weak use case narratives compared to BTC
- Lower adoption by financial advisors and funds
Market Outlook: Bitcoin ETF Dominance to Continue
According to Balchunas, Bitcoin ETFs will retain 80–85% market dominance, even if Ethereum or meme coin ETFs gain approval. This makes Bitcoin the clear institutional benchmark—both now and in the foreseeable future.
Final Thoughts: Bitcoin ETFs Cement Market Leadership
Bitcoin ETFs dominating 90% of global AUM isn’t just a number—it’s a message. Institutional capital has spoken, and for now, that message is “Bitcoin is king.” While altcoin ETFs may eventually grow, they’re still years away from matching Bitcoin’s liquidity, trust, and performance.
Investors seeking long-term stability in crypto should watch Bitcoin ETF flows and trading pairs as core indicators of market health.
