Bitcoin and Gold ETFs Pull in $7B in a Week, BlackRock's IBIT Leads the Charge

Spot Bitcoin ETFs and gold ETFs drew a combined $7 billion of net inflows over the past week, according to Bloomberg senior ETF strategist Eric Balchunas, marking a five-day record. Balchunas said the surge highlights renewed investor focus on the "debasement" trade, with interest shifting away from artificial intelligence themes. Gold ETF GLD and BlackRock's spot Bitcoin ETF, iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), both ranked among the top 10 funds by weekly inflows. He also noted IBIT's year-to-date flows have turned positive again, signaling a rebound after May outflows. Across the last eight trading sessions, spot Bitcoin ETFs have taken in more than $2.8 billion. Gold ETFs added $3.3 billion, as gold prices rose about 12% over the past month, underscoring strong institutional demand for both the traditional safe haven and "digital gold." Daily flows remained dominated by IBIT. Farside Investors data showed U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs posted $232.12 million in net inflows on August 26, led by IBIT at $200.76 million. IBIT added 2,559 BTC valued at $200.76 million, with trading volume reaching $1.9 billion. Fidelity's FBTC logged $25.59 million of inflows. Bitwise's BITB took in $5.96 million, followed by Morgan Stanley's MSBT at $3.37 million. Grayscale's GBTC saw $50.39 million of outflows, while its Bitcoin Mini ETF drew $46.83 million. Other funds were flat on the day. BlackRock has also lowered the threshold for converting Bitcoin into IBIT shares via the ETF creation/redemption mechanism, cutting the minimum from $25 million to $1 million, Bloomberg reported. The move broadens access to a process previously geared mainly toward very large investors, potentially encouraging bigger holders to shift from self-custody to regulated products amid heightened security concerns. BlackRock has processed roughly $5 billion in tax-deferred Bitcoin-to-ETF conversions to date and expects activity to increase as eligibility expands. Robbie Mitchnick, the firm's head of digital assets, cited risks such as kidnappings and custody failures as factors that could push investors toward ETFs. On the market, analyst Michael van de Poppe said Bitcoin's broader structure remains intact despite the current pullback. He flagged $76,400–$77,100 as key support. A break below that zone could deepen the correction, he said, though he expects Bitcoin to keep building a wider range that could eventually set up renewed upside for altcoins.