Bitcoin exchange-traded funds could eventually surpass their gold counterparts by three times in asset size as younger investors mature, according to an industry expert.
During a Thursday appearance on Bitcoin Magazine TV, Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noted that despite current price fluctuations, market dynamics will shift over time.
Following a decade of rejections by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Bitcoin ETFs launched in 2024. Coinglass data indicates they achieved the most successful product launch in history and currently oversee nearly $100 billion in assets.
JUST IN: Bloomberg Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas says Bitcoin ETFs will ultimately triple gold
"I think as the younger investors get more money and grow up with Bitcoin as their store of value, I do believe that Bitcoin ETFs will triple gold in assets." pic.twitter.com/GU3lp3KIuf
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) September 17, 2026
“I do believe the Bitcoin ETFs will triple gold in assets,” Balchunas stated.
“I always say Bitcoin is like gold as a teenager — you know, gold is 5,000 years old, it was mentioned 450 times in the Bible. I mean that’s old, and Bitcoin is 17 years old.”
Balchunas further explained that younger demographics might gravitate toward Bitcoin amid ongoing excessive government spending and rising costs.
He remarked that while Generation Z currently reacts to government deficits and inflation by supporting socialist politicians, Bitcoin could serve as a superior option because the government cannot seize it.
Although censorship resistance remains a key feature of Bitcoin, investors currently seem more inclined to purchase the asset to hedge against the debasement of currency.
The debasement trade gained significant traction last year and is regaining popularity in 2026 as a weaker dollar prompts investors to acquire non-yielding assets such as bitcoin and gold.
Balchunas also mentioned that reduced price volatility will encourage major institutions to adopt the asset as a store of value.
The year 2025 marked the least volatile period in bitcoin’s brief existence.
“As that volatility and correlation get closer to gold — look out,” he said.
“I think that’s when you have the inflection moment where even the big institutions are like, okay, it’s finally ready for me to use as a sort of reliable store of value, possibly even a safe haven and an alternative.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Bitcoin ETFs debut?
Bitcoin ETFs launched in 2024 following ten years of denials from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
How much assets do Bitcoin ETFs currently manage?
According to Coinglass data, Bitcoin ETFs currently manage nearly $100 billion in assets.
How old is Bitcoin compared to gold?
Bitcoin is 17 years old, whereas gold has a 5,000-year history.
What was significant about bitcoin’s volatility in 2025?
The year 2025 was bitcoin’s least volatile year in its short history.
