BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has officially crossed the 700,000 BTC mark, reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing exchange-traded funds in financial history.
Just 18 months after launching in January 2024, IBIT has accumulated over $76 billion in assets under management, according to data published this week.
The fund, which tracks spot BTC holdings, added roughly 1,510 BTC on July 7 following the U.S. Independence Day holiday. This latest inflow pushed IBIT’s total reserves above 700,000 BTC, marking a key milestone for the crypto investment landscape.
IBIT debuted in January 2024 as part of the first wave of SEC-approved spot Bitcoin ETFs, a watershed moment for institutional crypto adoption. BlackRock’s entry into the space followed months of anticipation and regulatory filings.
Upon launch, IBIT quickly gained traction due to BlackRock’s brand strength, tight fee structure, and secure custody arrangements via Coinbase. Within weeks, it began absorbing billions in flows, outperforming early projections and signaling a shift in Wall Street’s attitude toward digital assets.
The success of IBIT has also been felt within BlackRock’s broader fund lineup. Out of 1,197 ETFs operated by the firm, IBIT now ranks as the third highest in revenue generation. According to Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, the fund is just $9 billion away from overtaking BlackRock’s top performer.
This growth underscores the growing role of institutional capital in the crypto sector, particularly as Bitcoin continues to mature into a mainstream financial asset. IBIT’s performance is also contributing to increased competition among ETF issuers, many of whom are eyeing similar spot funds for Ethereum and Solana.
With inflows continuing and regulatory clarity improving, IBIT’s trajectory suggests the line between traditional finance and digital assets is rapidly disappearing—and BlackRock is leading the charge.
Michael Saylor, executive chairman of Strategy, has revealed that the company has acquired an additional 21,021 Bitcoin for approximately $2.46 billion, paying an average price of $117,256 per BTC.
As Bitcoin continues to consolidate above $100K, a critical market signal is flashing: BTC funding rates remain elevated, even as price action cools.
Billionaire investor Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, has suggested that a balanced investment portfolio should include up to 15% allocation to gold or Bitcoin, though he remains personally more inclined toward the traditional asset.
With Bitcoin hovering near $119,000, traders are weighing their next move carefully. The question dominating the market now is simple: Buy the dip or wait for a cleaner setup?