8-7-2025 – BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) now holds over 700,000 BTC, valued at approximately $76 billion, solidifying its position as the leading Bitcoin ETF. The milestone underscores the growing institutional appetite for Bitcoin as a strategic asset.
Since its launch in January 2024, IBIT has seen a 26.8% increase in Bitcoin holdings, outpacing competitors and capturing 56% of the U.S. Bitcoin ETF market’s 1.25 million BTC, according to Bitcoin Treasuries. The fund’s rapid growth, fueled by $49 billion in year-to-date inflows, has made it BlackRock’s third-highest revenue-generating ETF, surpassing its flagship S&P 500 fund. This shift highlights Bitcoin’s evolving role in institutional portfolios, driven by its recognition as a hedge against economic uncertainty.
The ETF’s accumulation, which includes a recent $164.3 million purchase of 1,388 BTC, has sparked debate about its impact on Bitcoin’s supply dynamics. With U.S. Bitcoin ETFs holding over $136 billion in assets, demand significantly outpaces the 3,090 BTC mined weekly, potentially supporting higher prices.
BlackRock’s dominance, holding 3.32% of Bitcoin’s total supply, signals a transformative moment for institutional adoption, though some analysts warn of risks from concentrated ownership. Market observers should track IBIT’s inflows and Bitcoin’s price movements, as sustained demand could push valuations toward $120,000 or higher.
