The cryptocurrency world witnessed a historic moment last Thursday when U.S. Bitcoin (BTC) spot ETFs entered the market, quietly achieving a significant milestone. In just five days of trading, these ETFs have propelled Bitcoin to become the second-largest ETF commodity in the United States, boasting an impressive $26 billion managed behind the securities wrapper. Surpassing silver ETFs, which hold slightly over $11 billion, according to VettaFi, this development marks a watershed moment for the digital asset.

Data from Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas reveals that net flows to the Bitcoin ETFs have surged by $1 billion within their first week of trading. However, the majority of the ETFs’ Bitcoin holdings are not with the newly launched funds. Instead, the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), which operated as an investment trust since 2013, now boasts $23.1 billion worth of assets in Bitcoin ETFs. These holdings were accumulated over the years before the trust’s conversion into an ETF.

Despite the success of the Bitcoin ETFs, Grayscale’s conversion has led to a notable trend of daily outflows. Holders of Grayscale Bitcoin Trust have been offloading their BTC at a rate of $500 million per day. While some of these assets have found their way into newer competitors offering lower management fees, analysts are paying close attention to the substantial sell pressure exerted by the firm.

Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas acknowledged the challenges faced by The Nine, stating, “This is some serious daily outflows for The Nine to have to battle every single day… they’ve done a great job so far but damn it’s a lot to ask.”

As Bitcoin soars in the ETF market, the digital asset’s price experienced a dip to a yearly low of $40,300 on Friday, down from the recent high of $49,000 reached shortly after the ETFs went live. Investors are speculating whether the price decline is indicative of a “sell the news” event.

In contrast, gold and silver prices have remained relatively stable this month, hovering close to $2000 and $22 per ounce, respectively. Bitcoin, often compared to gold and silver as a hedge against monetary debasement, is increasingly gaining recognition in traditional financial circles. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, in particular, has repeatedly characterized Bitcoin as “digital gold.”

Gold still holds the title of the largest commodity ETF in the United States, with related funds managing a substantial $95 billion. The overall market cap for gold is estimated at $13.59 trillion, dwarfing Bitcoin’s $796 billion.

Despite the approval of Bitcoin ETFs, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler issued a cautionary statement last week, asserting that Bitcoin should not be hastily compared to gold. Gensler emphasized the consumer and industrial uses underlying the assets in metals ETPs, while characterizing Bitcoin as a primarily speculative, volatile asset used for various illicit activities.

In conclusion, as Bitcoin takes center stage as the second-largest ETF commodity in the U.S., the digital asset’s ascent prompts reflections on its role in comparison to traditional commodities like gold and silver. The evolving landscape of investments continues to be reshaped by the increasing integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial markets. As Bitcoin’s influence grows in the ETF market, its evolving dynamics and daily challenges add layers of complexity to its position as a formidable player in the investment landscape.