Crypto ETFs are exceeding expectations and now rank on par with bond ETFs, according to Schwab.
The latest report from Schwab Asset Management shows that spot ETFs on digital assets are seeing strong interest among investors. The survey, titled “ETFs and Beyond,” revealed significant insights into investors’ appetite for these products. Among 2,000 respondents aged 25 to 75 with at least $25,000 in investable assets, 45% said they plan to invest in crypto ETFs.
This figure matches exactly the percentage of those planning to invest in bond ETFs, placing crypto ETFs in second place among investor preferences – just behind U.S. equity ETFs (52%).
Eric Balchunas, senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, commented on X that these results are “shocking” given the relative size of the markets. He noted that crypto ETFs currently account for only 1% of total ETF assets, compared to 17% for bond ETFs.
A generational breakdown shows clear differences in approach. Millennials (born 1981–1996) are the most enthusiastic, with 57% planning to invest in crypto ETFs. Generation X (1965–1980) follows with 41%, while Baby Boomers (1946–1964) are more cautious, with only 15% expressing interest.
According to Balchunas, the survey revealed a sense of “super-optimism” toward ETFs in general, with nearly all participants planning to increase their use – especially among younger generations.
The reasons behind the growing popularity of crypto ETFs align with the general advantages of ETFs. 94% of respondents said these instruments help keep portfolio costs low. About half of participants also highlighted that crypto ETFs allow them to:
- access niche or targeted investment strategies;
- diversify their portfolios with new asset classes;
- separate speculative exposure from long-term investments;
- benefit from accessibility and operational simplicity.
David Botset, Managing Director at Schwab Asset Management, stated that the investment world is undergoing a rapid transformation, as individual investors gain access to new asset classes and strategies.
