Nearly Half of ETF Investors Plan to Buy Crypto Funds This Year

Nearly half of exchange-traded fund (ETF) investors are planning to invest in crypto ETFs, putting digital assets on equal footing with traditional bonds for the first time.

A new study by Schwab Asset Management found that 45% of investors intend to buy crypto ETFs — the same proportion who plan to invest in bond funds. 

Meanwhile, U.S. stocks remain the top pick, with 52% of respondents favoring them. Still, the equal appeal of cryptocurrencies and bonds raises fresh questions about how rapidly investor preferences are changing.

Source: X

Eric Balchunas, senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, said the results surprised even seasoned observers.

This was also shocking to see crypto tied with bonds for second place in where people plan to invest. Majorly punching above weight given crypto is 1% of total ETF aum while bonds are 17%.” (QUOTE)

The survey included 2,000 U.S. investors aged 25 to 75, each with at least $25,000 in assets. Half of them had traded ETFs within the past two years — indicating that most respondents were experienced investors, not trend chasers.

Millennials drive the crypto ETF surge

When analyzed by generation, the data reveal a clear digital divide. 

Millennials (born 1981–1996) show the strongest enthusiasm, with 57% planning to invest in crypto ETFs. Generation X (1965–1980) follows at 41%, while baby boomers (1946–1964) remain cautious — only 15% expressed interest, viewing crypto as too volatile for retirement portfolios.

Source: Schwab Invest

Balchunas noted that the study overall revealed a “super-optimistic attitude” toward ETFs, especially among younger investors who plan to expand their holdings.

Low fees and easy access remain key advantages of ETFs. About 94% of respondents said funds help reduce portfolio costs, and nearly half agreed ETFs provide exposure to “niche strategies and new asset classes” outside traditional investing.

David Botset, managing director at Schwab Asset Management, said the findings highlight a fundamental shift:

“The world of investing is undergoing a rapid transformation as individual investors gain access to new asset classes, investing strategies and vehicles. ETF investors are at the forefront of this evolving landscape.” (QUOTE)

Schwab’s data also point to a paradox — while crypto ETFs represent just a tiny fraction of the total ETF market, they are generating interest comparable to the massive bond sector. 

This gap between investor intent and actual holdings suggests two possibilities: either a wave of new capital could soon flow into digital assets, or investor ambitions may not yet translate into action.