A groundbreaking survey by Charles Schwab Asset Management has revealed that cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are now on equal footing with traditional bond ETFs in investor interest. The ETFs and Beyond report, released on November 7, 2025, found that 45% of ETF investors are planning to invest in crypto ETFs—the same percentage as those favoring bond ETFs, marking a historic moment of parity between digital assets and conservative investments.
The survey polled 2,000 individual investors aged 25 to 75, all with at least $25,000 in investable assets and half having traded ETFs in the past two years. US equities-tracking ETFs led with 52% interest, while crypto and bond ETFs tied for second place. Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, described the results as shocking, noting that crypto ETFs are punching above their weight given that crypto represents only 1% of total ETF assets under management compared to bonds' 17%.
This surge in crypto ETF demand is driven by growing trust in digital assets, improved regulatory clarity, and increased mainstream financial integration. The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in several countries and anticipation of further SEC approvals in the U.S. have bolstered enthusiasm. Major asset managers like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Grayscale have entered the space, enhancing confidence in crypto as a legitimate asset class. Improved custody solutions and reduced volatility in key assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum have also made crypto ETFs more attractive for portfolio diversification.
Demographic insights highlight a generational shift, with Millennials (born 1981-1996) showing the highest interest at 57%, compared to 41% for Gen X and just 15% for Baby Boomers. David Botset, managing director at Schwab Asset Management, emphasized that ETFs are transforming investing by providing low-cost access to new asset classes and strategies, with 94% of respondents agreeing that ETFs help reduce portfolio costs.
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