Group 1 - Bitcoin ETFs have surged approximately 100% since January 2024, matching the returns of physical gold ETFs, while the S&P 500 has returned only 45% [2] - This performance has ignited a debate regarding Bitcoin's classification as either a "risk-on" asset like stocks or a "store of value" akin to gold [2][3] - Despite Bitcoin's reputation as a volatile asset, its ETF performance has aligned with historically stable investment vehicles, prompting investors to reconsider the risk-reward balance [3] Group 2 - The volatility of cryptocurrencies remains a concern, with risk-adjusted returns being a critical factor in assessing their role in diversified portfolios [4] - BlackRock's People & Money report indicates a growing retail interest in ETFs, particularly among younger investors, with 19 million US adults likely to purchase ETFs in the next year [4] - Among these new investors, 47% are expected to invest in crypto ETFs, highlighting a significant shift towards equity and crypto allocations [4]

Physical gold ETFs retreated over the past week. That situation has been particularly onerous for gold mining equities and ETFs. That's an asset class known for overshooting the yellow metal's moves in both directions. However, there could be a golden lining, pun intended. Gold's recent pullback is arguably healthy. That's because the commodity's scorching run this year and the aforementioned retrenchment in mining stocks could open the door to opportunity with the WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Gold Miners ...