Recent onchain metrics indicate that while retail investors appear inactive, the assets under management (AUM) for Bitcoin ETFs are on the rise. Retail investors, either directly or through advisers and hedge funds, hold most spot Bitcoin ETF shares. Although direct retail demand seems subdued, especially in the U.S., it may still be present, particularly through traditional finance channels like ETFs and pension funds. Since the introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, many clients who previously avoided direct Bitcoin ownership due to technical concerns are now participating. Institutions, including investment advisers and hedge funds, are significant ETF holders, managing Bitcoin exposure for both retail and corporate clients. ETF shareholders collectively own around $135 billion in Bitcoin. Despite this growth, Bitcoin's price remains under pressure, with current inflows not compensating for outflows. While wealthier U.S. investors may prefer ETFs, retail buyers in regions like Nigeria and Argentina continue to purchase Bitcoin directly, suggesting that retail demand may not be entirely dormant. Read more AI-generated news on: https://app.chaingpt.org/news