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Crypto Basics

What Is a Bitcoin ETF? A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds in 2025

Learn what a Bitcoin ETF is, how it works, and why it matters for investors in 2025. Discover the benefits, risks, and how Token Metrics helps you analyze Bitcoin ETFs with AI.
Token Metrics Team
8 min
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The cryptocurrency world continues to evolve rapidly, and one of the most significant milestones in recent years has been the approval and rise of Bitcoin ETFs. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is a Bitcoin ETF and why is it important?” — this guide breaks it down in simple terms.

In this highly informative blog, we’ll explore:

  • What a Bitcoin ETF is
  • Types of Bitcoin ETFs
  • Benefits and risks
  • Why Bitcoin ETFs matter for crypto adoption
  • How to analyze Bitcoin ETFs using Token Metrics tools

📈 What Is a Bitcoin ETF?

A Bitcoin ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a financial product that allows investors to gain exposure to the price movements of Bitcoin without having to own or manage actual Bitcoin.

Just like buying a stock, investors can purchase shares of a Bitcoin ETF through traditional brokerage accounts. These shares represent ownership in a fund that tracks the price of Bitcoin.

In essence, a Bitcoin ETF bridges the gap between traditional finance and crypto investing.

🔄 How Does a Bitcoin ETF Work?

Bitcoin ETFs are created and managed by large financial institutions or asset managers. These funds:

  1. Buy Bitcoin directly (in spot ETFs), or
  2. Invest in Bitcoin futures contracts (in futures ETFs)
  3. Issue ETF shares that track the price performance of Bitcoin

These shares are then listed on stock exchanges like the NYSE, Nasdaq, or CBOE, where they can be bought or sold just like regular stocks.

🔍 Types of Bitcoin ETFs

There are two main types of Bitcoin ETFs:

1. Spot Bitcoin ETFs

  • Hold actual Bitcoin in custody
  • Track the real-time market price of Bitcoin
  • Provide direct exposure to Bitcoin’s price
  • Approved in the U.S. starting in early 2024 (e.g., BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust)

2. Futures-Based Bitcoin ETFs

  • Track Bitcoin futures contracts (derivatives)
  • Do not hold actual Bitcoin
  • Subject to contango and tracking errors
  • Were the first type approved (e.g., ProShares BITO)

In 2025, spot ETFs are considered superior due to their more accurate and direct exposure.

✅ Benefits of Bitcoin ETFs

Bitcoin ETFs offer several key advantages:

1. Accessibility

Investors can buy Bitcoin exposure through traditional brokerage platforms like Fidelity, Schwab, or Robinhood—no need for crypto wallets or private keys.

2. Regulation and Security

ETFs are regulated by institutions like the SEC and are managed by trusted financial firms, offering greater transparency and investor protection.

3. Tax Efficiency

Buying and selling ETFs may provide more favorable tax treatment compared to transacting in physical Bitcoin directly.

4. Institutional Adoption

Bitcoin ETFs enable pension funds, hedge funds, and banks to legally and easily gain exposure to BTC. Inflows from these entities have driven billions into Bitcoin in 2024 and 2025.

⚠️ Risks of Bitcoin ETFs

Despite their benefits, Bitcoin ETFs come with a few risks:

1. Price Tracking Errors

Futures ETFs may deviate from Bitcoin’s spot price due to volatility and contract rollover costs.

2. Management Fees

ETF providers charge an annual fee (0.20%–1.00%), which can reduce long-term returns.

3. Lack of Custody Control

You don’t actually own Bitcoin when you hold an ETF—so you can’t transfer it or use it for DeFi or crypto payments.

4. Market Volatility

Bitcoin remains a highly volatile asset. ETF shares may still experience massive price swings.

🏛️ Why Bitcoin ETFs Matter in 2025

The approval and adoption of Bitcoin ETFs mark a turning point in mainstream crypto acceptance. Here’s why:

  • Over $60 billion has flowed into U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs since January 2024
  • Institutions like BlackRock, Fidelity, and ARK Invest now actively manage Bitcoin exposure
  • Bitcoin ETF holdings reduce circulating supply, contributing to BTC’s price surge past $118,000 in mid-2025
  • Countries outside the U.S., including Canada and Hong Kong, are expanding their Bitcoin ETF offerings

🤖 How Token Metrics Helps You Analyze Bitcoin ETFs

While traditional investors focus on ETF tickers, smart crypto investors turn to platforms like Token Metrics to get deeper insights.

🔹 AI-Powered Bitcoin Forecasts

Token Metrics uses machine learning to predict short- and long-term Bitcoin price trends. As of June 28, the AI turned bullish, signaling BTC's breakout past $110,000.

🔹 Exchange Reserve Monitoring

The platform tracks Bitcoin’s exchange reserves, showing a drop from 3.25M to 2.55M BTC—a bullish signal due to reduced sell-side pressure.

🔹 ETF Flow Analysis

Token Metrics integrates on-chain data and fund inflows to measure:

  • How much BTC ETFs are buying
  • Impact on liquidity and price
  • Sentiment shifts among institutional investors

🔹 Alerts and Grades

You can set up custom price alerts for Bitcoin and receive Trader and Investor Grades based on 80+ real-time metrics.

These tools allow you to react faster than ETF investors relying on traditional media or quarterly reports.

📈 Bitcoin ETF Performance So Far

As of July 2025:

  • BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) holds over $18B in BTC
  • Fidelity’s ETF surpassed $12B in AUM
  • ETF buying pressure is one of the main drivers behind Bitcoin’s 2025 bull run

💡 Pro Tips Before Investing in a Bitcoin ETF

  1. Compare fees across ETFs (lower = better for long-term holdings)
  2. Choose spot ETFs over futures ETFs for more accurate performance
  3. Use Token Metrics to track BTC signals and time your entry
  4. Understand your goals—ETFs are great for passive exposure but not for on-chain crypto utility

🧠 Final Thoughts

A Bitcoin ETF is one of the easiest ways to gain exposure to Bitcoin in 2025. Whether you’re a traditional investor looking to diversify or a crypto-native looking for a regulated option, ETFs offer accessibility, safety, and legitimacy.

But don’t stop at just buying shares—pair your ETF exposure with real-time intelligence from Token Metrics.

With institutional momentum accelerating, regulatory clarity improving, and AI tools like Token Metrics giving you an edge, there’s never been a better time to understand and invest in Bitcoin ETFs.

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About Token Metrics
Token Metrics: AI-powered crypto research and ratings platform. We help investors make smarter decisions with unbiased Token Metrics Ratings, on-chain analytics, and editor-curated “Top 10” guides. Our platform distills thousands of data points into clear scores, trends, and alerts you can act on.
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Token Metrics Team
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Recent Posts

Crypto Basics

What Is an ETF Fund? A Beginner’s Guide to Exchange-Traded Funds in 2025

Token Metrics Team
6 min

ETF funds, or Exchange-Traded Funds, have revolutionized investing for both retail and institutional investors. In 2025, ETF funds are more popular than ever—offering a simple, low-cost, and diversified way to invest in everything from tech stocks to cryptocurrencies. But what exactly is an ETF fund, and why is it such a powerful investment tool?

In this article, we’ll explain:

  • What is an ETF fund?
  • How ETF funds work
  • Types of ETFs (including crypto ETFs)
  • Key benefits and risks
  • How Token Metrics, an AI-powered platform, helps you make better ETF investment decisions

Let’s dive in.

📌 What Is an ETF Fund?

An ETF fund (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a type of investment fund that holds a basket of securities—such as stocks, bonds, commodities, or cryptocurrencies—and is traded on a stock exchange, just like individual stocks.

When you buy a share of an ETF fund, you are buying partial ownership of that entire portfolio of assets. This gives you instant diversification without having to purchase each asset individually.

For example, an ETF fund that tracks the S&P 500 allows you to invest in 500 of the largest U.S. companies with just one purchase.

🔍 How Does an ETF Fund Work?

ETF funds are created by financial institutions called fund sponsors (like BlackRock, Fidelity, or Vanguard). These sponsors select and manage a portfolio of underlying assets and list the ETF shares on stock exchanges.

Here's how it works:

  1. Creation – The sponsor assembles a portfolio and forms an ETF.
  2. Listing – Shares of the ETF are listed and traded on exchanges like NYSE or Nasdaq.
  3. Buying/Selling – Investors buy and sell ETF shares throughout the day at market prices.
  4. Price Movement – The price of an ETF share fluctuates based on the value of its underlying assets and market demand.

ETF prices are influenced by a combination of Net Asset Value (NAV) and real-time market supply/demand.

🧩 Types of ETF Funds

In 2025, investors have access to a wide variety of ETF funds based on asset classes, strategies, and markets.

1. Stock ETFs

Track specific sectors (e.g., tech, healthcare), regions (e.g., U.S., Europe), or indices (e.g., S&P 500, NASDAQ-100).

2. Bond ETFs

Provide exposure to government, municipal, or corporate bonds with varying durations and yields.

3. Commodity ETFs

Track physical commodities like gold, silver, oil, or agricultural products.

4. Thematic ETFs

Focus on emerging trends or industries like artificial intelligence, clean energy, space exploration, or blockchain.

5. Crypto ETFs (New in 2025)

Give exposure to digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and DeFi tokens—without requiring direct crypto ownership.

💥 What Are Crypto ETF Funds?

In 2025, crypto ETF funds are among the fastest-growing segments in the market. They offer secure, regulated access to cryptocurrencies via traditional brokerages.

Crypto ETFs include:

  • Spot ETFs: Hold actual crypto assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
  • Futures ETFs: Track prices of crypto futures contracts.
  • Basket ETFs: Combine multiple crypto assets or themes, like DeFi or Web3.

These ETFs have made it easier for both institutions and retail investors to gain exposure to crypto without managing wallets, keys, or exchanges.

✅ Benefits of Investing in ETF Funds

ETF funds offer several advantages for investors in 2025:

1. Diversification

With just one purchase, you gain exposure to a broad portfolio of assets—reducing risk.

2. Liquidity

ETFs trade on exchanges all day, allowing you to buy or sell quickly at market prices.

3. Low Cost

Most ETFs have expense ratios under 0.20%, much lower than actively managed mutual funds.

4. Transparency

Most ETF funds disclose their holdings daily, so you always know what you’re investing in.

5. Tax Efficiency

Due to their structure, ETFs are generally more tax-efficient than mutual funds.

⚠️ Risks of ETF Funds

Like all investments, ETF funds come with risks:

1. Market Risk

If the market or sector an ETF tracks declines, your investment will also lose value.

2. Liquidity Risk

Some ETFs, especially niche or low-volume ones, can have wider spreads and lower liquidity.

3. Tracking Error

An ETF may not perfectly track the performance of its underlying index due to fees, slippage, or poor replication.

4. Over-Concentration

Some thematic ETFs may be overly concentrated in a few assets, increasing volatility.

🤖 How Token Metrics Enhances ETF Investing with AI

Token Metrics is an AI-powered crypto analytics and trading platform that helps investors research, evaluate, and make smarter decisions—including with crypto ETFs.

Here’s how Token Metrics helps you get ahead:

🔎 1. AI-Powered Ratings

Token Metrics uses advanced AI models to assign Investor Grades and Trader Grades to crypto assets, helping you identify the strongest performers—often held by top ETFs.

📊 2. Predictive Price Forecasts

Get forward-looking price predictions on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other assets held in ETFs—so you can assess whether an ETF is likely to appreciate.

📈 3. On-Chain + ETF Inflow Analysis

Token Metrics tracks real-time ETF inflows, exchange reserves, and on-chain data, giving you insight into supply-demand dynamics that move prices.

🔔 4. Smart Alerts

Set alerts for key changes in asset ratings, prices, or bullish/bearish signals to stay informed on ETF-related opportunities.

By combining ETF investing with Token Metrics insights, you position yourself ahead of market trends and optimize your portfolio performance.

📈 Popular ETF Funds in 2025

Here are some high-performing ETF funds in traditional and crypto markets:

🧠 Final Thoughts

ETF funds are one of the most efficient and flexible ways to build a diversified investment portfolio in 2025. Whether you're targeting long-term growth, passive income, or exposure to emerging markets like crypto—ETF funds offer a secure, low-cost, and easy-to-use investment solution.

And with the rise of crypto ETF funds, platforms like Token Metrics are critical in helping investors evaluate opportunities, manage risk, and time the market using AI.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, combining ETF investing with AI-powered insights gives you the edge in today's rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Crypto Basics

Best Crypto Software Wallets for July 2025

Token Metrics Team
6 min

And How Token Metrics Lets You Trade Securely With Any Wallet

Cryptocurrency adoption continues to rise in 2025, and with it, the demand for secure, user-friendly, and feature-rich crypto software wallets. Whether you're storing Bitcoin, trading Ethereum, or experimenting with altcoins, having a reliable wallet is the foundation of safe crypto ownership.

This guide ranks the top crypto software wallets of July 2025 across different categories, from best security to best for mobile use. We also explore how Token Metrics, the leading AI crypto trading platform, allows users to connect any of these wallets via an encrypted channel—giving you access to powerful AI-driven tools while retaining full custody of your assets.

🔐 What Is a Crypto Software Wallet?

A crypto software wallet is a digital application that stores your private keys and enables you to send, receive, and manage cryptocurrencies. These wallets can be hot (internet-connected) or cold (offline) and often come with trading, staking, and asset management tools. The best wallets balance security, usability, and functionality—and increasingly, they integrate with platforms like Token Metrics to enable AI-powered trading without giving up control of your assets.

🏆 Top Crypto Software Wallets – July 2025

1. Zengo – Best for Security

  • Supported Cryptos: 380
  • Hot or Cold: Hot Wallet
  • Cost: $129.99/year or $19.99/month
  • Hardware Wallet Support:

Zengo tops the list for users prioritizing wallet security. With no reported wallet hacks and weekly software updates, Zengo protects over 1.5 million users globally. It also supports buying, selling, and staking, making it ideal for long-term holders.

Pros:
✔️ Industry-leading security measures
✔️ Staking and fiat funding options
✔️ Encrypted backup and biometric authentication

Cons:
❌ Premium pricing
❌ No hardware wallet compatibility

2. Coinbase Wallet – Best for Beginners & Low Costs

  • Support Cryptos: 5,500
  • Hot or Cold: Hot Wallet
  • Cost: Free
  • Hardware Wallet Support: Partial (via Ledger transfer)

Coinbase Wallet is perfect for newcomers. It’s intuitive, completely free to use, and connects seamlessly to the larger Coinbase ecosystem. Users can access over 5,500 tokens and learn the ropes through its built-in educational resources.

Pros:
✔️ Beginner-friendly UI
✔️ Massive token support
✔️ Customizable network fees

Cons:
❌ Code not open source
❌ No address rotation
❌ Doesn’t fully support hardware wallets

3. Exodus – Best for Mobile

  • Supported Cryptos: 281
  • Hot or Cold: Hot Wallet
  • Cost: Free
  • Hardware Wallet Support: ✅ (Trezor)

Exodus excels on mobile with sleek design and robust functionality. It allows users to buy, sell, stake, and swap directly on their mobile device and integrates with Trezor hardware wallets for additional security.

Pros:
✔️ Cross-platform (desktop, browser, mobile)
✔️ Built-in portfolio tracking
✔️ Trezor integration

Cons:
❌ No in-house exchange
❌ Email-only support
❌ Not open source

4. Electrum – Best for Bitcoin

  • Supported Cryptos: Bitcoin Only
  • Hot or Cold: Both
  • Cost: Free
  • Hardware Wallet Support:

A trusted wallet since Bitcoin’s early days, Electrum is ideal for Bitcoin maximalists. It’s lightweight, fast, and secure, with deep customization options for advanced users.

Pros:
✔️ High performance for BTC
✔️ Cold storage compatible
✔️ Open-source and auditable

Cons:
❌ No support for altcoins
❌ Not user-friendly for beginners
❌ No staking or DeFi features

5. MetaMask – Best for Ethereum

  • Supported Cryptos: 300+ (ETH & ERC-20)
  • Hot or Cold: Both
  • Cost: Free
  • Hardware Wallet Support:

For Ethereum users, MetaMask is the go-to wallet. It enables DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 access with ease. It supports both hot and cold storage and integrates with platforms like OpenSea, Uniswap, and now, Token Metrics.

Pros:
✔️ Built for Ethereum ecosystem
✔️ DeFi-ready
✔️ Cold wallet compatible

Cons:
❌ No Bitcoin support
❌ Limited customer support
❌ Doesn’t rotate addresses automatically

🔍 How Token Metrics Works with Your Crypto Wallet

Token Metrics is not a wallet, exchange, or custodian—it’s an AI-driven crypto research and trading platform. But it seamlessly integrates with your preferred wallet using secure, encrypted wallet connections.

🔐 Secure Wallet Integration

Token Metrics allows users to connect wallets like MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, Trust Wallet, or any Web3-compatible wallet using industry-standard encryption. You never deposit funds on the platform—instead, you retain full control over your crypto while accessing:

  • AI-generated trading signals
  • Real-time price predictions
  • Altcoin Moonshot picks
  • Portfolio rebalancing tools
  • Custom alerts and automation

🛡️ Why It Matters:

With so many platforms requiring you to deposit crypto into centralized accounts, Token Metrics stands apart by offering non-custodial AI-powered trading. You keep your assets in your chosen wallet while using advanced tools that would normally be reserved for hedge funds or trading desks.

💡 Why Token Metrics + Top Wallets = The Perfect Pair

🚨 A Word of Caution

Crypto is a volatile and speculative market. Even with the best wallet and the most advanced AI platform, there are risks. Always use two-factor authentication, avoid phishing attempts, and never share your seed phrase.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Choosing the best crypto software wallet in July 2025 depends on your priorities: security, mobility, beginner-friendliness, or asset specialization. But if you want to take things further, pairing your wallet with Token Metrics’ AI research and trading tools is the smartest way to stay ahead.

Whether you’re holding Bitcoin in Electrum or swapping altcoins via MetaMask, Token Metrics helps you trade smarter, not harder, without compromising the safety of your assets.

Crypto Basics

Best Crypto Exchanges for July 2025

Token Metrics Team
6 min

Cryptocurrency adoption has surged in 2025, with Bitcoin reaching over $118,000 and Ethereum climbing above $3,000. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced trader, choosing the right exchange or trading app is critical. But while exchanges handle your transactions, it’s tools like Token Metrics that give you the edge—using AI to deliver real-time analytics, trading signals, moonshot altcoin picks, and price predictions.

In this guide, we’ll cover the top exchanges and apps for July 2025, along with Token Metrics, the best platform for AI-powered crypto research and trading.

🔝 Top Crypto Platforms for July 2025

🧠 Token Metrics: Best AI Crypto Trading Platform

Token Metrics stands out not as an exchange, but as an AI-powered research, analytics, and trading platform. It gives retail and institutional investors data-driven insights to make smarter trades across any exchange.

Why Token Metrics is #1 for AI Crypto Trading:

  • AI-Generated Buy/Sell Signals
    Token Metrics’ signals dashboard uses over 80 data points to issue bullish or bearish calls on top tokens. For example, the AI turned bullish on Bitcoin on June 28, just before it surged past $118,000.



  • Moonshots for Early-Stage Altcoins
    The Moonshots tab identifies low-cap altcoins with 10x–100x potential based on momentum, AI scores, and liquidity—long before they hit mainstream exchanges.


  • Price Forecasting Models
    Token Metrics predicts short-, medium-, and long-term prices for major tokens. Bitcoin’s 2026 forecast, for example, ranges between $150,000–$230,000, based on ETF flows, supply on exchanges, and macroeconomic signals.


  • Custom Alerts
    Users can set alerts based on price, trader grade, or AI signals, delivered instantly via Email, Telegram, SMS, or Slack.


  • Integrated Swap Widget
    You can research, analyze, and buy tokens directly via Token Metrics’ swap widget—all in one dashboard.

Whether you’re trading on Kraken, Coinbase, or Binance, Token Metrics plugs into your strategy and helps you trade with confidence, using real-time AI insights.

⚙️ Top 5 Crypto Exchanges for July 2025

🥇 Kraken – Best for Low Fees

  • Maker Fees: 0.00%–0.25%
  • Taker Fees: 0.10%–0.40%
  • Minimum Deposit: $10
  • Crypto Offered: 300+

Kraken is ideal for fee-sensitive traders. It’s available on web, mobile, desktop, and Kraken Pro. However, it's not available in all U.S. states and lacks FDIC or SIPC insurance.

🥈 Gemini – Best for Security & Experienced Traders

  • Maker Fees: 0.00%–0.20%
  • Taker Fees: 0.03%–0.40%
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Crypto Offered: 70

Gemini is the most secure exchange in 2025, with FDIC insurance, crypto insurance, and advanced features through its ActiveTrader terminal. But it has a complex fee structure and limited assets.

🥉 Coinbase – Best for Beginners

  • Maker Fees: 0.00%–0.40%
  • Taker Fees: 0.05%–0.60%
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Crypto Offered: 240

Coinbase is ideal for newcomers with its clean UI, beginner-friendly tools, and educational content. It’s available in 172 countries, though advanced traders might want more features.

📱 Crypto.com – Best Mobile App & Bitcoin Trading

  • Maker Fees: 0.00%–0.25%
  • Taker Fees: 0.05%–0.50%
  • Minimum Deposit: $20
  • Crypto Offered: 417

With a sleek mobile app and support for Bitcoin options and futures, Crypto.com is perfect for on-the-go traders. However, it only supports a hot wallet and has limited global access.

🪙 BitMart – Best for Altcoins

  • Fees: Varies by tier (0.04%–0.60%)
  • Minimum Deposit: Not disclosed
  • Crypto Offered: 1,700+

BitMart is the best place to find rare altcoins. With copy trading and BitMart Academy, it’s useful for altcoin hunters. But its lack of transparency on security is a concern.

✅ Why Token Metrics Complements These Exchanges

⚠️ Reminder: Crypto Is Risky

Crypto markets are volatile and speculative. While these exchanges and tools can improve your strategy, always do your own research (DYOR) and consult professionals when investing.

Final Thoughts

If you want to trade crypto in July 2025, pair a high-quality exchange like Kraken or Coinbase with a research powerhouse like Token Metrics. Exchanges execute trades—but Token Metrics tells you what to trade, when to trade, and why.

Choose from Platinum, Gold, and Silver packages
Reach with 25–30% open rates and 0.5–1% CTR
Craft your own custom ad—from banners to tailored copy
Perfect for Crypto Exchanges, SaaS Tools, DeFi, and AI Products