## [# GLD, IBIT in Focus as Dalio Ups Gold, Bitcoin Exposure](/sections/features/gld-ibit-ray-dalio-gold-bitcoin-exposure)
# GLD, IBIT in Focus as Dalio Ups Gold, Bitcoin Exposure
\- The successful hedge fund manager and macroeconomist warns of a "debt doom loop" spiraling through the US economy.
\- BlackRock's IBIT has attracted nearly $20 billion in assets this year.
[](/authors/kent-thune)
[By Kent Thune ](/authors/kent-thune)
Jul 30, 2025
Edited by: David Tony
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Ray Dalio is leaning further into gold and Bitcoin, a sign of just how far concerns about global debt, inflation and fiat currency stability have grown. For ETF investors, the most popular ways to follow Dalio’s lead are the [**SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)**](/gld) and the [**iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)**](/ibit), two of the most widely held and traded funds in their respective categories.
Both ETFs have attracted billions in new assets in 2025 alone, as traditional and institutional investors seek protection from what Dalio calls a “debt doom loop” spiraling through the U.S. economy.
Dalio, the billionaire founder of Bridgewater Associates and one of the most respected voices in global finance, recently said in The Master Investor podcast that he believes investors should consider allocating up to 15% of their portfolios to store-of-value assets like gold and Bitcoin.
If a successful hedge fund manager and widely respected macroeconomist has reason to recommend increasing gold and Bitcoin positions, should ETF investors listen?
## GLD & IBIT: Growing Storm and Surge in AUM
In his podcast appearance, ominously titled, [*The Risks Are NOT Priced In—Here's What Happens Next*](https://themasterinvestorpodcast.podbean.com/e/ray-dalio-the-risks-are-not-priced-in-%E2%80%93-heres-what-happens-next/), Dalio painted a sobering picture of the macroeconomic landscape. His primary concern? The unprecedented scale of U.S. government debt.
With over $37 trillion in [national debt](https://www.usdebtclock.org/) and growing, Dalio warns that traditional market participants may be underestimating the risk of a currency devaluation and a potential monetary policy spiral.
This backdrop is helping fuel demand for non-fiat alternatives like gold and BTC, and ETF flows reflect the trend. GLD, which tracks the price of physical gold, has added over $8 billion in net new assets in 2025, bringing total assets under management back above $70 billion.
Meanwhile, IBIT, BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF launched in early 2024, has attracted nearly $20 billion in assets this year, surpassing $87 billion in total AUM.
Dalio himself maintains a small direct position in Bitcoin but notes that he still prefers gold overall. However, the core message is clear: Store-of-value assets are now essential pieces of a long-term portfolio in a world of heightened economic uncertainty.
**Note:** For beginners, a simple definition of fiat currency is government-issued money not backed by a physical commodity.
### GLD & IBIT Monthly Flows in Millions
**Date**
**GLD Net Flows**
**IBIT Net Flows**
January 2025
-658
2,843.9
February 2025
3,754.7
-167.4
March 2025
2,859.4
-2.6
April 2025
1,023.4
2,441.7
May 2025
-1,388.5
6,612.6
June 2025
2,459.7
3,308.7
July 2025
460.4
4,932.8
*Source: etf.com* [*Fund Flows tool*](https://www.etf.com/etfanalytics/etf-fund-flows-tool-result?tickers=GLD%2CIBIT&startDate=2025-01-01&endDate=2025-07-29&frequency=MONTHLY) *& FactSet Data as of July 28, 2025*
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## Should ETF Investors Care What Ray Dalio Thinks?
Dalio’s words resonate not because he’s flashy but because he’s grounded in historical research and systems thinking. He founded Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund, and pioneered the “All Weather” investment framework, emphasizing diversification across economic regimes. Yes, there's an ETF for that: the [**SPDR Bridgewater All Weather ETF (ALLW)**](/allw).
His 2017 book, Principles, remains a cornerstone for many investors and entrepreneurs alike. What makes Dalio unique is his blend of macro insight and practical application. His recommendation to allocate up to 15% of a portfolio to Bitcoin or gold is framed as part of a broader risk-management strategy, not a bet-the-farm move. That’s precisely why ETF investors take note when Dalio speaks. He doesn’t chase trends; he seeks resilience.
## Why Gold and Bitcoin ETFs Appeal to Diversified Investors
Both gold and Bitcoin offer a hedge against fiat currency risk, and their low correlation to traditional assets makes them compelling diversification tools. And for ETF investors, funds like GLD (or its lower-cost relative, the [**SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM)**](/gldm)) and IBIT make accessing these asset classes easier, cheaper and more liquid than buying physical bullion or managing crypto wallets.
- GLD is backed by physical gold stored in vaults and has a long track record of closely tracking spot prices.
- IBIT gives investors exposure to Bitcoin’s price movements without needing to manage keys or navigate crypto exchanges.
That said, these ETFs are not without risk. Both gold and Bitcoin can experience sharp price swings, and neither produces income or dividends. While Dalio suggests allocating a moderate portion of one’s portfolio to store-of-value assets, such holdings should complement, not replace, a well-diversified core portfolio of stocks and bonds.
For many investors, a small satellite position in GLD or IBIT (e.g., 2% to 5%) may be appropriate. Larger allocations, like the 10%-15% Dalio discusses, are best reserved for investors with higher risk tolerance, longer time horizons or specific hedging objectives.
*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investing in ETFs involves risks, and investors should carefully consider their investment objectives and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.*
*At the time of publication, Kent Thune held a position in IBIT.*
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[ Kent Thune CFP, Senior Content Editor ](/authors/kent-thune)
Kent Thune is Senior Content Editor for etf.com, focusing on educational content, thought leadership, content management and search engine… [View Bio](/authors/kent-thune)
Related Topics [Gold](http://www.etf.com/topics/gold)
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