Renowned entrepreneur and financial education advocate, Robert Kiyosaki, widely recognized for his book “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” issued a stark warning to investors relying too heavily on paper assets. On July 25, 2025, via his personal X account, Kiyosaki emphasized that while gold, silver, and crypto ETFs can be beneficial, physical precious metals and true Bitcoin 
$76,480 hold unmatched worth during crises. He likened owning an ETF to carrying a photograph of a gun for self-defense, stressing the irreplaceability of tangible assets compared to paper ones.
Growing Trend in ETF Investments
Since the year’s onset, the volatile stock market and weak bond yields have prompted savers to explore alternative investments. Gold and Bitcoin have each surged approximately 28%, driving up the demand for ETFs. By the end of April, assets in gold-backed ETFs surpassed $170 billion, as the number of investors choosing paper gold over spot gold reached unprecedented levels, adding depth to the market.
Bitcoin ETFs also gained momentum since their launch in January 2024. A significant influx of $226.7 million was recorded in 11 spot ETFs in the U.S. on July 24 alone, with BlackRock’s IBIT receiving $32.5 million of this total. The total capital flowing into Bitcoin ETFs reached $54.69 billion, competing with traditional crypto exchanges’ volumes.
The Critical Role of Physical Gold, Silver, and Bitcoin
Kiyosaki’s warning reignited discussions about what happens when liquidity diminishes in the rapidly growing U.S. ETF market. In his statement on X, Kiyosaki explained that an ETF share is a legal claim to an underlying asset, and during periods of stress, the fund’s price might trade at a discount relative to the underlying metal or coin. He pointed to individual investors as the most vulnerable group, especially those portfolios lacking physical delivery options.
Despite a cautious tone, institutional enthusiasm hasn’t waned. BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum 
$2,265 Trust skyrocketed from $5 billion to $10 billion in just ten days, earning the title of the third fastest-growing ETF in U.S. history. Ethereum ETFs attracted an influx of $602 million on July 17, with $4.7 billion amassed over the last month, bringing the total net flow to $8.88 billion. Kiyosaki reiterated his stance, saying, “A photograph is not a weapon,” underlining the strategic value of holding tangible gold, silver, and Bitcoin directly.
