U.S. investors are increasingly interested in exchange-traded funds (ETF) that include cryptocurrencies, according to a new survey conducted by Charles Schwab.

Approximately 45% of respondents indicated plans to invest in crypto via ETFs in the coming year, an increase from 38% the previous year, surpassing interest in bonds and alternative assets. Only U.S. equities received more attention, with 55% planning to invest.

Among millennial ETF investors, crypto was the leading asset class, with 62% expressing intentions to invest, compared to 48% in U.S. stocks, 47% in bonds, and 46% in real assets like commodities.

Boomer investors showed significantly less interest, with only 15% planning to invest in digital assets.

Eric Balchunas, Senior ETF Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, stated "Pretty stunning" about crypto's high ranking in investment plans as per the survey.

The survey included 2,200 individual investors aged 25 to 75 with at least $25,000 to invest, potentially indicating a positive trend for the growing class of crypto-focused ETFs designed to diversify traditional investment portfolios.

While U.S.-listed spot bitcoin ETFs do not require much assistance, with close to $19 billion in net inflows since their launch in January, spot ether ETFs have struggled to attract similar levels of investment.