According to Eric Balchunas, $IBIT has experienced a remarkable 78% increase since its launch over a year ago, positioning it as a significant asset in the cryptocurrency market. Despite not being a traditional hedge, $IBIT's performance underscores its potential as a strategic investment. Traders should note its unique role relative to conventional financial instruments, particularly as a response to the global monetary policy. Balchunas emphasizes that understanding $IBIT's distinctive characteristics can mitigate surprises in its investment behavior.