Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan says this week’s 13F filings prove that the spot Bitcoin ETFs were a “huge success.”
This Banking Giant Files For Bitcoin ETF Application In Hong Kong
Following the recent approval of spot Bitcoin ETF (Exchange-Traded Funds) in the US and guidelines from Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) published in December of 2023, there has been increasing speculation about the launch of a spot Bitcoin ETF in Hong Kong this year. In a recent development, the first spot Bitcoin ETF application has been filed to the SFC for approval.
Chinese Financial Giant Takes The Lead
Earlier this month, Venture Smart Financial Holdings Ltd. (VSFG) expressed its plans to apply for a spot Bitcoin ETF with the SFC to be launched this quarter. Similarly, asset management firms like Samsung Asset Management have shown their interest in exploring the possibility in the future.
A report from Tencent News revealed that Harvest Fund Management sent the first-ever spot Bitcoin ETF application in Hong Kong to the SFC on January 26, with the possibility of approval coming after the Lunar New Year at the earliest.
According to the news site, Hong Kong’s SFC wants to accelerate the approval of the first ETF after the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) authorized the listing of the spot crypto products this month. The regulator’s plan includes listing the first ETF on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after the Spring Festival.
Additionally, the report highlights the possibility of the SFC taking the same route as the US SEC and approving all applications simultaneously.
How Will Hong Kong’s Spot ETFs Compare To The US?
Regarding the performance of the investment products after the approval, a Hong Kong fund professional told Tencent News that “judging from the performance of the U.S. Bitcoin spot ETF, even if the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission approves multiple institutions at once, it may end up performing about the same as the U.S. market.”
However, some family office investor managers in Hong Kong suggested to the news site that “there may be some gap between the scale of Hong Kong spot ETF subscriptions and the United States.” The investor managers added that there’s real interest in subscribing to spot ETFs in Hong Kong, opposite to the “complexity of investment categories and operations” that stopped them from investing in the Bitcoin market before.
Moreover, the news sites reported that “compared with spot ETFs in the United States, in addition to accepting legal currency subscriptions, Hong Kong’s spot ETFs may also increase the possibility of direct Bitcoin subscriptions.”
Despite the interest and plans previously suggested by other investment and asset management firms, no organization has applied for a Spot Bitcoin ETF yet. Harvest Fund Management and the SFC haven’t issued further comment.
Bitcoin Spot ETFs Approved After 14 Years- The Journey So Far
The year 2024 marks the dawn of a new era, not just for technology but for finance, as a major victory was achieved for Bitcoin Spot ETFs (Exchang-Traded Funds). It’s now the era where the past will be appreciated for its foresight and doggedness.
When the pioneer cryptocurrency and digital currency, Bitcoin launched in January 2009, it was nothing like a real-world asset or of an ‘agreed’ digital value, but an almost neglected bag of gold as it faced enough rejection from all phases. Even with Satoshi’s Whitepaper, Bitcoin wasn’t given a cordial welcome in the world of finance.
However, for all its promise, BTC remained shrouded in an air of mystery and skepticism. It took several years for Bitcoin to cement its value in the world of technology, finance, and the digital economy, assuming a giant role amidst many other cryptocurrencies.
However, On January 10, 2024, the SEC, in its official filing, approves all 11 Bitcoin Spot ETFs. This long-awaited green light from the US SEC marked a watershed moment, not just for Bitcoin, but for the entire cryptocurrency industry.
The 14-year journey to this point was arduous and paved with skepticism; regulatory hurdles loomed large, with the SEC citing concerns about market manipulation and investor protection as justification for repeated rejections. Attempts like Bitcoin futures ETFs offered limited exposure, failing to capture the true essence of a spot ETF’s direct price tracking.
Bitcoin Spot ETF Explained
The recent approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs has stirred excitement across the financial landscape. But what exactly are these instruments, and what impact will they have on the future of BTC and, more broadly, on the investment landscape?
Bitcoin “Spot” ETFs (exchange-traded funds), unlike their futures-based counterparts, don’t track the price of Bitcoin futures contracts. Instead, they take a more direct approach, holding the underlying asset – Bitcoin itself – in secure digital custodians.
This eliminates the potential for “basis risk,” a phenomenon where futures prices deviate from the actual cash price of Bitcoin. Simply put, Spot ETFs offer a more straightforward and transparent way to gain exposure to BTC’s price movements, akin to traditional gold-backed ETFs.
Bitcoin Spot ETFs function similarly to their traditional counterparts, such as those tracking stock market indices. They pool investor capital, purchasing Bitcoin and holding it securely. Each share of the ETF represents a fractional ownership of the pooled Bitcoin, allowing investors to participate in the market without directly holding or managing the cryptocurrency themselves. This eliminates technical complexities and potential security risks, particularly for those with limited crypto experience, potentially broadening the base of Bitcoin investors.
The Genesis Of Bitcoin ETFs (Early Days and Conceptualization – 2013-2017)
The earliest sparks of a Bitcoin ETF concept date back to 2013, when the Winklevoss twins first proposed their Gemini ETF. Winklevoss twins, Cameron and Tyler, both tech entrepreneurs with a vision in 2013, submitted the first application for a Bitcoin ETF, the Gemini ETF, sparking the decade-long journey to regulatory approval.
This audacious proposal was outrightly rejected by the SEC during the tenure of its former chairman, Jay Clayton, who later resigned in 2020 and became a supporter of cryptocurrency. Interestingly, Clayton is now actively involved in crypto regulations when he joined the advisory board of Fireblocks, a crypto custody platform.
The following years were a crucible of innovation and uncertainty. While Bitcoin’s market capitalization surged, attracting both fervent supporters and cautious observers, the SEC remained hesitant. The regulator’s concerns about market manipulation, price volatility, and the nascent state of blockchain technology were cited as justifications for repeated rejections of subsequent ETF proposals, including Grayscale’s attempt to convert its Bitcoin Investment Trust into a spot ETF.
Yet, amidst the rejections, there were flickers of progress. Technological advancements improved blockchain security and custody solutions, addressing initial concerns about vulnerability and potential wash trading. The global adoption of Bitcoin, particularly in Canada with its approval of Spot ETFs in 2021, served as a compelling case study for increased accessibility and market stability.
This period also saw the SEC’s stance slowly evolve. The appointment of Gary Gensler as SEC Chair in 2021 brought a newfound openness to dialogue and exploration of potential regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies. The approval of the first US-listed futures-based bitcoin ETF in October 2021, despite its limitations, offered a glimpse of what could be.
The Turning Point: A Decade Of Persistence Pays Off (2018-2023)
While the 2017-2018 crypto boom and subsequent crash sent shockwaves through the industry, it also served as a crucible, forging resilience and fueling a renewed focus on compliance and innovation. Industry figures like Grayscale, undeterred by previous rejections, continued to refine their proposals, incorporating crucial safeguards and addressing regulatory concerns.
This relentless pursuit of approval finally yielded results in 2023. In May, Cathie Wood’s ARK Investments filed for a spot bitcoin ETF, setting a definitive deadline for the SEC’s decision.
Then, in June, BlackRock’s entry into the arena with its own Spot Bitcoin ETF application sent ripples of excitement through the financial world. This move by a traditional financial giant signalled a crucial shift in sentiment, demonstrating growing institutional confidence in BTC’s potential.
The months that followed were a whirlwind of activity. A flurry of applications from firms like Fidelity and Invesco poured in, fueled by the momentum of BlackRock’s move and the prospect of imminent approval. In August, a pivotal legal victory for Grayscale in the D.C. Circuit Court further strengthened the case for spot ETFs, forcing the SEC to re-examine its previous rejections.
Finally, the SEC, in a historic decision, greenlighted 11 spot bitcoin ETF proposals, including those from BlackRock, Fidelity, and VanEck. This moment marked the culmination of a decade-long struggle, signifying the mainstream acceptance of investor participation in the cryptocurrency space.
Ripples Across The Crypto Landscape: Implications Of Bitcoin Spot ETFs (2024)
The arrival of spot ETFs has cast a wide net, sending ripples across various spheres of the financial world. There are a lot of potentials and challenges presented by spot ETFs, vital impact on market stability, institutional adoption, and regulatory oversight. There are positive predictions that the Bitcoin market cap could rise above $1 Trillion after the launch of Bitcoin Spot ETFs.
Let’s contemplate the broader significance of this pivotal moment, what it means for the future of finance, and its relationship between technology and traditional financial systems here.
Investor Crossroads
For retail investors, Spot ETFs offer a convenient and familiar way to participate in the Bitcoin market without directly holding the cryptocurrency. This opens the door to broader adoption and increased liquidity, potentially leading to smoother price discovery and reduced volatility. The influential American magazine, Forbes predicted the BTC price will trade as high as $80,000 as a result of Bitcoin Spot ETFs’ approval.
The year 2024 is also shaping up to be a good one, if not one of the best seasons for cryptocurrency, especially Bitcoin, as it’s the season for Bitcoin halving, which will have another mega impact on the crypto industry.
However, the inherent risks of Bitcoin, including price fluctuations and potential exposure to fraud, must not be underplayed. Investors should approach spot ETFs with cautious optimism, ensuring a proper understanding of the technology, market dynamics, and associated risks before venturing in.
Institutional Embrace Bitcoin
The arrival of spot ETFs marks a significant step towards institutional acceptance of Bitcoin. The involvement of established financial institutions like BlackRock and Fidelity lends credibility to the cryptocurrency and paves the way for further integration with traditional financial products and services.
Concerns remain about the impact of institutional involvement on market manipulation and potential conflicts of interest. However, regulatory oversight and robust compliance frameworks will be crucial in ensuring a fair and transparent market for all participants.
Market Redefined
Spot ETFs could potentially lead to greater market stability by introducing institutional investors and their risk management expertise. This could mitigate some of the inherent volatility of the cryptocurrency market, attracting a wider range of investors and fostering sustainable growth.
The SEC’s approval represents a cautious acceptance, not a blank check. Further regulatory clarity and potential adaptation of existing frameworks might be required to effectively address the unique challenges posed by the integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial systems.
Beyond Bitcoin
Spot ETFs could act as a gateway for investors to explore the broader crypto landscape. Their familiarity and ease of access might encourage exploration of other promising blockchain-based projects, accelerating the overall growth and development of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
The success of spot ETFs will hinge on the continued evolution of blockchain technology and associated infrastructure. Scalability, security, and user experience will remain key areas of focus for ensuring the smooth functioning and widespread adoption of crypto-based financial products.
The 11 Spot Bitcoin ETFs products (with their ticker symbols) approved on January 10, 2024, are:
- Blackrock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)
- ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB)
- WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW)
- Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO)
- Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB)
- VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL)
- Franklin Bitcoin ETF (EZBC)
- Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (FBTC)
- Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund (BRRR)
- Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC)
- Hashdex Bitcoin ETF (DEFI)
Conclusion
The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs is a watershed moment, not just for the cryptocurrency itself, but for the entire financial landscape. It marks a new chapter in the saga of Bitcoin, one where its disruptive potential can be harnessed within the framework of established financial systems.
Also, this path forward is paved with both opportunities and challenges. Navigating regulations and addressing investor risk concerns are important to ensure seamless integration with traditional financial systems and regulatory bodies, which will be crucial in determining the ultimate success of this technological leap.
Final Thoughts
The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs is not merely a regulatory green light; it’s a resounding declaration of Bitcoin’s arrival on the main stage of finance.
Related Reading: Celestia Network: How To Stake TIA And Position For 5-Figure Airdrops
However, the journey is far from over. This approval is a milestone, not a destination. As we stand at this turning point, it’s important to remember the spirit of defiance that birthed BTC. It was born from a desire for autonomy, for freedom from centralised control, and for a more equitable financial system.
While ETFs offer a bridge between this decentralized world and the established financial order, it’s crucial not to lose sight of these core principles.
VanEck Announces Massive $72 Million Bitcoin ETF Seeding As Two Tickers Appear On DTCC Website
As the US SEC prepares to make its final decision regarding Spot Bitcoin ETF approvals, the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) has officially listed the Spot ETFs tickers from investment management firm, VanEck.
VanEck’s Spot ETF Ticker Listed on DTCC
American investment management firm VanEck’s Spot Bitcoin ETF has recently appeared on the active and pre-launch list of the DTCC. VanEck’s ETF can be identified by the ticker ‘HODL’ on the DTCC’s official platform.
This move positions VanEck as a key player in the evolving landscape of Spot ETF investments. Additionally, the listing is seen as a crucial step towards integrating Spot Bitcoin ETFs into the mainstream financial sector if the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decides to approve Spot Bitcoin ETFs.
Alongside VanEck, WisdomTree’s Spot Bitcoin ETF ticker, ‘BTCW’ has also been officially listed on the DTCC website. The investment management firm previously submitted its Spot BTC ETF application to the US SEC in June 2023. However, the regulator has consistently delayed approval of WisdomTree’s Spot Bitcoin ETF application.
The US SEC has also delayed 13 Spot Bitcoin ETF applications from prominent companies such as BlackRock, ARK Invest, Grayscale, and others. The regulatory agency faces a deadline of January 10, to either accept or reject these Spot Bitcoin ETF applications.
Although there is a possibility for the SEC to decline Spot BTC ETFs several experts, including Bloomberg analysts, James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas have revealed a 90% chance of the regulator approving Spot BTC ETFs in January.
VanEck Reveals $72 Million Bitcoin ETF Seed Fund
On Monday, January 8, VanEck submitted an amended Spot Bitcoin ETF S-1 filing to the SEC. In its filing, VanEck disclosed that the financial company had purchased 1,640.92489329 BTC worth $72.5 million on January 5, to support its Spot ETF.
The substantial seeding will provide a solid foundation for VanEck’s Spot Bitcoin ETF, potentially paving the way for increased participation by institutional investors.
In addition to VanEck’s Seed Creation Baskets, major asset management companies in the Spot Bitcoin ETF race like BlackRock, Bitwise, and Fidelity have announced their various seed funds.
Bitwise revealed a $200 million seed fund made by Pantera Capital to support its Spot BTC ETF. The asset management company has also put forward $500,000 to fund its proposed Spot BTC ETF.
Meanwhile, BlackRock and Fidelity have announced plans to seed their Spot Bitcoin ETFs with $10 million and $20 million respectively. BlackRock previously submitted an amended S-1 filing to the SEC in December, revealing a 227.9 BTC purchase to seed its Spot ETF by January 3.
‘Rumor mill’ goes into overdrive for a spot Bitcoin ETF approval on Friday
Several tweets on Crypto X have fueled hopes that a spot Bitcoin ETF could be approved on Friday, though some analysts don’t think it will happen so soon.
Bitcoin At A Crossroads? Economist’s Doom Prediction Clashes With Spot ETF Approval Hopes
As the world of crypto braces for a potential regulatory nod from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in favor of a Bitcoin spot exchange-traded fund (ETF), Peter Schiff, a notable crypto critic, has voiced a dissenting opinion.
Schiff projected a grim future for Bitcoin, especially in the event of a spot ETF approval. His comments come at a time when the crypto community is abuzz with expectations of a boost in institutional investor interest in Bitcoin.
Economist Spells Gloom For Bitcoin
In a recent post on X, Schiff expressed his skepticism, suggesting that the speculative buzz around the US.-listed ETF directly investing in Bitcoin has been “inflating” the crypto’s value.
This view aligns with Bitcoin’s price trend, which saw an uptick in late last year, following a false report about the approval of BlackRock’s pending spot ETF application. While crypto enthusiasts view the potential spot ETF approval as a gateway for traditional investors into the crypto market, Schiff’s outlook starkly contrasts this sentiment.
Be careful what you wish for. The promise of a U.S. listed spot #BitcoinETF has been supporting the #Bitcoin price and speculative demand for years. Once the ETFs are launched and the highly anticipated institutional and other new investor demand does not show up, look out below!
— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) January 2, 2024
Community Clashes With Schiff’s Pessimism
Peter Schiff’s statements have not gone unchallenged in the crypto community. On X, his posts have attracted critical responses, with users questioning the basis of his bearish predictions. One X user, known as Bloxpert, directly asked Schiff for examples of ETF launches that led to bearish outcomes.
Schiff, in response, questioned the necessity of a Bitcoin ETF, arguing that since Bitcoin can be bought and stored independently, an ETF seems redundant. He implicitly downplayed the need for such financial products in the crypto space, concluding: “You might as well just own a gold ETF.”
Well there is really no need for a Bitcoin ETF, as you can buy and store Bitcoin yourself for free. What’s the point of owning it in an ETF anyway? You might as well just own a gold ETF.
— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) January 2, 2024
Despite Schiff’s bearish outlook, a significant portion of the crypto community and many experts remain optimistic. For instance, James Butterfill, head of research at CoinShares, sees the approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF in the US as a transformative event for the digital asset market.
Butterfill suggests that an investment increase of 20% from current assets under management could push Bitcoin prices to around $80,000. Such predictions stand in stark contrast to Schiff’s views, reflecting the diverse opinions and expectations surrounding Bitcoin’s future in the wake of potential regulatory changes.
Featured image from Unsplash, Chart from TradingView
Google updates policy to allow ads for US crypto trusts
Google will allow ads for U.S. based-crypto trusts from January, with the change seemingly coming in the same month that spot Bitcoin ETFs are predicted to be approved.
Bitcoin Bulldozes Past $44,000 – Is $45K Next This Week?
Bitcoin (BTC) is having a moment again. The biggest cryptocurrency in the world is enjoying a 150% increase this year as its price surged beyond $44,000 on Wednesday, marking the first time it had done so in over 18 months.
The increase is indicative of the cryptocurrency’s continuous upswing, which is being supported by a number of elements such as a drop in interest rates and growing expectations over the possible approval of a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the US.
Spot ETFs: Democratizing Bitcoin Investment With Lower Risks
Supporters of the industry say that this new way to invest in bitcoin at spot prices instead of futures prices could make it easier for everyone to get into the cryptoverse while lowering some of the well-known risks that come with it.
It’s possible that regulators will approve the first bitcoin spot ETF application as soon as next month, even though some crypto fund managers have recently won cases that made the chances of this happening better.
“I think what the ETF means really is that Bitcoin is going mainstream, and that’s what people were waiting for,” Ledger CEO Pascal Gauthier recently said.
The fact that Bitcoin has recovered above the crucial price level highlights how resilient its upward momentum is, drawing interest from both seasoned investors and the larger cryptocurrency community.
How High Can BTC Price Go?
Given that news sources and financial analysts have taken notice of Bitcoin’s latest breakout above the psychologically critical $44,000 threshold, it is clear that the market is currently bullish biased.
Bloomberg has made a bold prediction regarding the largest cryptocurrency in terms of market capitalization when it entered the fray. The news website claims that Bitcoin’s increase above $42,000 marks the start of a new “crypto supercycle” rather than just a passing peak.
According to this bullish prediction, Bitcoin will soar to values above an astounding $500,000 and become the cornerstone of a revolutionary new monetary paradigm that is already gaining support on Wall Street.
This prediction, which is in line with the increasing feeling of cryptocurrency fans, signals a paradigm change in conventional financial markets as Bitcoin keeps redefining the global economic scene and establishing its domination.
Bitcoin’s Clear Path: $48K-$53K Sweet Spot For Upside – Analyst
Based on technical price levels, particularly highs set in March 2022 and September 2021, Joel Kruger, market strategist at LMAX Group, believes that Bitcoin’s upward price momentum has a clear route forward until the region between $48,000 and $53,000.
Between these two levels, Kruger identified a sweet spot where the route to the March 2022 high is remarkably free of major opposition.
He stated:
“There is a nice zone between those two levels with very little in the way of any meaningful resistance between the current price and that March 2022 high.”
According to market data, as of this writing, the price of Bitcoin is $44,020, up 5.5% over the previous day, and sustaining a 16% increase in the last week, data from Coingecko shows.
As the market dynamic unfolds, all eyes are on Bitcoin, wondering if it will continue its bullish run and set its sights on the next significant milestone at $45,000.
(This site’s content should not be construed as investment advice. Investing involves risk. When you invest, your capital is subject to risk).
Featured image from Shutterstock
Bitcoin Spot ETF: SEC Delays Fail To Stop BTC As Price Clears $38,000
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) latest decision wasn’t enough to hold back the foremost cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. The cryptocurrency crossed $38,000 even on the back of the SEC’s move to delay two Spot Bitcoin ETFs.
SEC Delays Templeton And Hashdex Bitcoin Spot ETF
On November 28, the SEC delayed its decision on Templeton and Hashdex’s Spot Bitcoin ETF application. As part of the announcement, the Commission also invited comments on what has been its major concern up till now: the issue of fraud and manipulation and whether or not the surveillance agreements in place can help curb that.
Despite this development, the crypto market seemed unperturbed as Bitcoin crossed $38,000, and altcoins also posted some gains. This would come as a surprise to many, considering that the latest momentum in the market has been attributed majorly to the possibility of a Spot Bitcoin ETF approval.
A plausible explanation could be the fact that investors are certain that approval is imminent, irrespective of the actions of the Commission. This is evident in the fact that institutional money keeps flowing into the crypto market. CoinShare’s latest report showed that the crypto market, last week, saw its largest weekly inflow since late 2021.
Meanwhile, the SEC’s latest delay is an interesting one, considering that a decision on both applications wasn’t due until January 1, 2024. This has led to several speculations as to whether or not this move still means that approval is on the horizon.
SEC’s Latest Delay May Be A Good Sign
In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) platform, Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart questioned the SEC’s actions and what it could mean for a potential approval. He reasoned that the SEC’s decision could be setting things up for a “full wave of approvals” in early January. The analyst had previously put the likelihood of an approval in January 2024 at 90%.
He further stated that the delay on Hashdex’s application (Hashdex’s announcement came shortly after Templeton’s) confirmed his reasoning. He believes that the SEC is moving to set up all applicants for potential approval by January 10, 2024. He quickly noted that these approvals would be for the 19b-4 and didn’t necessarily mean an immediate launch.
Scott Johnsson, a notable attorney from Davis Polk, also shared the same sentiments as Seyffart. He stated that the SEC might have chosen to delay these applications early so that the comment period could end before January 10, 2024. That way, they can approve all applications at the same time.
Bitcoin ETF Will Send BTC Back To $44,000, Why This Trading Firm Is Betting On This Scenario
The price of BTC continues to push higher, and the bullish momentum remains intact as news around the Bitcoin ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) improves overall sentiment. In the wake of the recent rally, some trading firms doubled down on their bullish positions.
As of this writing, the price of Bitcoin stands at $24,200 with sideways movement in the last 24 hours. The cryptocurrency rose by over 20% the previous week, operating as the top performer in the top 10 by market capitalization.
Bitcoin ETF To Trigger Larger Rally: What’s The Target?
Via social media platform X, trading desk QCP Capital disclosed their positions coming into the rally. The firm longed Bitcoin volatility with options contracts, taking some profits on their positions as the cryptocurrency rallied.
Still, the firm remains optimistic, holding on to their calls due to expiry in December. By then, the firm targets a BTC price above $38,000 to $44,000, based on the momentum generated by a potential Bitcoin ETF approval.
In the last week, the news generated by this event has shifted market sentiment, leading investors to a more favorable area. However, the firm remains cautious about the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approving a spot Bitcoin ETF in the short term.
QCP Capital stated:
(…) we believe the SEC will avoid playing the role of kingmaker, sticking with its own precedent set during the BTC/ETH futures ETF approval process and will wait to approve multiple managers at the same time. Nonetheless with this bullish break of 32k, we believe the market has started to price in an approval as the base case. The only question now is when the approval will happen.
SEC To Avoid Kingmaking In Bitcoin ETF Approval.
The trading firm believes the financial instrument will get approved in 2024. The SEC will likely avoid favoring one firm to prevent BlackRock or other asset managers from taking a large portion of the clients and the trading volume, as when the future Bitcoin ETF was approved.
The firm believes the financial instrument could get approved “much later than the market expects now.” As mentioned, investors have begun pricing in any price action associated with the ETF, which could lead BTC to another range until 2024.
The firm cautioned players from taking late long positions:
(…) we are seeing stretched positive perp funding rates especially on Deribit (BTC over 70% and ETH over 100%) as well as elevated short-end ATM vols (BTC up to 75%!) – typically indicative of an exhausted short-term move.
Cover image from Unsplash, chart from Tradingview
Bitcoin ETF Inflows Returns After Abysmal Phase
The outflows from bitcoin ETFs in the last couple of months suggested strong bearish sentiment among institutional investors. However, there seemed to be a change in the tide last week when a remarkable inflow trend was recorded over a three-day period. These inflows into the BTC ETFs that provide long exposure showed that investors were expecting further upside for the digital asset, and the decline in short BTC exposure speaks truth to this.
ProShares Outflows And Inflows
The ProShares Bitcoin ETFs are the most popular in the market. The BITO ETF is one that offers long exposure, while the much newer BITI ETF allows investors to capitalize on short exposure. BITI, being launched in a bear market, grew quickly in terms of BTC exposure. However, the past week has shown a reluctance on the part of investors to bet against the price of bitcoin.
BITI outflows for last Friday came out to a total of 1,060 BTC in a single-day period, the largest outflows the ETF has recorded since it launched. Furthermore, the outflows would continue into the new week, when BITI saw another 425 BTC leave. This brought the total exposure of BITI down to 3,580 BTC as of Monday.
BITO ETF records inflows | Source: Arcane Research
As for the BITO, it has been all shades of good news in the last week. A consecutive three days of inflows saw 1,650 BTC flow into the ETF. This follows a month of outflows for the ETF, showing more demand for long exposure to the digital asset.
While BITI had seen 1,050 BTC in outflows on Friday, BITO had recorded inflows of 700 BTC on the same day. It suggests that investors are pulling out of their short positions and putting them into long positions.
Bitcoin Not Out Of The Woods
Even though there have been a lot of inflows into long bitcoin ETFs, the numbers still do not suggest a complete shift to the bullish sentiment among investors. BITI’s BTC exposure shows that even though there might be some movement to long ETFs, betting against the price of bitcoin still remains on the minds of investors.
BTC declines to $20,000 | Source: BTCUSD on TradingView.com
BITI’s current total exposure sits at 3,850 BTC, the same as it was back at its June and July peaks. So even though there have been outflows, there is still a strong sentiment to continue to short the digital asset.
BITO had recorded its strongest single-day inflows back on Friday, but it is yet to reverse the bearish trend completely. Even with such high inflows, the ETF is currently sitting at a three-month low. However, a positive from the three-day inflows was a recovery on the CME basis.
Featured image from CryptoPotato, charts from Arcane Research and TradingView.com
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Failure to launch: Australia’s first 3 crypto ETFs all miss launch day
Three cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) scheduled to launch on the Cboe Australia exchange today were delayed due to “checks” still being undertaken.
Grayscale gears up for legal battle with SEC over Bitcoin ETF
“I think all options are on the table,” said the Grayscale CEO, adding that the company has put its “full resources” into converting its flagship Bitcoin trust.
