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SEC Anticipated To Reject Spot Ethereum ETFs In Upcoming Decision, ETH Price Takes 5% Hit

Over the past 24 hours, Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has experienced a significant 5% price drop. This drop comes amid growing speculation that the highly anticipated Ethereum ETFs will likely be rejected by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the upcoming May deadline.

US Bitcoin ETF Issuers Brace For SEC’s Expected Denial

According to a recent Reuters report, various US Bitcoin ETF issuers and firms anticipate the SEC’s denial of their applications to launch ETFs tied to the price of ETH. 

These expectations have been fueled by “discouraging meetings” between the applicants and the regulatory agency in recent weeks, as disclosed by four individuals familiar with the matter.

Prominent investment firms such as VanEck, ARK Investment Management, and seven other issuers have submitted filings with the SEC to list ETFs that would track the spot price of Ethereum. 

As the first in line, VanEck’s and ARK’s applications are subject to the SEC’s decisions by May 23 and May 24, respectively.

The sources involved in the meetings between Bitcoin ETF issuers and the SEC have reported that the discussions have been primarily “one-sided,” with agency staff not engaging in substantive details about the proposed products. 

This starkly contrasts the intensive and detailed discussions between issuers and the agency before the SEC’s landmark approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January. 

The issuers argued during the meetings that the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs and Ethereum futures-based ETFs by the SEC in October set a precedent for the spot ETH products. They also made efforts to address potential regulatory concerns. 

Despite their arguments, the report notes that the SEC staff did not clarify specific concerns or engage in meaningful dialogue, further indicating a possible denial of the requests.

Setback For Crypto Industry

If these expectations materialize, it would be a setback for the cryptocurrency industry, which had hoped that the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs would pave the way for similar products and contribute to the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. 

According to Todd Rosenbluth, head of ETF analysis at data firm VettaFi, the likely delay in approval or rejection until later in 2024 or beyond has left the regulatory landscape uncertain.

While some issuers have expressed their intention to submit additional disclosure paperwork to continue the conversation with the SEC, the overall sentiment indicates a growing belief that the applications will be rejected.

VanEck CEO Jan van Eck has already stated that the company’s application will likely be rejected, while ARK Investment Management has yet to comment.

Rejected Ethereum ETFs Could Spark Potential Court Battles

Several applicants expect the SEC to cite broader issues, such as the nature and depth of statistical data on the underlying ETH market, as reasons for their decision in the event of ETF rejections. 

Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise Asset Management, which has filed for a spot in Ethereum ETF, believes that the SEC may require more time to observe Ethereum futures and gather additional data.

Industry insiders further speculate that rejecting Ethereum ETFs could potentially lead to legal action, with one source suggesting that the courts may get involved before Ethereum ETFs eventually become a reality.

The anticipated rejection has already influenced the price of Ethereum, with Hong Fang, president of the crypto exchange OKX, stating that the cryptocurrency is experiencing downward pressure as market participants factor in the likelihood of a negative outcome.

Ethereum ETFs

Currently, ETH is trading at $3,100, further highlighting the cryptocurrency’s persistent downtrend over broader time frames. Over the past fourteen and thirty days, the token has experienced significant declines of 12% and 14%, respectively.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com

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Ethereum ETFs Approval Date Set For May 23, Forecasts Suggest ETH Could Reach $4,000

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is poised to follow a similar approach to approving spot Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for spot Ethereum ETFs, with the expectation that approval will be granted on the initial final deadline of May 23, as per Standard Chartered Bank analysis.

Ethereum ETFs Face Delays, Approval Remains Likely

According to a report by The Block, Geoffrey Kendrick, head of forex and digital asset research at Standard Chartered Bank, stated that they expect pending applications for spot Ethereum ETFs to be approved on May 23, which is considered the equivalent date to January 10 for Bitcoin ETFs. 

Furthermore, Kendrick predicts that if Ethereum prices follow a similar trajectory to Bitcoin leading up to ETF approval, Ethereum could trade as high as $4,000 by the specified date.

Kendrick further supports the approval of spot Ethereum ETFs based on the SEC’s classification of ether as a non-security in its legal actions against crypto companies. 

Additionally, the fact that Ethereum is listed as a regulated futures contract on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) adds weight to the expectation of approval.

Following the same line, Scott Johnsson, a financial lawyer, offered insights into the potential roadmap for Ethereum ETFs. Johnsson emphasized that while long-term approval for spot Ethereum ETFs is highly likely, there may be short-term delays due to ongoing regulatory actions involving Coinbase/Binance securities exchanges. 

Shorter Path For ETH ETF Approvals?

Johnsson highlighted the regulatory path from a plain spot digital asset to a spot ETF offering, using Bitcoin as an example. Johnsson noted that the process for Bitcoin took seven years, involving multiple steps and disapprovals along the way. 

However, Johnsson noted that the timeline for Ethereum is compressing, with applications open for both futures ETFs and spot ETFs. He suggested certain prerequisites that Johnsson believes may no longer be necessary for spot approval, such as Step 3, which requires the SEC to issue a formal 19b-4 approval for the futures ETF.

Johnsson highlighted two key factors to understand the SEC’s current approach to future approvals, including Ethereum. Firstly, he discussed the threshold question in the context of the Grayscale ruling, which focused on correlation analysis. 

Secondly, Johnsson emphasized the SEC’s view, as bounded by the recent BTC approval order, which considers correlation with the CME, a lengthy sample period, intra-day trading data, and consistency throughout the sample period.

While the specific threshold for sufficiency remains unknown, the correlation analysis for Bitcoin is within an acceptable range. Therefore, it is expected that Ethereum will likely meet this threshold in the foreseeable future, Johnsson suggests. 

Once the required level of correlation is achieved, Johnsson believes that approval for spot Ethereum ETFs is likely to follow shortly after that, with May being the expected month of approval. 

Overall, industry analysts and experts suggest that the SEC’s approval of spot Ethereum ETFs is a matter of time, barring any major legal shifts. 

Ethereum ETFs

ETH is currently trading at $2,370, up more than 2% in the past 24 hours and more than 7% in the past seven days, following Bitcoin’s lead.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

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American Investment Bank TD Cowen Says Ethereum ETF Will Be Delayed

Despite the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) granting approval for Spot Bitcoin ETFs, TD Cowen, a prominent American investment bank and financial service firm, foresees potential delays in the approval process of Ethereum Spot ETFs. 

Ethereum Spot ETF Faces Potential Hold-Up

TD Cowen, an investment bank and financial service division of TD Securities has made a bold forecast, predicting that the US SEC is unlikely to approve Ethereum Spot ETFs before its deadline. Presently, the SEC is obligated to make its final decision on its rejection or acceptance of Ethereum Spot ETF from May 23 to August 7, 2024. 

Earlier on January 10, the SEC officially approved Spot Bitcoin ETFs, triggering expectations that ETH Spot ETFs would follow suit. Several major firms including Ark 21 Shares, VanEck, Fidelity, BlackRock, and Hashdex have submitted applications for a Spot Ethereum ETF. Additionally, the regulatory agency has fixed a new deadline for Grayscale’s Ethereum Spot ETF to January 25. 

TD Cowen’s predictions align with the SEC’s typical cautionary approach towards cryptocurrency-related investment products. The investment bank has disclosed that the regulator may delay ETH Spot ETFs until it accumulates sufficient knowledge and experience from its previously approved Bitcoin Spot ETFs. The bank estimates that while the delay may not take as long as 26 months, it is likely to persist beyond the upcoming elections.

Similarly, Scott Melker, a crypto investor on X (formerly Twitter) has highlighted the possibility of the SEC hesitating to approve Ethereum Spot ETFs. Melker predicted that the SEC would be reluctant to approve Ethereum ETFs without external legal pressures similar to those observed during the approval process of Spot Bitcoin ETFs. 

“Gary Gensler isn’t going to entertain an Ethereum Spot ETF unless the courts force it on him. I very seriously doubt we will see one anytime soon, but would love to be proven wrong,” Melker stated. 

Ethereum price chart from Tradingview.com

Class Before Approval

JP Morgan, an American multinational financial service firm has introduced another layer of complexity in the approval process of Ethereum Spot ETFs. Managing Director at JP Morgan, Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou stated that there was a 50% chance of the US SEC approving these Spot ETFs by its May deadline. 

Panigirtzoglou revealed that the SEC would need to classify ETH as a commodity, similar to Bitcoin before it can officially grant authorization for Spot Ethereum ETFs. 

In contrast, Bloomberg senior analyst, Eric Balchunas is more optimistic on Ethereum Spot ETF approvals. The analyst has disclosed a 70% chance of the SEC approving ETH Spot ETFs. Balchunas said previously that he could not imagine a scenario where the SEC would approve Spot Bitcoin ETFs and reject Ethereum Spot Bitcoin ETFs. 

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Valkyrie CIO Anticipates XRP And Ethereum Spot ETFs Following Bitcoin’s Approval

While Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications are still awaiting approval from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), executives from asset management firms are already speculating about the potential launch of spot ETFs for other major cryptocurrencies, including XRP and Ethereum (ETH). 

Valkyrie Invest’s Chief Investment Officer, Steven McClurg, expressed his belief that the SEC’s potential approval of a Bitcoin ETF could pave the way for similar offerings in the XRP and Ethereum markets. 

However, regulatory challenges and classifying XRP and Ethereum as securities may present hurdles toward these index funds.

XRP And Ethereum Spot ETF Potential Hurdles

Unlike Bitcoin, which has been classified as a commodity by regulators, XRP and Ethereum have been deemed securities. This divergence in classification poses potential difficulties and may necessitate a more complex approval process for spot ETFs tracking these cryptocurrencies. 

The anticipated impact of spot ETF approval on the XRP and Ethereum price would mirror the pattern seen with Bitcoin. Still, the SEC’s skepticism towards the broader cryptocurrency market could pose additional hurdles for XRP and Ethereum ETFs.

Nevertheless, the outcome of the ongoing Ripple vs. SEC case holds significant implications and could hold the key for the cryptocurrency industry to pursue these index funds for other cryptocurrencies. 

If Ripple, the blockchain payment company associated with XRP, emerges victorious and is not classified as a security by Judge Analisa Torres, it could establish a precedent for asset managers seeking to apply for an XRP ETF. 

This legal precedent could also prompt potential litigation against the SEC to support an Ethereum ETF application.

While discussions revolve around the possibility of spot ETFs for XRP and Ethereum, there is still uncertainty surrounding the approval of Bitcoin ETFs. 

The SEC may reject or delay the pending applications, making it uncertain whether these other index funds will materialize. Furthermore, US regulators’ current classification of XRP and Ethereum as securities adds an additional layer of complexity to their respective ETF prospects.

Bitcoin ETF Decision Imminent

As reported on Monday by NewsBTC, Sources close to the process have indicated that the ultimate approval for Bitcoin ETFs may come on Wednesday. 

CNBC’s sources suggest that this coincides with the application deadline for Ark Invest and 21 Shares, raising the possibility of a potential trading launch between Thursday and Friday. Several applications are expected to receive the green light, pending updates from the SEC on the filings.

Overall, as anticipation builds around the potential approval of Bitcoin ETFs, asset managers are already contemplating the prospect of spot ETFs for other major cryptocurrencies like XRP and Ethereum. 

However, the regulatory challenges and the classification of XRP and Ethereum as securities present significant hurdles for these index funds. The Ripple vs. SEC case outcome could have far-reaching implications, potentially setting a legal precedent for asset managers to pursue XRP and Ethereum ETFs. 

XRP

XRP is trading at $0.5673, showing a lack of bullish momentum with a 1% decline in the past 24 hours. Furthermore, it has experienced a continuous downtrend of 13% over the past 30 days.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

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2 Reasons Why An Ethereum Mega Bull Run Is Inevitable

While the recent Bitcoin and crypto momentum is cooling off, Ethereum (ETH) rejects lower lows, especially against Bitcoin (BTC). Taking to X on December 8, decentralized finance (DeFi) researcher DefiIgnas shared insights that suggest ETH could be on the verge of a rally that would potentially see the second most valuable coin usurp BTC’s current position as the best-performing asset. 

Reasons That Might Drive Ethereum Bulls

The researcher observed that ETH is down 24% versus BTC in 2023. However, multiple fundamental indicators show that this is about to change. First, DefiIgnas noted that crypto investors are increasingly drawn to discounted Grayscale Ethereum Trust (GETH), which has been rallying over the past few months, outperforming Ethereum spot prices. 

GETH surged by 298% in the past few months, while ETH only rose by around 100% in the same period. As GETH share prices increased, its discount with spot ETH decreased. This means more capital indirectly flowed into ETH, leading to higher demand.

Money flowing into GETH | Source: @DefiIgnas on X

Besides GETH rising, the researcher remains bullish on Ethereum because of the recent developments surrounding the approval of the first spot Bitcoin ETF. The crypto community expects the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to authorize multiple products, including those proposed by Fidelity and BlackRock.

In DefiIgnas’ assessment, once the spot Bitcoin ETF goes live, likely in early 2024, all “attention, narrative, and speculation” will shift toward the agency approving the first spot Ethereum ETF. BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has already applied with the SEC to issue the first spot Ethereum ETF.

The expected activation of the Cancun upgrade in H1 2024 will also likely support Ethereum prices. Over the years, Ethereum has integrated multiple upgrades. This includes shifting to proof-of-stake (PoS) from proof-of-work (PoW) and overhauling their fee auction mechanism, introducing ETH burning.

However, with Cancun, the goal is to directly enhance the main net’s capabilities by activating several proposals, including EIP-4844 proto-dank sharding, which aims to reduce gas fees associated with rollups. This update will further cement Ethereum’s quest to significantly increase on-chain scalability and reduce gas fees over the years.

ETH Looks Firm, Resistance At November Highs

At spot rates, ETH is firm versus BTC, looking at the candlestick arrangement in the daily chart. How prices react in the days ahead remains to be seen.

ETHBTC price trending upward on the daily chart | Source: ETHBTC on Binance, TradingView

Even so, if there is confirmation of the December 7 gains, ETH might extend gains. In that case, it can break above the current consolidation as bulls aim to break above November 2023 highs of around 0.058 BTC.

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Ethereum At $2,200 Is “Hilarious”; Is A 10X Incoming?

Crypto investor Ryan Sean Adams argued on December 4 that Ethereum’s (ETH) current valuation of around $2,200 is almost “hilarious” given the strengthening on-chain activity and the blockchain’s role in the sphere.

Venture Capitalist: Here’s Why Ethereum Is Grossly Undervalued

Adams cited data like the first smart contract platform generating billions annually in “gas” fees, transitioning to becoming deflationary after merging in September 2021, and the over one million validators staking earning over 5% as rewards. Moreover, the venture capitalist pointed out the potential of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approving spot Ethereum ETFs in the long run. 

For now, BlackRock and Fidelity, two of the world’s most prominent traditional finance players, have applied to issue these derivative products. Though the SEC has yet to approve any spot crypto ETFs, the agency will authorize one or multiple, likely in early Q1 2024. 

Overall, the crypto market expects any spot ETF, including that of Ethereum, to attract billions in institutional capital. Beyond external factors like the SEC and ETFs talk, Adams also pointed out the rising demand for mainnet block space from the multiple layer-2 solutions running off-chain rollups parallel to Ethereum. 

ETH Value Draws From On-Chain Activities

According to L2Beat, Ethereum layer-2 solutions have over $14.9 billion as total value locked (TVL), with the most prominent platforms, including Arbitrum One, OP Mainnet, Starknet, and Base, commanding billions and processing tens of thousands of transactions daily. In the past week, Adams observed that leading layer-2 rollups were the top 10 consumers of Ethereum block space.

Ethereum layer-2 TVL | Source: L2 Beat

Comparing Ethereum using traditional metrics like price-earnings (P/E) ratios that compare favorably to technology companies like Amazon and Zoom, Adams suggested that Ethereum’s upside is almost mathematically unavoidable this cycle.

The venture capitalist, based on the above factors, thinks Ethereum could likely be 10x, pushing the coin to over $22,000 per coin. Even so, the investor can’t precisely gauge how long the markets will “stay irrational,” grossly undervaluing the second most valuable coin.

Ethereum price trending higher on the daily chart | Source: ETHUSDT on Binance, TradingView

In response, Uniswap founder Hayden Adams agreed Ethereum fundamentals would fuel appreciation. Even so, the founder thinks Ethereum derives strength not from speculation attributes, as Ryan Sean Adams laid out. The Uniswap founder is confident that demand from active protocols launching on the mainnet and competing for scarce block space will directly pump prices.

Over 14,900 ETH burned in the last month | Source: Ultra Sound Money

According to Ultra Sound Money, Uniswap helps Ethereum burn the most coins. In the last month alone, Uniswap took over 14,900 ETH out of circulation, helping the network become more deflationary.

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Ethereum At $2,200 Is “Hilarious”; Is A 10X Incoming?

Crypto investor Ryan Sean Adams argued on December 4 that Ethereum’s (ETH) current valuation of around $2,200 is almost “hilarious” given the strengthening on-chain activity and the blockchain’s role in the sphere.

Venture Capitalist: Here’s Why Ethereum Is Grossly Undervalued

Adams cited data like the first smart contract platform generating billions annually in “gas” fees, transitioning to becoming deflationary after merging in September 2021, and the over one million validators staking earning over 5% as rewards. Moreover, the venture capitalist pointed out the potential of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approving spot Ethereum ETFs in the long run. 

For now, BlackRock and Fidelity, two of the world’s most prominent traditional finance players, have applied to issue these derivative products. Though the SEC has yet to approve any spot crypto ETFs, the agency will authorize one or multiple, likely in early Q1 2024. 

Overall, the crypto market expects any spot ETF, including that of Ethereum, to attract billions in institutional capital. Beyond external factors like the SEC and ETFs talk, Adams also pointed out the rising demand for mainnet block space from the multiple layer-2 solutions running off-chain rollups parallel to Ethereum. 

ETH Value Draws From On-Chain Activities

According to L2Beat, Ethereum layer-2 solutions have over $14.9 billion as total value locked (TVL), with the most prominent platforms, including Arbitrum One, OP Mainnet, Starknet, and Base, commanding billions and processing tens of thousands of transactions daily. In the past week, Adams observed that leading layer-2 rollups were the top 10 consumers of Ethereum block space.

Ethereum layer-2 TVL | Source: L2 Beat

Comparing Ethereum using traditional metrics like price-earnings (P/E) ratios that compare favorably to technology companies like Amazon and Zoom, Adams suggested that Ethereum’s upside is almost mathematically unavoidable this cycle.

The venture capitalist, based on the above factors, thinks Ethereum could likely be 10x, pushing the coin to over $22,000 per coin. Even so, the investor can’t precisely gauge how long the markets will “stay irrational,” grossly undervaluing the second most valuable coin.

Ethereum price trending higher on the daily chart | Source: ETHUSDT on Binance, TradingView

In response, Uniswap founder Hayden Adams agreed Ethereum fundamentals would fuel appreciation. Even so, the founder thinks Ethereum derives strength not from speculation attributes, as Ryan Sean Adams laid out. The Uniswap founder is confident that demand from active protocols launching on the mainnet and competing for scarce block space will directly pump prices.

Over 14,900 ETH burned in the last month | Source: Ultra Sound Money

According to Ultra Sound Money, Uniswap helps Ethereum burn the most coins. In the last month alone, Uniswap took over 14,900 ETH out of circulation, helping the network become more deflationary.

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How Have Ethereum Futures ETFs Fared So Far? Data Reveals Shocking Numbers

Apart from Spot Bitcoin ETFs, Ethereum Futures ETFs have been the talk of the crypto industry for months as investors look toward a catalyst for the next bull run. However, data has shown the highly anticipated ETFs have had underwhelming results in trading volume. 

Although the crypto market has witnessed some gains in the past few days, this hasn’t flowed into Ethereum Futures ETFs as investors seem hesitant to adopt these new Ethereum investment vehicles.

How Have Ethereum Futures ETFs Fared So Far?

Ethereum futures ETFs provide indirect exposure to the price of ETH through futures contracts and Nine Ethereum Futures ETFs were introduced to the market on Monday, October 2nd. These include ETFs by ProShares, VanEck, Bitwise, and other financial firms following a year of anticipation. 

As the second biggest cryptocurrency by market cap, many expected the ETFs to take off quickly and piggyback on the early success of Bitcoin Futures ETFs. However, data shows the trading volume for these new products has remained relatively low so far.  

According to a report by Bloomberg, these nine futures ETFs attracted $1.92 million in the 24 hours after launch. Most of this trading occurred in the ProShares Ether Strategy ETF which contributed over 45% of trading volume. 

According to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence, trading volume reached $15.6 million on Wednesday. At the moment, the inflows are being led by the VanEck Ethereum Strategy ETF (EFUT), which has $8.27 million, followed by the ProShares Ether Strategy ETF (EETH), which has $5.96 million. 

In comparison, Bitcoin Futures ETFs registered $1 billion in trading volume within the first 24 hours after launch. But it’s important to note that the market sentiment during these two periods wasn’t the same. Bitcoin futures ETFs were launched during the peak of the 2021 crypto bull market, and cryptocurrencies have had major pullbacks since then. 

Future Outlook Of ETH

While Ethereum futures ETFs provide a new way to gain exposure to Ethereum, low trading volume shows they have yet to gain major mainstream interest. These ETFs were supposed to be a sustained catalyst for the price of Ethereum, but this has not been the case. 

Ethereum Spot ETFs have also been in the talks, with ARK Invest filing the first application in early September. If granted approval, spot ETFs are more likely to have a better performance than futures ETFs.

Despite Ethereum pushing over $1,700 on Monday after the launch of the futures ETFs, it has since lost all those gains. At the time of writing, Ethereum is trading at $1,630. 

Ethereum price chart from TradingView.com (Ethereum Futures ETFs)

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Ethereum ETFs Face Lackluster Debut From Small Investors: Is The Hype Fizzling Out?

Yesterday’s launch of futures-based Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) delivered underwhelming results, with shallow trading volumes indicating a deficient demand for ETH exposure.

Furthermore, a recent report by The Wall Street Journal report by The Wall Street Journal, it was revealed that the launch of the first Ethereum exchange-traded funds on Monday generated little interest from small investors. 

These ETFs provided individual investors access to the second-largest cryptocurrency through brokerage accounts. However, per the report, most of the futures-based Ether ETFs ended the day in the red, with a combined trading volume of less than $2 million.

Red Flags For Ethereum ETFs?

The Ether ETFs, offered by prominent asset management firms such as ProShares, VanEck, and Bitwise Asset Management, are entering a highly competitive market. Experts believe these funds will have to compete fiercely in cost and marketing strategies to attract investors amidst the crowded landscape.

Eric Balchunas, senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, expressed his concerns regarding the funds, stating: 

A lot of these funds are going to struggle to get assets. There’s probably only room for one stud in this race.

During a Bloomberg TV appearance, Balchunas emphasized the relatively low trading volume of the Ethereum ETFs compared to BITO, a Bitcoin (BTC) ETF that tracks the price of BTC using Bitcoin Futures launched in 2021. 

Notably, the trading environment for the first futures-based Ether ETFs differs significantly from the first futures-based Bitcoin ETFs. ProShares’ initial Bitcoin ETF (BITO) debut, which took place during the peak of the crypto bull market, was one of the most highly traded ETF launches ever. 

Conversely, on the inaugural trading day of Ether future ETFs, the value traded amounted to nearly $1.9 million by noon, with Valkyrie emerging as the frontrunner in the race for Ether futures ETFs. Initially focused on Bitcoin futures and later expanded to include Ether, the fund experienced a 3.9% increase.

VanEck’s EFUT managed to generate some volume by launching ahead of its competitors. However, volumes quickly dwindled, with a staggering 49% of EFUT’s daily volume occurring within its first trading minute. 

Disappointing Launch Day For Futures-Based ETH

Senior analyst of k33 research, Vetle Lunde, suggests that this lackluster launch points to more choppy market conditions ahead. The highly anticipated launch day failed to meet market expectations, reminiscent of the underwhelming debut of Bakkt. 

This sheds light on a seemingly “non-existent” demand for additional crypto exposure, indicating a continuation of the current consolidation range in the market.

In defense of the lackluster ETF launch, it is worth noting that activity in crypto ETFs has been consistently shallow in recent months. BITO, for example, has witnessed consistent outflows since mid-July and experienced its third-lowest average daily volume (ADV) in September 2023, surpassed only by volumes in August and December 2022.

The Ethereum futures products launched on Monday, along with their respective net expense ratios, include:

  • BitWise Ethereum Strategy ETF (AETH) – 0.85%
  • Bitwise Bitcoin and Ether Equal Weight Strategy ETF (BTOP) – 0.85%
  • ProShares Ether Strategy ETF (EETH) – 0.95%
  • ProShares Bitcoin & Ether Equal Weight Strategy ETF (BETE) – 0.95%
  • Bitcoin & Ether Market Cap Weight Strategy ETF (BETH) – 0.95%
  • VanEck Ethereum Strategy ETF (EFUT) – 0.66%.

Ethereum

The disappointing debut of futures-based ETH ETFs underscores the challenges in generating substantial investor interest in crypto ETFs. As the crypto market continues to evolve, market participants will closely monitor developments and assess the impact on investor sentiment and the future of crypto ETFs.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

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ETH Price Rally On The Horizon: Ether Futures ETFs Poised For October 3 Approval

In an unexpected turn of events, Ethereum (ETH) Futures Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are drawing closer to fruition, potentially becoming available for trading as early as October 3, which could be a significant catalyst for ETH price.

Renowned Bloomberg ETF expert Erich Balchunas recently shared insights indicating that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) might expedite its approval process to avoid potential disruptions caused by a looming government shutdown.

SEC Considers Fast-Tracking Ether ETFs

A government shutdown, which could go into effect if Congress and President Biden fail to reach an agreement on a budget or a short-term continuing resolution by September 30, entails suspending most federal government functions. 

The implications of a shutdown extend beyond its duration, as services provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may experience disruptions and delays, affecting citizens both during the shutdown and while federal agencies strive to regain momentum once it ends.

NBC reports that a government shutdown is increasingly likely if Congress does not take swift action. While Congress convened on Wednesday, progress in breaking the impasse has been limited. 

President Joe Biden expressed optimism, stating that a shutdown is not inevitable and urging House Republicans to fulfill their responsibilities by funding the government. 

In light of these developments, Erich Balchunas believes that recent actions taken by the SEC indicate its intention to expedite decision-making processes, as evidenced by the postponement of several spot Bitcoin ETFs weeks ahead of schedule. 

To potentially preempt the impact of an impending shutdown, the SEC may aim to accelerate the launch schedule for Ethereum ETFs. If this occurs, ETF issuers would likely need to submit their final prospectus this week to allow for an effective launch as early as October 2.

Supporting Balchunas’ perspective, Bloomberg Intelligence analyst James Seyffart concurred: 

Nothing yet but watching for filings to indicate Ethereum Futures ETFs are indeed being accelerated for launch next week. We expect a lot more filings from the SEC today as they continue to clear their desks as much as possible before the shut down. Normalcy is out the window

These updates reinforce the notion that Ether futures ETFs are likely to receive approval immediately, aligning with a recent Bloomberg report that posited a 90% chance of their launch in October.

However, until the SEC officially announces its decision, the crypto community remains on tenterhooks, eagerly anticipating the potential groundbreaking debut of Ether Futures ETFs by October 3.

ETH Price Shows Resilience With Upward Momentum 

Ethereum (ETH) has exhibited a significant upward movement in the past week, marking a positive trend extending into the past 24 hours. 

Over the past seven days, ETH has recorded a gain of over 4%, while within the last 24 hours, it has seen a rise of more than 3%. As of the latest update, ETH is currently trading at $1,662. This notable surge in price comes at a crucial juncture, with the monthly close approaching. 

A favorable outcome for Ethereum in these time frames could potentially set the stage for bullish price action in October, particularly with the prospective approval of Ether Futures Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).

ETH Price

Although breaking the overall downtrend structure has proven challenging for bullish investors, a close above the $1,650 mark would position the cryptocurrency favorably for a bullish October. This is a critical resistance level to overcome, and surpassing it would instill renewed optimism in the market.

Featured image from iStock, chart from TradingView.com 

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BREAKING: Valkyrie Secures Green Light For Ethereum Futures ETF, Trading Launching Tomorrow

According to a recent FOX Business report, Valkyrie Investments has secured approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch the first exchange-traded fund (ETF) featuring Ethereum (ETH) futures. 

This achievement positions Valkyrie as the frontrunner among nine issuers seeking to provide investors with an opportunity to speculate on the future price of the world’s second-largest digital asset through an ETF.

Valkyrie Emerges As First Mover In Ethereum Futures ETF Race

Ether, the native token of the Ethereum blockchain, currently holds a value of approximately $1,659 per token. Valkyrie aims to enhance retail participation in the crypto market by introducing an ETF that tracks Ether futures. 

Ethereum

According to FOX, Valkyrie Investments plans to merge its existing Bitcoin (BTC) futures ETF with the newly introduced Ether futures ETF, creating a combined fund named “the Valkyrie Bitcoin and Ether Strategy ETF”. 

Notably, the ETF’s Nasdaq ticker, BTF, will remain unchanged. The fund’s strategy includes opportunistically purchasing Ethereum futures, reflecting the growing interest in this digital asset over the past year.

Originally scheduled to commence trading on October 3, Valkyrie expedited its launch in response to the possibility of a government shutdown on Friday, a development that would limit SEC operations. 

With nearly two million federal workers facing layoffs without a funding agreement, Gensler has urged companies planning to go public to expedite their offerings before the shutdown occurs. 

The fate of the Ether futures applicants remains uncertain, as the SEC has requested that they update their filings with any additional information by Friday afternoon.

Lastly, Steven McClurg, Chief Investment Officer at Valkyrie, expressed enthusiasm about being at the forefront of offering Ethereum futures to investors, recognizing the exponential growth in interest surrounding this asset class. 

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

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Bitwise Withdraws Application, A Big Blow To Ethereum ETFs?

In a recent development, asset manager Bitwise has withdrawn its application to transform its existing Bitcoin futures ETF (Bitwise Bitcoin Strategy Optimum Roll ETF) to one that invests in both Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts. 

This has raised speculations about the reason for this decision and what it means for the Ethereum futures ETFs projected to launch in October.

Why Bitwise Withdrew Its Application

Reporting this development on his X (formerly Twitter) platform, Bloomberg Analyst James Seyffart stated that the asset manager has chosen to maintain only its Bitcoin exposure following this move. 

Many were more concerned about the reason for this decision. To clarify, Seyffart stated that the Asset manager may have made this decision simply because it doesn’t see the “benefit in having a dual BTC and ETH ETF,” especially considering that their Ethereum futures ETF is expected to launch only a few days after the first one launches. 

Seyffart also believes the firm’s Optimum Roll ETF investors may have preferred only exposure to Bitcoin rather than Bitcoin and Ethereum, which prompted the decision. 

This development comes after Bitwise had withdrawn its application for its Bitwise Bitcoin and Ether Market Cap Weight Strategy ETF, which it filed with the SEC on August 3. The asset manager had made its decision known in a filing to the SEC dated August 31. 

Meanwhile, the filing with the SEC to withdraw its Bitwise Bitcoin and Ether Equal Weight Strategy ETF application is dated September 22.

Ethereum price chart from Tradingview.com (Bitwise ETF)

What Now For Bitwise And Ethereum Futures ETF

It is worth mentioning that Bitwise isn’t backing out of the Ethereum futures ETF race despite these recent developments. The asset manager still has its Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF application with the SEC, with the fund seeking to invest in Ethereum futures contracts. 

The withdrawals have also not affected Seyffart’s optimism about the launch of several Ethereum futures ETFs in October as he believes there isn’t much meaning to read into the asset manager’s actions than it being “some sort of product decision.”

He noted that the only time there may be reason for concern is if Valkyrie were to withdraw its application. Like Bitwise, Valkyrie had also applied to the SEC to transform its Bitcoin futures ETF (Valkyrie Bitcoin Strategy ETF) into a fund that invests in both Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts. 

Barring any denial by the SEC, asset managers like Volatility Shares, VanEck, ProShares, Roundhill, and even Bitwise are expected to launch their Ethereum futures ETF in October. 

Based on their respective filing dates, Volatility Shares is set to gain a first-mover advantage, launching on October 12, while others are expected to launch after. 

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Grayscale Takes New Approach As It Files For Another Ethereum Futures ETF

On the back of its partial victory against the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Grayscale has applied to the Commission for another Ethereum Futures Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF).

Why Another ETH Futures ETF?

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Grayscale Investments filed this application on September 20. This development may come as a surprise to many, considering that the asset manager had filed an earlier application to offer this same investment vehicle. As such, this will represent its third application (Grayscale withdrew its first application due to SEC concerns before filing another one in July).

There is, however, a distinction between both applications, as WSJ noted. The latest application is filed under the Securities Act of 1933, a regulation under which spot Bitcoin ETFs like BlackRock’s filed. Meanwhile, the initial application was filed under the Investment Company Act of 1940, a regulation which securities-based ETFs are registered under. 

While the exact reason for Grayscale’s action remains unknown, it may be a contingency plan in case the SEC denies its initial proposed Ethereum futures ETF, which is expected to launch in October, barring any denial.

Grayscale’s filing under the Securities Act of 1933 isn’t the first, as Brazilian investment firm Hashdex filed its Ethereum ETF application under that Act. Last week, Hashdex applied with the SEC to offer a fund that will hold both Ether futures contracts and a Spot Ethereum ETF (the first of its kind).

The firm justified this move by stating that a combination of both markets will help mitigate the risk of market manipulation.

Hashdex’s application has been singled out for how distinct it is from other applications. The investment firm has proposed to use the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) to track the price of Ethereum and also plans to buy the Ether, which the fund will hold from the CME Market’s Exchange for Physical (EFP) transactions. 

Ethereum price chart from Tradingview.com (Ethereum Futures ETF Grayscale)

Ethereum Futures ETF Imminent?

Several Ethereum futures ETFs are expected to hit the market in October, barring a denial by the SEC. Rule 485(a) of the SEC Rules allows these ETFs to launch 75 days from their respective filing dates if the SEC doesn’t deny them before then. 

In line with this, the ETFs of fund managers like Volatility Shares, Bitwise, VanEck, ProShares, and Roundhill will be the first to launch if they receive approval from the SEC.

Volatility Shares was the first among them to apply to offer Ethereum futures ETF. As such, it will gain the first-mover advantage, carrying a possible October 12 launch date, with others coming after. However, this is subject to any decision by the SEC.

The SEC approving an Ethereum ETF will be a historical event that is expected to give the crypto market a much-needed boost as the bear market continues to linger. There are already forecasts that ETH’s price could rise above $2,000 when these funds launch. 

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Ethereum ETF Race Gets Hotter As SEC Receives 11 Filings In One Week

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been flooded with many applications for Ethereum (ETH) Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in just one week. The applications currently stand at 12, with the latest addition coming from ProShares, a popular fund manager. 

The platform filed four applications for Ether-based ETFs, including a dual Ether and Bitcoin futures strategy ETF, an Ether Strategy ETF, and a short Ether Strategy ETF. 

Will The SEC Approve An Ethereum Futures ETF?

The recent surge in applications started on the 28th of July this year after Volatility Shares filed its application. Ever since, other asset management companies, including ProShares, Roundhill Financial,  Bitwise, Van Eck, and Grayscale Investment, have filled submissions, with some bringing multiple applications. 

The most recent application, filed on August 3 by ProShares, proposes an equal-weight Bitcoin and Ether ETF to measure the performance of holding long positions in the nearest maturing monthly Ether and Bitcoin contracts. 

According to renowned Financial Expert at Bloomberg Intelligence, James Seyffart, ProShare filed four separate applications with the SEC. Bitwise also submitted three applications, while Grayscale Investments filed two applications. 

However, despite the growing optimism, it remains to be seen if the Securities and Exchange Commission will approve these filings. The SEC has never approved an ETF that tracks Ether Futures contracts, unlike Bitcoin Futures ETFs that have been around since October 2021.

Many market experts have argued that these applications are a mere gamble by these asset management companies, who do not want to miss out on being the first Ethereum ETF in the United States. 

Ethereum (ETH) price chart from Tradingview.com (ETFs)

The likelihood of receiving the SEC’s approval remains slim as the regulatory body has never approved an Ethereum futures ETF filing. Add to the mix the consistent refusal of SEC’s Chair, Gary Gensler, consistent refusal to answer if the agency considers ETH a security. This has further compounded regulatory uncertainty around the network.

If none of the applications before the SEC get denied, the Ether ETFs will launch 75 days from their respective filing dates. Analysts expect the Volatility Shares ETF to lead the charge on 12th October. 

Understanding The Difference Between Futures And Spot ETF Products

The primary difference between futures and spot ETF products lies in the fact that while the former tracks the price of futures contracts, the latter requires the issuers to purchase the underlying assets. Spot ETFs are generally considered more valid since they require the fund manager to purchase and hold underlying assets. 

The current spike in Ether-based applications comes amidst a wave of filings from leading asset management companies, including BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, among others. These companies are looking to offer the first spot in Bitcoin ETF in the US. 

Investors and members of the crypto community remain expectant of the outcome of the SEC’s consideration of the applications lying before it. Whatever decision the agency takes is likely to affect the attractiveness and accessibility of crypto investments, especially for larger institutional investors. 

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Ethereum Price Could Break Above $2,000 If This Happens

Ethereum price is currently still below $2,000 but this could quickly change if some things were to come to pass. Some of the most notable things that have been going on for the cryptocurrency include the multiple exchange-traded funds (ETFs) filings that have been made to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

When Will An Ethereum ETF Be Approved?

The topic of Ethereum futures ETFs has become hotter especially after Bitcoin futures ETFs received multiple approvals from the SEC since 2021. However, even two years after the first Bitcoin futures ETF was approved, the regulator is still yet to approve an Ethereum futures ETF.

Despite this, investment firms have remained undeterred as they have continued to file for Ethereum futures ETFs. As reported by NewsBTC, there are now a total of six ETH futures ETF filings with the SEC after Grayscale refiled its application with the regulator. In addition to Grayscale, VanEck, ProShares, Volatility Shares, Bitwise, and Roundhill all have pending applications with the commission.

With so many interested applications, there is now mounting pressure on the SEC to approve the first Ethereum futures ETF to trade in the country. And according to people familiar with the matter, it may not be much longer until the first ETF is approved for trading.

The reason behind this is the fact that the regulator had previously asked interested parties to halt activities regarding applying for ETH ETFs. However, with the re-filings and new filings, it signals that the SEC may finally be ready to review the applications and consider them.

Ethereum (ETH) price chart from Tradingview.com

What Happens When An ETF Gets Approved?

The anticipation around a possible approval for an Ethereum futures ETF is mostly the implications of such an occurrence. Like in 2021 when the first Bitcoin futures ETF was approved in October, the price of BTC surged drastically, reaching a new all-time high price just a month later.

ETFs are an instrument that helps to bring more volume to an asset and if an ETH ETF gets approved, the price of ETH is expected to rally. This would be the result of a combination of the new volume and interest, as well as the euphoria that comes with it. An ETF approval would likely push the price of ETH above $2,000 and could trigger another bull rally for the coin.

Currently, all eyes are on October 16, 2023, when one new filing and four re-filings for Ethereum futures ETFs become active.

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Ethereum ETFs Heat Up As Filings With SEC Climbs To Six

The latest sign of crypto going mainstream among traditional investors is the race heating up to launch the first exchange-traded fund (ETF) tied to Ethereum futures. In recent weeks, six companies have filed proposals with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch Ethereum futures ETFs. 

The Race To Launch An Ethereum Futures ETF

Cryptocurrency ETFs track the price of the digital currencies they are tied to and they are not a new thing in the crypto industry. Bitcoin futures have gained popularity in recent years and are already being offered by popular investment companies. 

However, with bitcoin futures ETFs now established, it is only natural for the next hot product to be an Ethereum futures ETF. So far, more than 10 Ethereum futures ETFs have been filed in the past, but none have been approved by the SEC.

Volatility Shares Ether Strategy ETF was the first to be filed on July 28. Since then, Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF, Roundhill Ether Strategy ETF, VanEck’s Ethereum Strategy ETF, and Proshares Short Ether Strategy ETF have been filed and are awaiting clearance, as reported by Bloomberg Intelligence. 

Now, Grayscale Investments is also looking to join the pack with its new Ethereum Futures ETF filing. After withdrawing its filing earlier due to SEC concerns, the digital currency asset management company is now back with a better application. Bitwise, another crypto index fund manager, also withdrew its previous filing at the same time. 

Ethereum price chart from Tradingview.com (Ethereum ETFs)

According to the filing, the majority of the Grayscale Investments fund’s assets would be placed in Ether futures contracts with “front-month” maturities, which have “the shortest time to maturity.”  The company also intends to diversify into other Ethereum contracts in the coming future. 

Why Ethereum Futures ETFs Are Gaining Traction

The buzz around crypto ETFs was recently ignited by the news of BlackRock and other investment companies filing applications with the SEC for Spot Bitcoin ETFs. However, the SEC is still yet to give the go-ahead, citing failure to meet anti-fraud and investor protection standards in past applications. 

Analysts report that BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF could unlock $30 trillion worth of wealth. Of course, there’s no guarantee if or when they may get the green light.

For crypto investors and the industry, an Ethereum futures ETF would no doubt be a game changer. If approved, Ethereum futures would become available to investors 75 days after the application date. It would provide an easy, low-cost way for investors of these investment companies to gain exposure to the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap. 

As for ETH’s spot price, it has been struggling to break above $2,000 this year. At the time of writing, ETH is trading at $1,843.96. But if the filings are approved by the SEC, it may signal the beginning of the next Ethereum bull run.

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Canada Marks Launch Of First Bitcoin, Ethereum ETFs With Monthly Payouts

ETFs have been trading in the United States, Canada, and some other countries for a while now. These ETFs have made strides so far with high volumes traded in throughout their existence in the market. However, none of these ETFs have offered mostly dividends to their investors. An asset management firm in Canada has now made history as the first to offer a monthly yield to those invested in its ETF.

Edging Towards The Future

Purpose Investment has first made headlines in February when it created the first North American ETF that tracks the price of Bitcoin. This time around, the investment firm has made another stride in becoming the first to launch an ETF that pays monthly yields to investment. This puts Canada at the front of the race when it comes to crypto ETFs and the purposes which they serve.

Related Reading | Market Analysts Explain Why This Correction Is Good For Bitcoin

The Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF will offer investors monthly yields using a derivatives-based covered call strategy. Like the ETFs, the strategy is another first of its kind in the crypto market.

The annual yield of the ETFs is also attractive according to estimates. Market experts explained that although there is no way to guarantee what the amount would be each month, it is expected to be the equivalent of 8% to 10% annual yield, with 1.10% going to the firm as a management fee.

BTC trending south of $57K | Source: BTCUSD on TradingView.com

Canada is ahead of the U.S. in the ETFs market and currently has approved Ethereum ETFs whereas the latter is still yet to approve its first Ethereum ETF. Both Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs offered by Purpose Investment will pay out similar yields and are classified as income in non-registered accounts.

ETFs Making Waves

ETFs have offered investors a way to get exposure to the cryptocurrency market without having to purchase any of the digital assets themselves. The anticipation for their approval shone through with the first-ever Bitcoin ETF approved in the United States, the ProShares Bitcoin Futures ETF, which saw over $1 billion in trading volume after the first day.

Related Reading | Over 1 Milllion ETH Has Been Burned Since Ethereum EIP-1559

ETFs, however, do not shield investors from the highly volatile nature of the market. For the Purpose Investment ETFs, investors are shielded to a certain extent by these fluctuations. They will enjoy the benefits of monthly yields, but will also see limited capital gains compared to those who do not for this reason.

“Given the connection between the volatility of the underlying asset and premiums, covered call strategies on cryptocurrencies offer unique exposure to a unique asset class, providing investors a high yield without sacrificing significant price participation.” – Vlad Taveski, COO & Head Of Product, Purpose Investments

Tasevki told “Yahoo Finance Canada” that investors are allowed to choose if they wish to earn these monthly yields on their investors. It is a way to generate short-term income using covered calls on assets which they believe in.

Featured image from Investment U, chart from TradingView.com