Bitcoin ETF

What is a bitcoin ETF? They are a relatively easy-to-purchase investment vehicle that owns bitcoin (BTC), the original cryptocurrency. Just like stocks, exchange-traded funds are listed on exchanges, can be traded throughout the day and are available for purchase through normal brokerage accounts. A bitcoin ETF was first proposed in the U.S. around 2013 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, but were never approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Several applications for them are pending with the SEC as of January 2024, from companies including BlackRock, Grayscale, Fidelity, Galaxy/Invesco and Franklin Templeton. If approved, crypto ETFs could dramatically broaden the base of people who can invest in digital assets. There have been bitcoin futures ETFs available in the U.S. for several years, but the latest round of proposed products, technically known as spot bitcoin ETFs, are a more efficient and desirable product.

Finance

Bitwise Tops Bitcoin ETF Low-Fee Table, While Grayscale Bets on Size

Just one potential spot bitcoin ETF issuer has set a management fee above 1% as many of the others are asking for less than 0.5%.

By Helene BraunJan 8, 2024

Sign saying fee area ahead on a background of desert shrubland

Policy

With Bitcoin ETF Decision Looming, SEC Chair Gensler Says (Again) That Crypto Is Dangerous

While the industry eagerly awaits the U.S. regulator's decision on spot bitcoin ETFs, Gary Gensler is on X warning investors that crypto is rife with scams.

By Jesse HamiltonJan 8, 2024

SEC Chair Gary Gensler in Washington on Oct. 25, 2023 (Jesse Hamilton/CoinDesk)

Finance

In Bitcoin ETF Battle, Grayscale Is Bringing 'a Gun to a Knife Fight'

The Grayscale Bitcoin Trust's (GBTC) $27 billion of bitcoin and $350 million of daily volume gives Grayscale an advantage versus BlackRock and other wannabe rivals, according to Bloomberg's Eric Balchunas.

By Ian AllisonJan 8, 2024

Finance

BlackRock, Other Potential Bitcoin ETF Providers Reveal Fees

BlackRock said its fee will start at 0.20%, rising to 0.30%.

By Jamie Crawley, Ian AllisonJan 8, 2024

BlackRock's corporate office in New York, New York. (Jim.henderson/Wikimedia Commons)

Markets

Bitcoin ETF Approval Odds Raised to Over 90% by Bloomberg Analysts, Drop on Polymarket

Two influential analysts have tipped odds at over 90% ahead of the Securities and Exchange Commission decision.

By Shaurya MalwaJan 8, 2024

Gary Gensler's SEC must now decide what to do about multiple applications for BTC and ETH ETFs (Jesse Hamilton/CoinDesk)

Policy

Final Bitcoin ETF Application Filings Get Posted by Major U.S. Exchanges

Releasing them suggests they’re confident the SEC will approve the first U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs soon.

By Nikhilesh DeJan 5, 2024

Finance

VanEck to Donate 5% of BTC ETF Profits to Bitcoin Core Developers

The company last year made a similar pledge to Ethereum developers with respect to its ether futures ETF.

By Jamie CrawleyJan 5, 2024

Markets

If a Bitcoin ETF Is Approved, Here’s What May Happen

The SEC is on the brink of approving a first spot bitcoin ETF in the U.S. after 10 years of failed applications.

By Oliver Knight, Omkar GodboleJan 5, 2024

Grafitti of a stylized face and the words What Now? on a white wall

Finance

Bitcoin ETF Fees Will Play Critical Role in the Race to Popularity

So far, only six potential spot bitcoin ETF issuers have revealed their charges, and Fidelity is the cheapest.

By Helene BraunJan 5, 2024

The SEC, under Chair Gary Gensler, is likely to decide on a spot bitcoin ETF in coming days. (Jesse Hamilton/CoinDesk)

Markets

Bitcoin Rebounds Above $44K as Spot BTC ETF Approval Looks Increasingly Likely

Reports swirled Thursday that the SEC was giving final comments to issuers and may approve multiple spot-based bitcoin ETF applications very soon.

By Krisztian SandorJan 4, 2024

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