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.

Markets

The Crypto Market Rally Looks Overdone, JPMorgan Says

Digital assets have seen strong gains in the last month due to excitement about the potential approval of bitcoin spot ETFs, but this bullish sentiment may be misplaced, the report said.

By Will CannyNov 13, 2023

JPMorgan sign on the side of an office building

Markets

Bitcoin Tops $36K as 'ETFs Not Yet Priced in'

Bitwise's CIO sees future upside to bitcoin's price as the world's largest digital asset has 30% this month.

By Sam ReynoldsNov 9, 2023

Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan (Suzanne Cordiero/CoinDesk/Shutterstock)

Policy

U.S. SEC Said to Open Talks with Grayscale on Spot Bitcoin ETF Push

Representatives of the company are answering questions from two divisions of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in the wake of Grayscale's court win over the agency.

By Jesse HamiltonNov 8, 2023

Chair Gary Gensler's U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is said to be in new talks with CEO Michael Sonnenshein's Grayscale Investments over its spot bitcoin ETF application. (Jesse Hamilton/CoinDesk)

Finance

BTC Price Pushes Towards $36K Ahead of 2023's Last Approval Period for Bitcoin ETFs

Analysts at Bloomberg predict that if a spot bitcoin ETF is not approved in this period, there’s still a 90% chance for approval by Jan. 10.

By Helene BraunNov 8, 2023

Chair Gary Gensler's U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is weighing Hashdex's ETF application, which analysts suggest could have a leg up because of its novel approach. (Jesse Hamilton/CoinDesk)

Opinion

Bitcoin ETFs: A Surge of Fresh Capital or Speculation From Crypto Insiders?

How capital from BTC ETFs, if and when approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, will eventually trickle down.

By Juan David Mendieta VillegaNov 7, 2023

Policy

Hong Kong Now Considering Spot Crypto ETFs for Retail Investors: Bloomberg

The move comes a month after authorities in the City updated financial regulations to allow for retail investors to buy spot crypto ETFs.

By Sam ReynoldsNov 6, 2023

Markets

What Happens to Bitcoin Price if Spot ETF Isn’t Approved?

Bitcoin's recent strong performance at least in part is due to optimism regarding the imminent launch of multiple spot ETF products.

By Lyllah LedesmaNov 3, 2023

Policy

Will Hashdex's 'Undeniable' Distinctions Help Win Bitcoin ETF Race? Some Analysts Think So

Hashdex's decision to use CME, a regulated exchange, per the SEC's requirement of a surveillance-sharing agreement (SSA), might set it apart from the group.

By Amitoj SinghNov 2, 2023

Finance

Crypto for Advisors: Opinion: Direct Crypto Ownership Is Best

In this week's issue of Crypto for Advisors, learn why direct ownership of crypto may be in the best interest of the client.

By Sarah Morton, Chris KingNov 2, 2023

Finance

BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF Might Have Trading Support of Heavyweights Like Jane Street, Jump and Virtu: Source

Amid the crypto crackdown, a BTC ETF, if approved, would open a new pathway for U.S.-based firms to get a piece of the crypto action – in a way that plays to their conventional strengths.

By Ian AllisonOct 31, 2023