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.

Videos

SEC Delays Decision on Ark 21Shares Bitcoin ETF Application

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) extended its review of the Ark 21Shares bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) application, as it continues to look at over a dozen applications from traditional finance heavyweights like BlackRock and Fidelity. "The Hash" panel discusses the latest in the U.S. spot bitcoin ETF race.

Aug 11, 2023

Policy

Cathie Wood's Ark 21Shares Bitcoin ETF Application Decision Pushed Out by SEC

The regulator is reviewing more than a dozen spot bitcoin and ether future ETF applications.

By Nikhilesh DeAug 11, 2023

Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood (Marco Bello/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk)

Finance

SEC Likely to Approve Several Spot ETFs, Sparking Next Bitcoin Rally: Matrixport

A report from the firm cited how big Grayscale Bitcoin Trust was at its peak.

By Will CannyAug 10, 2023

Markets

First Mover Asia: First $30K, Then $40K, but Bitcoin Needs Volatility First

The world’s largest digital asset is rangebound, but so far this year, bitcoin is beating the returns most digital asset funds are posting.

By Sam ReynoldsAug 9, 2023

Markets

First Mover Asia: Bitcoin Teases $30K While the Long Wait for an ETF Continues

Trading volume is down, but all signs point to a break-out around the corner.

By Sam ReynoldsAug 7, 2023

Policy

ProShares, Bitwise File for Bitcoin and Ether ETFs

If approved, the fund will measure "the performance of holding long positions in the nearest maturing monthly bitcoin and ether futures contracts."

By Rosie PerperAug 4, 2023

New York Stock Exchange with banner flagging ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF on the day it started trading.

Policy

Race for Ether Futures ETFs Kicks Off With 6 Firms Filing SEC Applications

Volatility Shares, Bitwise, VanEck, Roundhill, ProShares and Grayscale have filed applications with the SEC for Ether ETFs.

By Amitoj SinghAug 2, 2023

Finance

Larry Fink Got 'Orange-Pilled', Says Galaxy Digital's Mike Novogratz: Bloomberg

Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz said Fink is "the most important thing that happened this year in bitcoin."

By Jamie CrawleyJul 31, 2023

Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz (Suzanne Cordiero/Shutterstock/CoinDesk)

Finance

Grayscale Urges Equal Treatment for All Spot Bitcoin ETF's in Letter to SEC

If the SEC decides to change course and approve one or more of the above stated spot bitcoin ETF applications, “it must do so in a fair and orderly manner,” the statement said.

By Lyllah LedesmaJul 27, 2023