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.

Podcasts

The Wall Street Journal Calls Out SEC Chairman Gensler Over Crypto

By Nathaniel WhittemoreJul 8, 2022

Finance

VanEck Files New Application for Spot Bitcoin ETF

The application comes about eight months after the SEC rejected the investment firm’s last application.

By James RubinJul 1, 2022

Learn

Everything You Need to Know About Bitcoin ETFs

A bitcoin exchange-traded fund allows investors to gain exposure to the biggest cryptocurrency by market cap without actually owning any.

By Andrey SergeenkovJun 30, 2022

Policy

Grayscale Sues SEC Over Bitcoin ETF Application Rejection

The SEC rejected Grayscale's application to convert its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust to an exchange-traded fund earlier Wednesday.

By Nikhilesh DeJun 30, 2022

Grayscale CEO Michael Sonnenshein speaks at Consensus: Invest 2018. (CoinDesk archives)

Policy

SEC Rejects Grayscale’s Spot Bitcoin ETF Application

Grayscale has said it was prepared for “all possible post-ruling scenarios."

By Michael BellusciJun 30, 2022

Finance

With Bitwise and Grayscale Decisions Looming, Spot Bitcoin ETF Approval Hopes Are Running Low

Final deadlines for approval by the SEC for the two investment firms' applications are fast approaching.

By Michael BellusciJun 24, 2022

Videos

Total Crypto Assets Under Management at Lowest Level Since February 2021

Crypto seeing net outflows of almost $40 million last week with total assets under management dipping to about $36 billion at the lowest level since February 2021. Purpose Bitcoin ETF seeing massive outflows of almost 25,000 BTC on Friday, equivalent to a 51% decline. BITO flipping ProShares to become the largest bitcoin ETF provider. "All About Bitcoin" host Christine Lee breaks down the Chart of the Day.

Jun 22, 2022

Markets

'Enormous Outflows' From Largest Bitcoin ETF May Have Triggered BTC Crash

The Canadian Purpose Bitcoin ETF lost half of its assets last Friday likely because of a huge liquidation, an Arcane Research analyst said in a note.

By Krisztian SandorJun 21, 2022

Finance

First Short Bitcoin ETF to List on NYSE

The exchange-traded fund will allow investors to hedge their bitcoin exposure, which may prove particularly pertinent given the sharp downturn in crypto markets of late.

By Jamie CrawleyJun 20, 2022