US Bitcoin ETFs amass $4.6 billion on debut trading day
US-listed Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) garnered a staggering $4.6 billion in traded shares within the first day of trading. Approved by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Wednesday, these ETFs, including major players like BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust and Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, have ignited a fierce competition for market dominance.
Frenzied competition
The SEC’s green light on Wednesday marked a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency industry, testing whether digital assets, still considered risky by many, can gain broader acceptance as investments. Grayscale, BlackRock, and Fidelity dominated trading volumes, indicating a strong start for the newly introduced ETF products.
Race for market share intensifies
The regulatory approval set off a race for market share among issuers, prompting some to reduce fees significantly below the industry standard even before the official launch. Fees on the new Bitcoin ETFs range from 0.2% to 1.5%, with several firms offering fee waivers for a specified period or dollar volume of assets. Notably, Grayscale’s existing Bitcoin trust was approved for conversion into an ETF, instantly becoming the world’s largest with over $28 billion in assets under management.
Market reaction and future outlook
As the ETFs began trading, Bitcoin’s price surged to its highest level since December 2021, underscoring the impact of these financial products on cryptocurrency valuations. Analysts project varying estimates for the potential influx into spot Bitcoin ETFs, with some predicting flows to surpass $10 billion in 2024. However, skepticism remains, with concerns about bid-ask spreads and the broader investment community’s perception of cryptocurrency risks.
While the euphoria around regulatory approval has triggered excitement, caution prevails among some analysts who point to the perceived risks associated with cryptocurrencies. Despite the volatility, the successful debut of Bitcoin ETFs is expected to pave the way for more innovative crypto ETFs, including those focused on other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum.
In the aftermath of this significant development, cryptocurrency-related stocks initially witnessed gains but ended the day lower. As the market navigates the evolving landscape of digital assets, the debut of Bitcoin ETFs signifies a pivotal moment that could shape the future trajectory of cryptocurrency investments.
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