Starting Tuesday, July 23, new spot ETFs for Ethereum will be available for trading, allowing investors to buy the cryptocurrency as stocks.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved at least three funds to start trading, with a total of eight expected to launch simultaneously. By the looks of it the SEC will most likely give the greenlit, marking a historic moment for the cryptocurrency community.
These new Ethereum ETFs follow the success of Bitcoin ETFs, which have accumulated over $54 billion in assets and seen a 47% rise this year. Ethereum ETFs are poised to provide similar investment opportunities without needing a crypto wallet.
ETH, the currency of the Ethereum blockchain, will be accessible through these ETFs, which track its current price. These funds operate like stocks, allowing trading during market hours and providing a way to invest in ETH without directly owning the cryptocurrency.
Eight asset managers, including BlackRock, Ark Invest, VanEck, and Fidelity, are behind these ETFs. Fees are competitive, with Franklin Templeton charging 0.19%, VanEck 0.20%, and Invesco/Galaxy Digital 0.25%. Full details will be available when final registration statements are submitted to the SEC.
These ETFs will be listed on major exchanges such as Nasdaq, CBOE, and the New York Stock Exchange.
Ethereum offers different value propositions compared to Bitcoin, functioning more like a tech investment. Its blockchain supports various financial services and digital assets, making it an attractive option for diversification within the crypto market.
While the demand for Ethereum ETFs might be around 20% of Bitcoin ETFs, they are still expected to be successful. Predictions suggest inflows of $4 billion in the first six months, about a quarter of what Bitcoin ETFs achieved.
Both institutional and retail investors are expected to buy these ETFs. Initially, retail investors, guided by wealth advisors, might dominate the market.
If the predicted $4 billion in inflows materialize, this could significantly boost Ethereum’s price and strengthen the broader crypto market. The involvement of major financial players like BlackRock also lends credibility to the crypto industry.
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