The SEC has delayed its decision on BlackRock's proposed Ethereum ETF for the second time, indicating that other similar applications from companies like Fidelity, Invesco, and Galaxy Digital could also face delays. The success of the spot Bitcoin ETFs is increasing interest in Ethereum ETFs. The delay was mostly expected. Experts are confident that a decision, likely an approval, will be reached in May.
Tuesday, March 5, 2024Coinbase, America's largest cryptocurrency exchange, recently met with the SEC to discuss Grayscale's proposed Ethereum ETF. Conversion of Grayscale's Ethereum Trust into a spot ETH ETF would allow investors to access spot Ethereum exposure directly through their normal brokerage accounts. According to documents filed with the regulator, the presentation covered possible market manipulation and described Ethereum as resilient to fraud and manipulation.
Grayscale's new Ethereum ETF might see large outflows (~$110 million daily in its first month) if its Ethereum ETF mimics its Bitcoin ETF's performance.
Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas has moved up his over/under date for the ETH ETF launch to July 2nd. He cites the SEC's minimal comments on S-1 applications and its presumed desire to finish work before July 4th.
Bitcoin and Ethereum have had similar returns since the cycle bottom, raising questions about whether an ETF would provide much upside. After accounting for GBTC rotations and conversions of spot BTC to ETF, the total true net buying inflow from the BTC ETFs was $5B, which implies $0.84B in net buying for ETH based on analysis. Crypto natives' expectations for the ETF are overinflated, as Bitcoin has a better mind share within institutional investment circles while selling ETH as a tech asset is more difficult.
BlackRock and Nasdaq have submitted a proposal to the SEC to list and trade options for the iShares Eth Trust (BlackRock's spot Eth etf), aiming to provide investors with cost-effective tools for exposure and hedging related to eth.