Tag: seeks

  • NYSE Arca seeks regulatory nod for Grayscale crypto ETF

    NYSE Arca seeks regulatory nod for Grayscale crypto ETF

    • NYSE Arca is seeking regulatory approval to list an ETF of the Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund
    • Grayscale recently filed to convert the fund to a spot ETF

    Securities exchange NYSE Arca is seeking regulatory approval to list a new crypto exchange-traded fund (ETF) by Grayscale.

    The ETF is aimed at tracking the Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund, which the GBTC issuer launched in 2018.

    According to an October 29 filing, the NYSE Arca wants to list the $565 million fund, which Grayscale recently sought approval to convert into a spot ETF. Grayscale’s application came on October 16.

    The fund currently holds five spot crypto assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, with BTC weighted at 76.5%, ETH at 16.88%, and SOL at 4.46% as of October 29.

    Other digital assets in the Digital Large Cap Fund are Avalanche and XRP, weighted at 0.58% and 1.58%, respectively.

    Recently, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) greenlighted the trading of options on NYSE’s spot Bitcoin exchange-traded products (ETPs). These included Grayscale’s flagship asset GBTC and the Mini Bitcoin Trust BTC.

    This comes as the industry continues to witness massive demand and investment in spot Bitcoin ETFs following SEC’s approval in January 2024.

    Spot ETFs inflows and holdings

    Inflows into spot ETFs, which includes Ether ETFs approved in May, has skyrocketed. According to SoSoValue data, US spot BTC ETFs have seen cumulative net inflows of $23.28 billion.

    Meanwhile, total net assets have surpassed $72.55 billion, with this accounting for over 5% of the BTC market cap. BlackRock’s IBIT holds $30 billion in assets.

    In a post on X on October 30, Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas shared that spot Bitcoin ETFs were on track to surpass 1 million BTC holdings.

    Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin who remains unknown, holds the most BTC today. Satoshi mined the coins in the early years of the flagship digital asset’s launch. Spot ETFs could surpass the 1.1 million figure within the next few days.

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  • First Trust seeks SEC approval for Bitcoin ‘Buffer ETF’ to safeguard investors

    First Trust seeks SEC approval for Bitcoin ‘Buffer ETF’ to safeguard investors

    • First Trust files for Bitcoin Buffer ETF with SEC, aiming to mitigate risk via options.
    • Buffer ETFs gaining momentum, 139 trading on US markets, $32.54B AUM.
    • Buffer ETFs don’t guarantee complete protection, or assess risks.

    Financial services firm First Trust has recently submitted a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch a groundbreaking investment product – the First Trust Bitcoin Buffer ETF.

    Unlike traditional spot Bitcoin ETFs, this innovative fund aims to provide investors with a unique risk mitigation strategy, utilizing options to safeguard against potential market downturns. Let’s delve into the details of this latest development in the cryptocurrency investment space.

    First Trust’s Bitcoin Buffer ETF filing

    First Trust’s move to file for the Bitcoin Buffer ETF signals a shift in the cryptocurrency investment landscape. This ETF is distinct from spot Bitcoin offerings, as it utilizes options to pursue a defined investment outcome. Acting as a buffer, it imposes a limit on potential losses during market drops.

    First Trust’s ETF is structured to participate in the positive price returns of the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust or other Bitcoin-related exchange-traded products (ETPs), providing investors with a unique approach to risk management.

    Rise of Buffer ETFs in the market

    Buffer ETFs have been gaining traction globally, with 139 such funds currently trading on U.S. markets, amassing a total asset under management of $32.54 billion.

    BlackRock, a major player in the ETF space, introduced its iShares buffer ETFs earlier this year. These funds offer investors a specified level of downside protection while capping potential upside gains. Analysts anticipate more entrants in this space with diverse strategies, contributing to the growing trend of innovative investment products aimed at addressing market uncertainties.

    While the concept of buffer ETFs provides a novel approach to risk management, investors must understand that these funds do not guarantee complete protection.

    First Trust’s filing emphasizes potential risks, including the risk of losing some or all invested capital. Investors should carefully evaluate the suitability of buffer ETFs for their portfolios, recognizing that these products may not be suitable for everyone, and success in providing downside protection is not guaranteed.

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