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.

Markets

Dying for a Bitcoin Futures ETF? Watch Out for ‘Contango Bleed’

There’s a downside to SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s preference for an exchange-traded fund focused on bitcoin futures. But it’s unlikely to deter investors.

By Omkar GodboleOct 11, 2021

A little-known risk of a bitcoin futures ETF is that it could bleed investor returns. (Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Finance

Pantera CEO Says Bitcoin ETF May Fail to Spark Rally

Dan Morehead said the crypto community is living in a world of “buy the rumor, sell the fact.”

By Josh FinemanOct 11, 2021

Markets

Market Wrap: Bitcoin Ends Week Notching 14% Gain

The largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization also surpassed $1 trillion again this week.

By Tracy WangOct 8, 2021

SEC Chair Gary Gensler (Evelyn Hockstein-Pool/Getty Images)

Policy

BlockFi Files for Bitcoin Futures ETF

The fund would only invest in bitcoin futures contracts traded on the CME.

By Danny NelsonOct 8, 2021

Markets

Market Wrap: Bitcoin Rises Toward $50K on Hopes for US ETF Approval

Analysts expect that approval to fuel a fourth-quarter crypto rally.

By Damanick Dantes, Tracy WangOct 4, 2021

Policy

SEC Delays Decision on 4 Bitcoin ETFs

The agency extends its review of applications from Global X, Kryptoin, Valkyrie and WisdomTree by 45 to 60 days.

By Jamie CrawleyOct 4, 2021

Videos

SEC Delays Decision on 4 Bitcoin ETFs

The U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has delayed its decision on four proposals for bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from Global X, Kryptoin, Valkyrie, and WisdomTree by 45 to 60 days. This comes as SEC Chairman Gary Gensler suggested bitcoin futures ETFs are most likely to gain regulatory approval.

Oct 4, 2021

Videos

Will Bitcoin's Bull Run Continue Next Week?

Bitcoin is up 9.13% on the day as institutions outside the U.S. have reportedly turned more bullish, but will the rally continue? CoinDesk's Christie Harkin discusses what to expect next week, as the SEC has also delayed its decision to approve four bitcoin ETF applications.

Oct 1, 2021

Policy

Gensler Reiterates Support for Futures-Based Bitcoin ETFs

The SEC chairman struck a similar tone in August, igniting a rush in tailor-made ETF filings.

By Danny NelsonSep 29, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 14: Gary Gensler, Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, testifies before a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee oversight hearing on the SEC on September 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Evelyn Hockstein-Pool/Getty Images)

Videos

SEC Chair Gensler Reiterates Support for Futures-Based Bitcoin ETFs

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler reiterated his support Wednesday for a narrow class of bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that would invest in futures contracts instead of the crypto itself. CoinDesk's Galen Moore discusses the outlook for the U.S. ETF landscape, suggesting the likelihood of a spot ETF getting approved compared to a bitcoin futures ETF. Plus, his views on El Salvador using volcanic energy for bitcoin mining.

Sep 29, 2021

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