Crypto enthusiasts who are eagerly awaiting the launch of an Ethereum spot ETF may need to temper their expectations, according to Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas. While Bitcoin spot ETFs have seen tremendous success in the United States, with over $7 billion in net flows since their launch, Balchunas believes that an Ethereum ETF launch may not have the same impact.
Balchunas cites anecdotal and public data to support his argument that Ethereum ETFs may struggle to attract the same level of investment as Bitcoin-based ETFs. Asset managers faced legal hurdles with the SEC when seeking approval for Bitcoin spot ETFs, with concerns over market manipulation being a major point of contention. While Grayscale, BlackRock, and Fidelity have all applied to launch Ethereum spot ETFs, it remains to be seen whether these products will garner significant interest from investors.
The comparison between Ethereum and Bitcoin ETFs is stark. Ethereum futures ETFs, which launched in October last year, saw limited flows and volume compared to Bitcoin’s first futures ETF in October 2021. In Canada, the Purpose Ether ETF currently has an AUM of $458 million CAD, significantly lower than the company’s Bitcoin ETF, which boasts an AUM of $2.5 billion CAD. This disparity reflects the relative popularity of Bitcoin over Ethereum among investors.
According to a Bitwise survey of registered investment advisors conducted last year, 71% of advisors expressed a preference for Bitcoin over Ethereum. This sentiment is echoed in the market, where Bitcoin continues to dominate as the leading cryptocurrency in terms of market capitalization and investment interest. While Ethereum has its own unique capabilities and use cases, it has yet to achieve the same level of mainstream acceptance as Bitcoin.
The launch of an Ethereum spot ETF may not have the same impact as its Bitcoin counterpart. Despite the growing interest in Ethereum and its potential for innovation, the market dynamics and investor preferences suggest that Bitcoin remains the top choice for many investors. While the future of Ethereum ETFs remains uncertain, it is clear that they will face challenges in attracting substantial investment compared to Bitcoin ETFs. Investors and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Ethereum ETF landscape evolves in the coming months.
Leave a Reply