Displaying items by tag: crypto

Investors are pouring funds into bitcoin-tracking ETFs, with recent flows suggesting a surge in interest tied to the upcoming U.S. election and potential pro-crypto policies. The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF saw an impressive $872 million in a single day, reflecting hopes for a Trump victory, which could foster more favorable cryptocurrency legislation. 

Bitcoin gained around 12% in October, with some analysts attributing this rally to rising expectations of a Republican sweep. As election week nears, bitcoin futures data shows investors are bracing for heightened volatility, with possible daily swings near 3.7%. 

Open interest on crypto derivatives has also reached a record high, signaling elevated activity ahead of the election. However, market indicators suggest traders anticipate that volatility will taper off after the election, allowing bitcoin’s upward trend to potentially continue.

Finsum: Trump as positioned himself as the pro crypto candidate but even some of Harris’ policies also indicate a favorable landscape for digital currency. 

Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are seeing exceptional demand, outpacing most new ETFs launched this year. According to recent Bloomberg data, 14 out of the top 30 ETFs launched in 2024 focus on Bitcoin or Ethereum, with Bitcoin ETFs holding the top positions. 

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, in particular, has attracted record inflows, becoming one of the most popular ETFs in recent years. These ETFs give investors a secure way to track Bitcoin's price directly on the stock market, something that was previously difficult to achieve. 

After a decade of rejections, the SEC approved several Bitcoin ETFs in January, fueling rapid market inflows that hit $20 billion in just ten months—a pace much faster than gold ETFs, which took five years to reach that milestone. 

Finsum: There is the possibility that demand for Ethereum ETFs may rise as investor interest grows.

The cryptocurrency market experienced a sharp downturn recently, with Coinbase suffering its worst week of the year and Marathon Digital plummeting by 20%. Broader crypto-related equities hit their lowest point since February, reflecting concerns about the U.S. economic outlook and a general decline in risky assets, including Bitcoin and Ether. 

Historically, September has been a challenging month for crypto, adding to the pessimism; the Crypto Fear & Greed Index is now in "Extreme Fear." Market volatility was compounded by weak U.S. labor data, further impacting investor sentiment. 

Despite these setbacks, trading volumes rose in August, suggesting some continued market engagement. Attention is now on the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cut, which could impact crypto markets.

Finsum: We are seeing an increased correlation between crypto and traditional market moving news, this could be a long term trouble or a short term reflection of the asset classes risk. 

Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) offer notable advantages for institutional investors looking to invest in cryptocurrencies compared to ETFs. While ETFs have become popular among new crypto investors, SMAs provide direct ownership of assets, allowing for greater customization of portfolios and tailored risk management. 

This direct control also facilitates more effective tax strategies and access to a broader range of digital assets beyond just Bitcoin or Ether. Unlike ETFs, which are passive, SMAs benefit from active management, enabling investors to adjust their portfolios in response to market changes and potentially achieve higher returns. 

Additionally, SMAs operate in the 24/7 crypto market, avoiding the limitations of traditional market hours and minimizing the risk of price gaps. For high-net-worth individuals and institutions, the flexibility, personalized approach, and potential for outperformance make SMAs an increasingly appealing option over ETFs.

Finsum: Being able to have access to a cryptocurrency 24/7 is a critical advantage because their markets react overnight with great frequency. 

Vice President Kamala Harris is positioning herself as a supporter of policies that foster the growth of emerging technologies, including the digital assets industry. Her campaign adviser emphasized her commitment to stable, transparent regulations that promote innovation while safeguarding consumers. 

This approach contrasts with former President Donald Trump's stance, which has garnered support from some in the cryptocurrency community due to his promises to reduce regulation. 

Harris aims to balance innovation with responsible oversight, addressing concerns about economic stability and corporate responsibility. Additionally, she has made multiple statements around cutting red tape and bureaucracy for innovation. 

Finsum: The path to higher bitcoin prices might be stable regulation in the long run.