Ethereum ETF Approvals Poised to Spur Long-Term Growth: Kaiko

As a researcher, I believe that the approval of spot Ethereum ETFs by regulatory bodies is a bullish sign for the digital asset’s future, despite some potential short-term challenges. Kaiko’s analysis highlights the significance of the SEC’s decision in treating Ethereum as a commodity, which could pave the way for similar treatment of other digital tokens in the U.S. market. However, I also acknowledge that the regulatory process is not complete yet and that there might be some short-term volatility, particularly concerning Grayscale’s Ethereum fund, ETHE.


Kaiko Research has shared that the green light given by regulatory bodies to Ethereum spot ETFs is a positive sign for the digital asset’s future, even with some short-term market hurdles. The company highlights that this decision reduces regulatory ambiguity regarding Ethereum’s categorization, paving the way for its sustained development.

Ethereum ETFs Await Final SEC Greenlight

Cai, the Head of Indices at Kaiko, commented on the SEC’s decision, signaling a significant change in how Ethereum is viewed by regulatory bodies. According to him, “The SEC’s endorsement signifies that Ethereum is classified as a commodity instead of a security.” This categorization holds importance because it may establish a precedent for the regulation of comparable digital tokens within the US marketplace.

 

Cai pointed out that the SEC’s approval of the ETFs’ 19b-4 filings represents progress, but the full regulatory process is not yet complete. The SEC still needs to approve S-1 orders before the Ethereum spot ETFs can launch. It is expected that these ETFs may become available within weeks or months, signifying a major milestone in cryptocurrency investment opportunities.

Grayscale Ethereum Fund Braces for Outflows

Although there is enthusiasm, Kaiko warns of possible short-term price fluctuations, particularly regarding Grayscale’s Ethereum fund, ETHE. With a management of $11 billion in assets, the fund could experience substantial redemptions, potentially leading to decreased Ethereum prices. Kaiko anticipates an average daily withdrawal of approximately $110 million once ETHE converts into an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF).

In its initial month of ETF trading, Grayscale’s Bitcoin fund, GBTC, experienced a significant outflow of 23% of its assets under management (AUM). It’s important to note, though, that other ETFs have previously experienced similar outflows only to later counteract them. This suggests the possibility of a potential equilibrium for Ethereum-based ETFs as well.

Hong Kong ETH ETFs See Net Outflows

Kaiko shifted its attention to international markets, zeroing in on the disappointing showing of Ethereum ETFs in Hong Kong. Since their debut in early May, these ETFs have experienced a net loss of $4.4 million, fueling doubt about how events in the U.S. market might play out.

The exploration of data from centralized exchanges indicates that Ethereum’s market depth is presently approximately 42% lower than its historical norm prior to the FTX incident. Furthermore, the degree of U.S. market concentration has dropped from 50% to 40% since early 2023. These statistics illustrate the evolving Ethereum trading scene and the potential repercussions of regulatory and market transformations on its availability and resilience.

Binance Genesis Asset Sale Leaves Gopax Investors with Heavy Losses

Read More

2024-05-28 02:07