An ETF tied to bitcoin has yet to be approved by U.S. regulators, but some crypto market observers that approval is not necessary for the largest digital currency by market capitalization to trade higher this year.
In 2018, bitcoin shed almost 80% of its value. Among the issues plaguing bitcoin; last year were the ongoing unwillingness of U.S. regulators to approve bitcoin-related exchange traded funds as well as data indicating that mainstream acceptance and adoption of the digital currency are declining.
Tom Lee of Fundstrat Global Advisors, a noted bitcoin bull, recently said he does not expect the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to approve a bitcoin ETF this year, but added that he expects the digital currency to trade significantly higher than where it currently resides. At this writing Monday, bitcoin traded around $3,860.
“Lee noted that stock markets rallying after December’s downturn is likely to be a positive catalyst for the flagship cryptocurrency, likely referring to the ‘risk-on’ nature that BTC currently holds,” reports Blockonomi. “The Fundstrat co-founder added that the weakening performance of the U.S. dollar could also be a ‘real tailwind’ for Bitcoin, as USD’s status as a global reserve asset and a stable store of value could come under fire.”
Bitcoin ETF History Lessons
To date, U.S. regulators have consistently rejected efforts by ETF issuers to bring bitcoin-related ETFs to market.
Last year, the SEC rejected the applications, preventing the digital currency from gaining more acceptance from investors who are wary of the unregulated exchanges of cryptocurrencies. The SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets rejected applications from investment firms ProShares, Direxion and GraniteShares.
“Mere weeks ago, Blockonomi reported that Fundstrat released its “2019 Crypto Outlook” report, which cited approximately eight factors as to why BTC could see a solid year. Positive catalysts mentioned included the trend that USD is experiencing, potentially due to the build-up in governmental debt, along with Fundstrat’s strong sentiment that emerging markets, which tacitly includes Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, could outperform traditional equities in 2019,” according to Blockonomi.
Bitwise Asset Management and Reality Shares are among the issuers that have filed plans for bitcoin ETFs this year.
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