Bitcoin (BTC) soared to a multi-year high of $49,000 on Thursday, fueled by the explosive launch of the first U.S. Bitcoin spot ETFs. Within just an hour of hitting public markets, all 11 funds combined had already traded a staggering $1.7 billion in volume, showcasing immense investor appetite for direct Bitcoin exposure.
Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) emerged as the early heavyweight, boasting $446 million in volume within 30 minutes of the opening bell. But newcomers quickly made their mark:
- Blackrock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) raked in $388 million, establishing itself as the top performer among newly launched funds.
- Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (FBTC) attracted $230 million, securing its place as the third most popular choice.
- Ark Invest/21Shares’ ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) garnered $82 million in early trading.
These figures comfortably surpass the launch-day volume of BITO, the Bitcoin futures ETF approved in 2021. While experts caution that some volume may represent internal shuffling, a “significant portion” is likely fresh capital entering the market, fueled by the convenience and familiarity of ETFs.
Also read: Wall Street Meets Crypto: Bitcoin ETFs – The Shakeup You Didn’t See Coming
However, Grayscale’s dominance might hint at outflows as investors seek cheaper alternatives. The asset manager opted for a higher annual fee (1.5%) compared to rivals offering fees below 0.5%.
This historic debut signifies a new era for Bitcoin accessibility and integration into traditional financial markets. With intense trading activity and soaring prices, the spot ETF launch sets the stage for continued excitement and potential volatility in the Bitcoin landscape.
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