Bitcoin Hits 21-Month High as ETF Approval Looms
Bitcoin Reaches 21-Month High Amid ETF Speculation
Bitcoin surged to a 21-month high on Tuesday, fueled by mounting speculation that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was on the verge of greenlighting a spot exchange traded fund (ETF) for the leading cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin Surges to $45,168.6
Bitcoin saw a 6% increase, reaching $45,168.6 by 21:35 ET (02:35 GMT), marking its highest level since early-April 2022. However, trading volumes remained subdued due to the New Year holidays.
Bitcoin’s Stellar Recovery in 2023
Bitcoin’s remarkable recovery in 2023 saw the token’s value skyrocket by over 100%, starting the year at around $17,000.
Speculation Over ETF Approval Drives Gains
The cryptocurrency’s recent gains were primarily driven by speculation surrounding the approval of a U.S. ETF directly tracking the token’s prices. The SEC faces a January 10 deadline to approve or reject a spot ETF application from Ark and 21 Shares, potentially setting a precedent for similar products from other fund managers.
SEC’s Response and BlackRock’s Application
The SEC is expected to notify other applicants as early as this week regarding the launch of their products by Jan 10. Meanwhile, BlackRock Inc, the world’s largest asset manager, has also submitted an application for a spot bitcoin ETF.
Challenges and Expectations
The SEC’s previous rejections of spot bitcoin ETF applications were based on concerns about the token’s decentralized and volatile nature, posing challenges for fund managers in safeguarding investors against market manipulation. Proponents believe that the approval of a spot ETF could trigger significant capital inflows for bitcoin, while analysts caution that the impact may not be as substantial as anticipated.
Industry Challenges and Recovery
The crypto industry has faced setbacks, including high-profile bankruptcies and regulatory crackdowns, leading to a loss of faith among retail investors. Despite hopes for an ETF approval driving a robust recovery for the token through 2023, trading volumes have remained modest compared to the 2021 bull run.