Spot Bitcoin ETFs Launch by Major Banks Signals Growing Cryptocurrency Acceptance
Following the SEC’s nod last month, Bank of America’s Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo have begun offering spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to their select wealth management clientele.
This development underscores Bitcoin’s growing appeal as an asset class, offering investors exposure to Bitcoin without the need for direct ownership.
BofA’s Merrill, Wells Fargo offering spot bitcoin ETFs to clients https://t.co/HOoGOldWq2 pic.twitter.com/ggrYvQepj8
— CNA (@ChannelNewsAsia) February 29, 2024
The launch of these ETFs, especially post the 2022 “crypto winter,” has attracted new investors and reignited interest in the cryptocurrency. Some are even pivoting from traditional gold-backed ETFs to Bitcoin, viewing it as digital gold.
Key Points:
- Spot Bitcoin ETFs now available through BofA’s Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo.
- Investor interest revived post-“crypto winter,” with some favoring Bitcoin over gold ETFs.
- Analysts predict Bitcoin could reach $150,000 driven by institutional adoption.
Analysts, including those from Bernstein, are optimistic, forecasting Bitcoin’s price could soar to $150,000 due to institutional adoption.
Despite this enthusiasm, Vanguard remains cautious, opting out of offering spot bitcoin ETFs, illustrating the varied stances among financial institutions.
This move by BofA and Wells Fargo, as reported by Bloomberg Law, signals a significant step towards broader institutional and investor engagement with Bitcoin, potentially bolstering its market price.
Bitcoin ETFs Poised for Unprecedented Growth, Predicts Bitwise’s CIO
Bitwise’s Chief Investment Officer, Matt Hougan, forecasts a surge in institutional investments into Bitcoin ETFs in the forthcoming months, heralding what he describes as Bitcoin’s “IPO moment.”
The increasing willingness of prominent wirehouses, such as Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch from Bank of America, to offer Bitcoin ETFs to their affluent clientele is expected to significantly boost institutional interest in Bitcoin.
#BitcoinETF inflows will leap when “major wirehouses” get in on the action, says @Matt_Hougan. https://t.co/bqsNWjV2tC
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) March 1, 2024
This shift is seen as a pivotal phase in price discovery, potentially propelling Bitcoin prices to new heights amidst the upcoming halving event and favorable supply-demand dynamics.
Hougan speculates that Bitcoin’s valuation could eclipse previous projections, potentially reaching between $100,000 and $200,000.
This optimism is underpinned by the notable capital inflows into Bitwise’s Bitcoin ETF among others, setting the stage for a bullish trend in Bitcoin’s market value in the near term.
Key Points:
- Institutional investments in Bitcoin ETFs forecasted to increase significantly.
- Bitcoin’s “IPO moment” anticipated to drive price discovery and bullish momentum.
- Bitcoin prices expected to reach between $100,000 and $200,000, says Bitwise’s CIO.
BlackRock Brazil Debuts BDR ETF Mirroring US Bitcoin ETF
BlackRock Brazil is set to launch a Brazilian Depositary Receipts (BDR) ETF on March 1, designed to mirror its U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF, providing Brazilian investors with a regulated means to access Bitcoin.
JUST IN 🇧🇷 – BlackRock’s spot #Bitcoin ETF will begin trading tomorrow in Brazil.
Initially “IBIT39” will only be available to qualified investors with retail access to come in the following weeks. pic.twitter.com/GL5IzWUQCx
— Swan Media (@Swan) February 29, 2024
The BDR ETF, with an administrative fee of 0.25%, aims to replicate the performance of BlackRock’s U.S. ETF, initially targeting substantial asset holders, with retail sales pending approval.
This introduction into the B3 platform, which already hosts 13 crypto ETFs worth a combined $503 million, is expected to significantly boost Bitcoin’s popularity in Brazil.
Key Points:
- BlackRock Brazil to launch BDR ETF akin to U.S. Bitcoin ETF.
- BDR ETF set to enhance Brazilian investors’ access to Bitcoin.
- BlackRock’s expansion indicates rising institutional interest in cryptocurrencies.
Following the successful accumulation of $8 billion in assets under management by BlackRock’s U.S. Bitcoin ETF shortly after its launch, the firm’s potential expansion into a spot Ether ETF in Brazil, pending SEC approval, reflects growing institutional cryptocurrency interest.
This trend is likely to contribute to sustained BTC price increases.
Bitcoin Price Prediction
On March 1, Bitcoin (BTC/USD)’s pivot point at $60,824, with the crypto facing immediate resistance levels at $63,927, $66,524, and $69,093.
Support is established at lower marks of $58,982, $55,962, and $53,372, offering potential cushions for any downturns.
Key Points:
- Bitcoin shows bullish signs above $60,890 after a slight increase.
- Immediate resistance and support levels identified for near-term movement.
- Technical indicators suggest a continued upward trend, with Fibonacci levels in focus.
The technical landscape is further defined by a 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level at $60,890, where the formation of a Doji candle hints at the likelihood of continued bullish momentum.
Yet, a slip below this level could see Bitcoin targeting the $58,900 or $55,950, correlating to the 38.2% and 61.8% Fibonacci levels, respectively.
The current RSI at 69 and the 50-day EMA at $56,307 underscore a bullish trend above $60,890.
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