As per analysts and reports, spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) might begin trading in the US as early as July 2. This development could mark a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency market, bringing Ethereum closer to mainstream investment opportunities.
The SEC's staff feedback on the S-1 applications for these ETFs was “pretty light, nothing major,” and the applicants were asked to make necessary adjustments within the week. This light touch suggests that the SEC might expedite the approval process by potentially allowing the ETFs to launch before the Independence Day holiday on July 4.
This forecast represents a shift in sentiment from earlier stances. Just a day prior, there was an unsurity whether to stick with the initial July 4 prediction as Ether ETF applicants were still awaiting feedback from the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance, which oversees firm disclosures. The SEC’s recent approach seems to have boosted confidence among analysts and market observers.
To provide some context, the SEC had already approved eight 19b-4 filings on May 23, paving the way for the listing of spot Ether ETFs on various U.S. exchanges. However, these ETFs cannot commence trading until they receive final approval of their S-1 registration statements. This step is crucial as it ensures that all regulatory requirements are met before any trading activities begin.
SEC Chair Gary Gensler has also outlined a broader timeframe for the potential approval of these ETFs, suggesting that the process could be completed by the end of September. This three-month window offers some leeway, emphasizing that the speed of approval will heavily depend on how swiftly issuers address any remaining comments or concerns from the SEC. Just a week before the broader timeline, Gensler mentioned that the approval pace would largely depend on the issuers’ responsiveness to the SEC’s feedback.
While many traders are optimistic about the impact of spot Ether ETFs, hoping that Ethereum’s price could mirror Bitcoin’s post-ETF approval surge, not everyone shares the same level of enthusiasm. On January 11, following the approval of Bitcoin ETFs, Bitcoin’s price surged to record highs, reaching around $73,679 by March 13. This event has set high expectations for Ethereum, but Stephen Richardson, the managing director of financial markets at Fireblocks, cautioned against overly optimistic projections. Richardson argued that Ethereum’s diverse use cases and complexities make its valuation more challenging, suggesting that spot Ether ETFs may not see the same immediate influx of capital that Bitcoin ETFs experienced.
As per CoinGabbar, while the prospect of spot Ether ETFs launching by July 2 has certainly generated excitement, it remains essential for investors to approach this development with a balanced perspective. The regulatory green light could indeed boost Ethereum’s market presence, but the unique characteristics of Ether might influence its performance differently compared to Bitcoin. As we await further updates, the crypto community remains watchful, eager to see how this new chapter in cryptocurrency trading will unfold.
Also Read: SEC's Next Step For Ether ETF Depends On Issuers Action