Ethereum Spot ETF Effect: What It Means for Web3

5 min read6 days ago

What Are Spot Ethereum ETFs?

In simple terms, these ETFs let investors buy shares that directly track Ethereum’s price. Unlike futures-based ETFs, which rely on derivatives, spot ETFs hold actual Ethereum.

Investing in a Spot Ethereum ETF is like buying Ethereum directly but without the hassle of managing digital wallets or understanding blockchain technology.

This direct connection to Ethereum’s market value offers a more straightforward way for traditional investors to enter the crypto market.

An Initial Wave of Optimism

On May 23, the SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) approved exchange applications to list and trade spot ether ETFs, paving the way for the actual fund approvals.

Previously, only Ethereum futures ETFs were available for trading in the U.S.

Why It’s Important: Progress Towards Mainstream Acceptance

Why is this such a big deal? The approval of spot Ethereum ETFs is a major milestone for mainstream acceptance of Ethereum. Until now, the web3 world has felt like the Wild West — exciting but unpredictable and risky for average investors.

This approval legitimises Ethereum as a credible investment, comparable to stocks and bonds. Institutional investors can now easily invest in Ethereum, meaning the potential for massive capital inflows and a more stable market.

This approval could also spark fresh interest in Ethereum token and application development, opening new avenues for innovation and investment. As both institutional and retail investors flock to Ethereum-backed ETFs, the demand for Ethereum-based projects and services is expected to soar, driving growth and development in the web3 space.

When Will Spot Ether ETFs Start Trading?

While spot ether ETFs jumped the main hurdle to begin trading, we still don’t know when that will be. Estimates range from two weeks to a few months in the future.

Why the delay? Here are some eye-glazing details: The SEC must approve rule change proposals by stock exchanges (Form 19b-4) and the security-specific registration (Form S-1) before spot ether ETFs are listed on an exchange.

However, speculations are going on that the Ethereum spot ETFs are expected to start trading on July 2, earlier than expected. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas shed light on this accelerated timeline, noting that the SEC has issued “pretty light” comments on the S-1 applications.

In addition, in just recent news, the SEC is reportedly ‘closing’ the investigation into Ethereum.

Consensys initially sued the SEC in April after the regulator initiated an investigation into Ethereum 2.0. Reports indicated the SEC’s investigation started in March 2023.

This seems to be a complete reversal by the SEC.

What Could Happen Once the ETH Spot ETFs are trading?

Impact on the price of Ethereum

There are conflicting opinions about this from industry and market experts. For instance, Amberdata’s director of derivatives, Greg Magadini, questions the excitement around spot ETH ETFs, pointing out that despite record ETF inflows, Bitcoin’s price remained stagnant due to hedge funds using cash-and-carry arbitrage. Magadini anticipates a similar strategy with ETH ETFs, likely leading to sideways price movement for Ethereum.

On the other hand, VanEck, a big player in asset management, has thrown out a bold prediction for Ethereum (ETH). They reckon Ethereum could hit $22,000 by 2030. This guess is based on Ethereum pulling in around $66 billion in “free cashflows.”

Also, Geoff Kendrick from Standard Chartered thinks the inflows could be anywhere from $15 billion to $45 billion in the first year alone.

Potential Implications on the Industry & the World

The launch of spot ETH ETFs in the U.S. might affect valuations, but the importance of regulatory approval extends far beyond market prices.

Ethereum offers a decentralised framework for digital commerce, enabling near-instant cross-border payments, true digital ownership, and interoperable applications. While other platforms provide similar utility, Ethereum boasts the largest user base, most decentralised applications, and deepest capital pools.

Grayscale Research expects these spot ETFs to introduce Ethereum’s transformative technology to a wider audience, accelerating public blockchain adoption.

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Conclusion

After years of legal battles with the SEC, the crypto industry is finally seeing a warmer welcome. Softer regulatory actions and shifting political attitudes suggest a new era of crypto acceptance in mainstream finance.

Some speculate that political pressure from President Biden’s administration influenced the SEC’s last-minute decision to approve spot Ethereum ETFs.

Whatever the case may be, one thing is certain. Web3 is here to stay.

About SubQuery

SubQuery Network is innovating web3 infrastructure with tools that empower builders to decentralise the future. Our fast, flexible, and open data indexer supercharges dApps on over 200 networks, enabling a user-focused web3 world. Soon, our Data Node will provide breakthroughs in the RPC industry, and deliver decentralisation without compromise. We pioneer the web3 revolution for visionaries and forward-thinkers. We’re not just a company — we’re a movement driving an inclusive and decentralised web3 era. Let’s shape the future of web3, together.