The investment community is eagerly awaiting the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) decision regarding the approval of spot Ethereum Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) S-1 filings. A recent report by K33 Research suggests this approval could trigger a broader market surge. The report highlights that Ethereum may experience a supply crunch, with around 1.26 million ETH expected to leave exchanges within five months post-ETF launch, potentially pushing ETH prices to new all-time highs.
Potential Inflows into Ethereum ETFs
K33 Research projects that spot Ethereum ETFs could attract an impressive $4 billion in inflows within the first five months. This estimate is based on the current assets under management (AUM) in Ethereum-based exchange-traded products globally, as well as the open interest (OI) in futures contracts on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), a crucial market for institutional investors.
Ethereum’s open interest on the CME currently stands at 23% of Bitcoin futures. Since ETH futures began trading in 2021, they have captured 35% of BTC futures, reflecting strong institutional demand. By comparing these ratios with the $14 billion inflow into spot Bitcoin ETFs, K33 Research forecasts that Ethereum ETFs could see inflows ranging from $3 billion to $4.8 billion in the initial months.
How Could ETH Prices React?
With Ethereum priced at $3,800, the projected inflows could lead to the accumulation of 800,000 to 1.26 million ETH through these ETFs, accounting for approximately 0.7% to 1.05% of the total circulating supply. When the spot Bitcoin ETF was approved, BTC prices surged by 60%, setting record highs. K33 Research suggests that Ethereum could similarly outperform Bitcoin if the ETFs are launched, potentially ending nearly two years of underperformance.
Moreover, the report notes that the absence of a staking feature in ETFs wouldn’t impact inflows. In Canadian ETH ETFs, 99% of assets under management are held in non-staking funds, while this figure is 98% for European products.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Spot Ethereum ETFs might attract up to $4 billion in inflows within five months.
- Institutional demand for ETH is robust, as evidenced by CME futures data.
- Potential supply shock could drive ETH prices to record highs.
- ETH ETFs could outperform Bitcoin ETFs post-launch.
- Non-staking funds dominate current ETH ETF assets under management.
The approval of spot Ethereum ETFs by the SEC has the potential to significantly impact the cryptocurrency market, particularly the price and institutional demand for ETH. Investors are watching closely as the decision could set a precedent and influence future market behavior.