Search Results for: Chicago Mercantile Exchange

“Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) has played a key role in the Bitcoin futures market, amassing an impressive $5.45 billion open interest by October 2021. However, despite this surge, its pricing dynamics and volumes differ significantly from other crypto exchanges, making its position somewhat skewed when reflecting the overall crypto market. These differences also impact CME’s pricing, hindering its ability to accurately mirror Bitcoin’s price movements on other exchanges.”

“Second quarter records for Bitcoin and Ether futures have been broken by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, signifying rising institutional interest in these assets. Despite market instability, regulated avenues simplify risk management, while CME’s cash-settled futures free institutions from owning crypto outright and enhance hedging tools’ appeal.”

“The recent 8.2% decline in Ethereum (ETH) attributes to increased coin issuance, significant sales by creator Vitalik Buterin, and the underperforming ETH futures ETF. Despite significant network developments, the uncertainty of Ethereum’s monetary policy and increased supply by 30,064 ETH has stirred negative sentiments among crypto enthusiasts.”

Investment firm VanEck is set to launch the ‘VanEck Ethereum Strategy ETF’ (EFUT), targeting investments in standard ETH futures contracts. Despite concerns about market manipulation hindering approval for spot ETH ETFs, EFUT’s futures-focus might find easier SEC endorsement due to its less volatile approach. The future of ETH futures ETFs, however, remains uncertain.

“August saw an 11.5% contraction in the combined crypto spot and derivatives trading volume to $2.09 trillion, indicating a market largely driven by speculation. Spot market activity fell to its lowest level since March 2019, further confirming these concerns.”

“Analysts report a decrease in Bitcoin’s velocity to a 3-year low. JPMorgan claims Bitcoin’s downtrend may be ending based on declining interest in futures contracts. Altcoins like Toncoin, Monero, Quant, and Mantle show varying strength and potential upturns depend on Bitcoin’s future behavior.”

“Analysts from a leading American bank have observed the recent cryptocurrency market downturn and predict its end, citing a decline in open interest in Bitcoin futures contracts. However, this prediction does not account for unpredictable future disruptions such as regulatory or economic changes.”

The report by JPMorgan suggests the open interest in Bitcoin futures at the CME is nearing the end of its cycle, indicating an optimistic approach to the near-term impact on crypto markets with a limited downside. The SEC’s ongoing Ripple case, market dynamics, and tech assets adjustments are influencing market fluctuations. The future course for digital assets will be shaped by macroeconomics, regulatory developments, and industry-specific events.

“A Q2 2023 report indicates a significant expansion in crypto-derivatives fueled by decreased spot market liquidity and a shift towards using derivative instruments. This is a result of regulatory scrutiny, significant SEC actions, and a complex interplay of market factors. Consequently, the emerging crypto derivatives market holds substantial potential for global institutional adoption, even amid regulatory uncertainty.”

“Cryptocurrency market activity surged in July, with trading volume of crypto options swelling by 24% to $940 million. This increase is attributed to the market’s volatility and uncertainty, inciting investors to utilize hedging tools. Bitcoin options rose 16.6% while Ethereum options had a significant 60% surge.”

The CME’s regulated bitcoin and ether futures experienced heightened involvement from large traders in Q2 amid financial market volatility, indicating growing trust in such platforms. However, the credibility of key crypto market players is under the scanner as FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried faces allegations from the DOJ of witness interference. Meanwhile, despite financial struggles, Meta remains committed to its metaverse vision.

In October 2021, ProShares launched Bitcoin Strategy Fund, the first futures-linked ETF trading as BITO on NYSE, offering bitcoin exposure without owning the cryptocurrency. Recently, speculation ignited that futures-based ETFs could underperform due to ‘contango bleed’. However, ProShares argued that BITO is maintaining key parity with the spot price. The potential arrival of spot-based ETFs might unlock institutional money channels.

Optimism is growing within the crypto community as institutional interest in Bitcoin and ETF proposals rise. Crypto trading volumes increased 14% to $2.71 trillion in June 2021, the first monthly increase since March. Despite this, spot trading volumes remain on the low side, indicating stagnation. Recent ETF filings have, however, stimulated trading activities, showing a positive market projection.

Bitcoin has seen a significant rally as U.S. institutional activity surges. Financial giants like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Citadel have substantially invested in Bitcoin, driving increased trading volumes and price gains. Despite regulatory concerns around other cryptos, Bitcoin’s popularity endures, suggesting a crucial ‘generational moment’ for sustained, long-term institutional adoption.

“CME Group plans to introduce Ether (ETH)/Bitcoin (BTC) Ratio futures, set to launch on July 31. These futures, settled in cash, will link the final settlement prices of ETH and BTC futures. This innovative approach elevates cryptocurrency investment options, signaling progression towards future where blockchain technology and cryptocurrency investments become everyday norms.”

HSBC Hong Kong now offers customers the ability to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum futures Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), expanding access to digital asset derivatives in the Asia crypto hub. The ETFs include CSOP Bitcoin Futures ETF, CSOP Ethereum Futures ETF, and Samsung Bitcoin Futures Active ETF.

Bitcoin bulls hold onto the $30,000 level as BTC price consolidates after a recent rally, with sentiment high for a potential rise to $35,000. Increasing interest in crypto assets and Bitcoin ETF filings, along with the upcoming 145,000 BTC options expiry on June 30, are key market events to watch.

Since 2013, the crypto community has pursued elusive spot Bitcoin ETFs. Interest in Bitcoin ETFs has grown globally, with Canada, Brazil, and Dubai embracing them. Despite numerous rejections, the industry remains optimistic, and BlackRock’s recent application has spurred other major companies to apply for Bitcoin spot ETFs, suggesting market resilience and potential for a U.S. Bitcoin ETF.

The cryptocurrency market has surged with Bitcoin’s price reaching $28,800 as traditional finance firms enter the crypto space. Deutsche Bank applied for a digital asset custody license, while EDX Markets’ trading support for cryptocurrencies expanded. Invesco also reapplied for a spot bitcoin ETF, emphasizing investor protection. However, skepticism remains regarding investor protection and the impact of traditional finance firms in the crypto market.

Investment firms Invesco and WisdomTree are seeking approval for spot Bitcoin ETFs following initial rejections, arguing that a lack of such funds puts US investors at risk by resorting to unreliable digital asset accounts. The proposed spot ETFs would directly hold and track the price of physical Bitcoin, distinguishing them from futures-based ETFs reliant on futures contracts.

BlackRock is reportedly preparing to file for a Bitcoin ETF application, while the SEC’s contrasting treatment of Bitcoin spot and futures ETFs sparks questions. Grayscale’s ongoing lawsuit against the SEC could serve as a critical turning point for the cryptocurrency industry, as the future of Bitcoin ETFs hangs in the balance.

Hong Kong prepares for its first spot Bitcoin ETF, showcasing contrasting attitudes between Asian financial hubs and the US SEC. The Hong Kong SFC-approved VSFG (Yibo Finance) aims to list a spot Bitcoin fund as an ETF while engaging with ETF issuers and regulators.

ProShares’ Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) has underperformed compared to bitcoin’s performance this year, due to its futures-based structure and contango bleed. This highlights the limitations of futures-based ETFs and calls for the approval of direct BTC spot ETFs for better investor gains.

The crypto market faces unpredictable price swings as experts suggest the upcoming US election could shape the next narrative for cryptocurrencies. With Central Bank Digital Currencies gaining importance in politics and asset managers holding long positions on crypto, the market continues to evolve amidst varying factors influencing future price action.

Valkyrie filed an application for a leveraged Bitcoin futures-based ETF, which differs from its existing BTF fund. With the SEC blocking attempts at a spot Bitcoin ETF, the debate over futures vs. spot-based ETFs continues, raising questions about the regulator’s understanding of the relationship between Bitcoin futures and the cryptocurrency’s spot price.

The ProShares Bitcoin Strategy Fund, a pioneer ETF, allows investors to gain bitcoin exposure without owning the cryptocurrency. Contrary to early predictions of underperformance, the fund has closely tracked bitcoin’s price, potentially negating perceived risks of such ETFs.