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What to Expect When Spot Ethereum ETFs Start Trading

23 July 2024
what to expect when spot ethereum etfs start trading

Tomorrow marks a significant milestone for Ethereum as eight spot Ethereum ETFs will begin trading, issued by prominent firms including Grayscale, Fidelity, Invesco, VanEck, Franklin Templeton, 21Shares, Bitwise, and iShares (BlackRock). Analysts suggest these ETFs could influence ETH’s price more profoundly than previous Bitcoin ETFs due to Ethereum’s lower inflation rate, reduced staking costs, and substantial staking volume. Initial movements may show a modest price increase, but investors exiting Grayscale’s ETH trust could trigger a “sell the news” event, causing temporary volatility. Despite this, new price highs are achievable by year-end.当前,Ether’s trading price hovers at $3,439, and key resistance levels to monitor include $3,641, $3,768, $3,895, and $3,974. Analyst models like the Ichimoku cloud and TEMA (9) indicate short-term support, while a dip below these markers may signal a prolonged period of consolidation. As the market anticipates the ETF launch, increased implied volatility suggests we should prepare for a turbulent trading week. Have you ever wondered what impact the trading of spot Ethereum ETFs will have on both the stock and crypto markets?


Ethereum enthusiasts are in a state of high anticipation as tomorrow marks the debut of eight spot Ethereum ETFs. These ETFs, rolled out by prominent financial players such as Grayscale, Fidelity, Invesco, VanEck, Franklin Templeton, 21Shares, Bitwise, and iShares (BlackRock), represent a significant milestone in the maturation of the cryptocurrency market.

In this article, I will dive into what you can expect from both the stock and crypto markets once these ETFs start trading, the nuances differentiating Ethereum from Bitcoin in this context, and the market’s potential reactions.

What to Expect When Spot Ethereum ETFs Start Trading

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Understanding the Basics: What is a Spot Ethereum ETF?

What Does “Spot” Mean?

The term “spot” in financial parlance refers to the immediate trading and settlement of assets at their current market price. Thus, a spot Ethereum ETF allows investors to buy shares representing Ethereum, based on its current market value, without having direct ownership of the digital asset.

ETFs: Simplifying Crypto Investment

An Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) essentially functions as a marketable security that tracks an index, a commodity, or a bundle of assets. The salient feature of an ETF is that it can be traded on stock exchanges much like regular stocks. This simplifies the investment process for those who may find direct involvement with cryptocurrencies daunting or cumbersome.

Market Expectations: A Double-Edged Sword

A Potential Surge in Ethereum’s Price

Analysts project that these ETFs may have a more pronounced effect on Ethereum’s price compared to Bitcoin’s past ETF introduction. The rationale includes:

  • Lower Inflation Rate: Ethereum’s supply growth rate is currently lower than Bitcoin’s, making it more resistant to inflationary pressures.
  • Lower Staking Costs: The capex for staking Ethereum is considerably lower, encouraging more participation.
  • High Staking Participation: Approximately 28% of all Ethereum coins are staked, inducing a supply squeeze.

These factors suggest that the asset could experience a considerable price uplift initially.

Immediate Market Reactions

Given the current trading scenario where Ether is priced around $3,439 and has been showing consolidation within a narrow range, traders are evidently poised for the ETF launch. Immediate outcomes may involve a modest price bump based on preliminary buying activities.

Key Resistance LevelsPotential Price Mark
$3,641Initial resistance
$3,768Secondary resistance
$3,895Tertiary resistance
$3,974Final pre-$4,000

Momentum sustained past these thresholds could see Ethereum breaking the $4,000 barrier.

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Technical Indicators: A Mixed Bag

Ichimoku Cloud and TEMA Analysis

The Ichimoku Cloud, a versatile indicator in technical analysis, currently shows short-term support for Ethereum at $3,499. Simultaneously, the Triple Exponential Moving Average (TEMA) (9) suggests support at $3,457. Maintaining these levels will be crucial for a bullish trajectory.

RSI Divergence and Bearish Signals

Conversely, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) divergence value of -9.63 foreshadows potential bearish movements or a correction period. Should Ethereum price slip below the aforementioned support levels, it might trigger extended consolidation.

Inflows and Outflows: The Grayscale Dilemma

Fee Structure Impact

Grayscale’s ETH ETF has been a go-to for institutional investors, but its management fee of 2.5% is notably higher than the industry-typical 0.2%. This disparity might instigate significant fund outflow, approximating $10 billion, exerting downward pressure on Ethereum’s price.

Anticipated Selling Pressure

The resultant “sell the news” event could lead to Ether dropping below $3,000, a threshold it hasn’t tested in several months. QCP Capital’s recent commentary reflects this sentiment, noting:

“The lack of positive reaction is a negative reaction. Right now, the market seems to be seeing who folds first to ‘sell the news’.”

What to Expect When Spot Ethereum ETFs Start Trading

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Market Volatility: Buckle Up

Options Implied Volatility

The market’s anticipation of the ETF launch has already caused an uptick in implied volatility in ETH options, increasing from 56% to 70%. This surge underscores the market’s expectation of rapid price fluctuations.

Long-Term Perspective

While the short-term landscape may be volatile and perhaps even bleak, long-term prospects remain promising. A successful rollout could pave the way for regulatory clarity, enhanced market participation, and ultimately, higher price ceilings. Notably, the ETH price may even touch new highs by the year-end.


In Summary: Tomorrow’s introduction of eight spot Ethereum ETFs forms a crucial juncture for both Ethereum and the broader crypto market. While short-term volatility is expected, the move signifies a step toward mainstream acceptance and could catalyze broader market growth. Investors should brace for immediate turbulence but keep an eye on long-term gains. The unfolding scenario presents a balanced view of opportunities and challenges, embodying a turning point in Ethereum’s financial journey. This is not just a financial event but a milestone in the broader narrative of cryptocurrency’s evolution.

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