Bitwise Asset Management, America’s largest crypto index fund manager, announced the launch of two first-of-their-kind Ethereum Futures ETFs, AETH and BTOP, scheduled for October 2. These ETFs will provide investors with exposure to CME Ether futures in a regulated format, expanding Bitwise’s existing suite of crypto investment products.
Bitwise Asset Management, a leading player in the crypto asset management space, has announced the launch of two groundbreaking Ethereum-themed Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). The Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF (ticker: AETH) and the Bitwise Bitcoin and Ether Equal Weight Strategy ETF (ticker: BTOP) are set to begin trading on October 2, 2023. These ETFs are the first to offer investors exposure to CME Ether futures through a regulated ETF format.
Based in San Francisco, Bitwise offers a broad range of crypto investment vehicles, including more than 20 products and five ETFs. The firm is known for its focus on quality education and research, partnering with financial advisors and investment professionals.
“Ethereum now has billions in revenue, millions of users, and thousands of distinct apps and developers,” said Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley. According to data, stablecoins processed over $1 trillion in transactions in Q1 2023 alone, growing from virtually non-existent in 2019 to a $125 billion market today. Additionally, the total capital in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications on Ethereum has surged 60-fold since 2019, reaching $40 billion.
Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan stated that Ethereum offers a broader portfolio opportunity than Bitcoin, with low correlation to traditional equities. However, it’s essential to note that both Bitcoin and Ethereum futures are subject to unique and substantial risks, including price volatility and liquidity risks.
AETH: Focuses on regulated CME Ether futures, primarily front-month contracts. The fund custodian is Bank of New York Mellon, with an expense ratio of 0.85%.
BTOP: Provides equal exposure to regulated CME Bitcoin and Ether futures. The fund custodian is also Bank of New York Mellon, with an expense ratio of 0.85%.
Bitwise also warns investors should be aware that these ETFs do not invest directly in Bitcoin or Ethereum but in their respective futures contracts. The funds are subject to various risks, including price volatility, liquidity risk, and the cost of futures investment.
On the same day that Bitwise Asset Management is set to launch its Ethereum Futures ETFs, AETH and BTOP, ProShares is also launching its own groundbreaking products. ProShares will introduce the first-ever ETF focused solely on Ether, along with two blended ETFs that offer exposure to both Bitcoin and Ether. Similar to Bitwise’s offerings, ProShares’ new ETFs are designed to provide investors with a more accessible and regulated way to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies, eliminating the need for a separate crypto custodian or wallet.
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