The cryptocurrency market is buzzing with anticipation as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) prepares to make a decision on VanEck’s Bitcoin (BTC) spot ETF application. Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, have been consolidating recent gains in the lead-up to the decision, with analysts pointing to bullish technical indicators and market positioning.
Bullish Sentiment Prevails
Despite the lack of a clear directional bias, both Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) have maintained a strong position above their respective Ichimoku Cloud lines, suggesting an underlying bullish outlook. This sentiment is further supported by data from Deribit, a cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, which shows that options on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) continue to exhibit a call skew, indicating that traders are more optimistic about price increases.
1D $BTC
Bullish TK Cross w/Price Above Cloud pic.twitter.com/8CLFDsMckP
— #333kByJuly2025 (@CarpeNoctom) May 22, 2024
ETF Approval Expectations
The bullish positioning is likely driven by heightened expectations that the SEC will approve the Ether (ETH) spot ETFs, paving the way for increased demand for cryptocurrencies. SEC Chairman Gary Gensler has previously stated that investors should consider all potential risks before making any cryptocurrency investments. However, analysts believe that the SEC is likely to approve the Ether (ETH) spot ETFs, given the reduced discount of the Grayscale Ethereum Trust to its net asset value and the SEC’s recent request for updates and amendments from Ether (ETH) spot ETF applicants.
The Grayscale ETHE discount is now at 7.2%. If this further tightens today then it could be further proof of people buying ETHE to arb the discount on approval.
i.e., it's a really good proxy for approval odds.
Keep an eye on it 👀 pic.twitter.com/v4qm2MfBoP
— Nic (@nicrypto) May 23, 2024
Implications of ETF Approval
The approval of Ether (ETH) spot ETFs would be a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency industry, signaling a shift in the regulatory stance towards cryptocurrencies. It could also lead to increased institutional adoption of Ethereum (ETH), as investors gain access to a regulated way to invest in the asset.
Parallels to Bitcoin (BTC) ETF Approval
The Ether (ETH) spot ETF decision is reminiscent of the launch of Bitcoin (BTC) spot ETFs in October 2021. In both cases, the SEC initially displayed caution in approving spot ETFs for these cryptocurrencies. However, pressure from various stakeholders, including issuers, investors, and the maturing cryptocurrency market, ultimately pushed the SEC towards approval.
Dogecoin (DOGE) ETF Speculation
The speculation over Ether (ETH) spot ETF approval has also sparked rumors that Dogecoin (DOGE), the popular meme cryptocurrency, could be the next in line for a spot ETF. However, analysts caution that while further spot ETF approvals are possible, they are likely to prioritize cryptocurrencies with clear use cases and demonstrable value beyond speculation.
With significant political pressure for regulation of crypto to be officially bestowed upon the CFTC, the odds for a DOGE ETF look brighter than ever https://t.co/nyYnO0LQ6o
— Andrew Kang (@Rewkang) May 21, 2024
Bitcoin (BTC) ETF Custody Reaches Record High
In a sign of growing institutional interest in Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin (BTC) spot ETFs listed in the United States now hold a record 850,707 BTC in custody, surpassing a previous high of over 845,000 set in early April. This increase in holdings coincides with a surge in net inflows into Bitcoin (BTC) spot ETFs, suggesting that investors are accumulating Bitcoin (BTC) in anticipation of the SEC’s decision.
Political Victory for Cryptocurrency Industry
The cryptocurrency industry scored a major political victory in the United States on Wednesday when the House of Representatives passed a comprehensive bill to establish regulations for digital asset markets. The Financial Innovation and Technology Act for the 21st Century (FIT21) marks the first time a major cryptocurrency bill has been approved by one chamber of Congress.
Conclusion
The cryptocurrency market is poised for a significant shift as the SEC prepares to rule on VanEck’s Bitcoin (BTC) spot ETF application. The approval of Ether (ETH) spot ETFs could pave the way for increased institutional adoption and further legitimize cryptocurrencies as an asset class. While Dogecoin (DOGE) ETF speculation is gaining traction, analysts emphasize that future spot ETF approvals are likely to focus on cryptocurrencies with strong fundamentals and clear use cases. The growing political acceptance of cryptocurrencies, as evidenced by the passage of FIT21, further underscores the maturing nature of the industry and its potential for mainstream adoption.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the SEC’s decision on the VanEck Bitcoin (BTC) ETF application?
The SEC’s decision will determine whether the first US Bitcoin (BTC) spot ETF will be approved. This could have a major impact on the cryptocurrency market by increasing institutional adoption and legitimizing Bitcoin (BTC) as an investment class.
2. Why are Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) prices rising in anticipation of the SEC decision?
The anticipation of increased demand for cryptocurrencies if the Ether (ETH) spot ETF is approved is driving bullish sentiment in the market. Technical indicators also suggest a potential price increase for both Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
3. Could Dogecoin (DOGE) be the next cryptocurrency to get a spot ETF?
While speculation exists, analysts believe future spot ETF approvals will likely prioritize established cryptocurrencies with clear use cases and value beyond speculation. Dogecoin (DOGE) may face challenges in this regard.
4. What is the current record for Bitcoin (BTC) held in custody by US spot ETFs?
Bitcoin (BTC) spot ETFs in the US currently hold a record-breaking 850,707 BTC, highlighting the growing institutional interest in Bitcoin (BTC).
5. What is the Financial Innovation and Technology Act for the 21st Century (FIT21)?
FIT21 is a comprehensive bill passed by the US House of Representatives that aims to establish regulations for digital asset markets. This marks a significant political victory for the cryptocurrency industry.
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