Ethereum surges on Ark Invest and 21Shares’ ETF amendment

John Darbie
Photo: Finoracle.me

Ethereum Price Surges After Ark Invest and 21Shares Amend Spot ETF Application

Ethereum’s native token, ether (ETH), has experienced a significant surge in price following news of amendments to the joint spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) application by Ark Invest and 21Shares. The price of ETH reached $2,457 before retracing to its current price of $2,424. This development comes on the heels of the successful deployment of the Dencun upgrade on the Holesky testnet, further bolstering the positive outlook for the Ethereum ecosystem.

Amendment Aligns Spot Ethereum ETF with Cash Creation and Redemption Model

The amended filing of the joint application by Ark Invest and 21Shares introduces a cash creation and redemption policy that mirrors the structure of recently approved spot Bitcoin ETFs. This adjustment aims to streamline the creation process, with authorized participants restricted to cash creations and redemptions, excluding in-kind transactions involving ETH. By aligning with regulatory expectations and operational efficiency, the amended filing reflects the SEC’s preference for cash-based methods seen in spot Bitcoin ETF approvals.

Uncertainty Remains Over Introduction of ETH Staking in Amended Filing

While the amended filing introduces the possibility of Ethereum staking, allowing for the staking of ether tokens from the Trust’s Cold Vault Balance, the inclusion of this feature in the final proposal remains uncertain pending regulatory approval. Staking could potentially generate rewards, treated as income, but it also carries a risk of loss. The filing indicates some ambiguity with bracketed sections which suggests that the SEC may not permit staking in spot Ethereum ETFs. Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart remains cautious about the inclusion of staking, highlighting the regulator’s potential stance against it.

Mixed Reactions and Varying Expectations Surround the Amended ETF Application

The news of Ark Invest and 21Shares amending their spot Ethereum ETF application has evoked mixed reactions among investors and industry observers. While it is considered a positive development for spot Ethereum ETFs, expectations for approval differ. Polymarket reports 43% odds of a May approval by the SEC, while Seyffart suggests a 60% chance. Standard Chartered Bank is optimistic about an approval in May, while TD Cowen is more skeptical, expecting no approval until 2024.

Ethereum Price Surge Indicates Investor Optimism and Market Interest

Despite the uncertainty surrounding regulatory approval, the surge in Ethereum’s price signals investor optimism and interest in the potential launch of a spot Ethereum ETF. Stakeholders are eagerly awaiting further developments in the ETH ETF space, closely monitoring regulatory decisions and industry dynamics. The SEC’s deadline for a decision on a spot Ethereum ETF is approaching on May 23, and analysts are closely watching for any indications on the outcome.

Analyst comment

Positive news

As an analyst, the surge in Ethereum’s price indicates strong investor optimism and market interest in the potential launch of a spot Ethereum ETF. The amended filing aligns with regulatory expectations and improves operational efficiency, increasing the chances of approval. However, uncertainty remains regarding the inclusion of staking. The market will closely monitor regulatory decisions, with expectations ranging from a May approval to no approval until 2024. The market is eagerly awaiting further developments, and the SEC’s decision on May 23 will likely have a significant impact.

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John Darbie is a seasoned cryptocurrency analyst and writer with over 10 years of experience in the blockchain and digital assets industry. A graduate of MIT with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering, John specializes in blockchain technology, cryptocurrency markets, and decentralized finance (DeFi). His insights have been featured in leading publications such as CoinDesk, CryptoSlate, and Bitcoin Magazine. John’s articles are renowned for their thorough research, clear explanations, and practical insights, making them a reliable source of information for readers interested in cryptocurrency. He actively follows industry trends and developments, regularly participating in blockchain conferences and webinars. With a strong reputation for expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness, John Darbie continues to provide high-quality content that helps individuals and businesses navigate the evolving world of digital assets.