The ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF debuted with the second-highest trading volume of ETF launch history.
- First bitcoin futures ETF listed in the U.S. amassed over $1 billion in trading volume in its first day of trading.
- The NYSE-listed ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF gained 4.85% from its $40 opening price, closing at $41.94.
- This was the second-biggest ETF debut of all time in terms of trading volume.
The ProShares Bitcoin Strategy exchange-traded fund (ETF) finished its first day of trading with a little over $1 billion of volume, under the ticker symbol $BITO, ranking as the second-biggest ETF debut of all time. The BlackRock U.S. Carbon Transition Readiness ETF holds the crown as the most significant influx in one day, with a $1,161,734,000 trading volume.
However, Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas argues that the $BITO trading volume saw “easily the biggest day-one of any ETF in terms of ‘natural’ volume.” Additionally, he explains, $BITO also traded more than 99.5% of all ETFs, including big names like $DIA, $ARKK, and $SLV.
“Natural” volume means that the ETF did not receive seed capital, which is a reality for most ETFs as their day-one volume is pre-planned by a giant investor and therefore “don’t really represent grassroots interest,” according to Balchunas.
In either case, the first bitcoin futures ETF to list in the U.S. saw a very active first day of trading, closing at $41.94 with nearly 24 million shares traded — a 4.85% increase in its $40 opening price. As reported yesterday, yet another bitcoin futures ETF could go live this week.
Although investors wishing to get indirect bitcoin exposure through $BITO will have to wait until the NYSE reopens tomorrow, anyone can get direct bitcoin exposure right now. Bitcoin trades 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and opting for buying actual BTC is what enables true financial freedom.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.