Alex Thorn, Head of Research at Galaxy Digital, discusses the bull vs. bear case for Bitcoin ETFs. Topics include potential inflows into Bitcoin ETFs, predicting investor behavior, estimating BTC price impact, bear case for BTC ETF, ETH ETF argument, and the potential impact of ETF launch on Bitcoin price.
The launch of a Bitcoin ETF is projected to cause a 74.1% price appreciation in the first year due to substantial inflows, potentially creating a positive price trend.
The approval of Bitcoin ETFs would not only provide accessibility for large institutional investors and wealth advisors, but also legitimize and institutionalize the asset, attracting more investors.
The launch of a Bitcoin ETF is expected to have a significant impact on the price of Bitcoin. In the first year following the launch, it is estimated that there could be a 74.1% price appreciation. This projection is based on an analysis of potential inflows into the ETF, which are predicted to be substantial. While the exact amount of inflows and their impact on price cannot be predicted with certainty, this analysis suggests a positive price trend. It is important to note that this estimate does not take into account factors such as market timing or potential front-running, which could influence the actual price impact.
Potential Inflows and Accessibility of Bitcoin ETFs
The podcast discusses the potential for significant inflows into Bitcoin if Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are approved. It highlights that there are certain pools of capital, such as large institutional investors and wealth advisors, who are currently unable to access Bitcoin due to limited platforms and products available to them. The accessibility factor is seen as a key driver for potential demand for Bitcoin through ETFs. The podcast also emphasizes that the approval of Bitcoin ETFs would provide legitimacy and institutionalize the asset, attracting more investors. It mentions the impact of approval as a stamp of approval and a signal of the industry's maturity.
Bear Case and Potential Challenges for Bitcoin ETFs
The podcast presents the bear case for Bitcoin ETFs, noting that some skeptics argue it is overhyped and already priced in. They believe that there may not be significant inflows into Bitcoin due to accessibility issues and the assumption that potential investors already have access through existing products. The podcast addresses this argument by emphasizing that while individuals can access Bitcoin through exchanges and trusts, there are limitations for wealth channels and advisors who require more accessible, compliant, and regulated products. It also mentions the possibility of risk-off market movements, such as a financial crisis or geopolitical events, affecting appetite for Bitcoin. Regulatory issues and a potential buy-the-rumor, sell-the-news event upon ETF approval are also raised as potential challenges.
Alex Thorn is head of Research at Galaxy Digital, leading a team of researchers focused on unpacking the market developments in crypto, producing information for both internal and external audiences. Before Galaxy, Alex was Director of Blockchain Research at Fidelity, so he’s a veteran of straddling TradWorld and Crypto.
Today we talked to Alex about the bull vs. bear case for the BTC ETF.