ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund)
16/04/2026
An ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a regulated financial product traded on traditional stock exchanges that tracks the price of an underlying asset. A crypto ETF tracks the price of a cryptocurrency, giving investors exposure without needing to buy, store, or manage actual coins.
Bitcoin spot ETF
In January 2024, the US SEC approved the first Bitcoin spot ETFs — funds that hold actual Bitcoin, with shares traded on NYSE and Nasdaq. Major providers include BlackRock (IBIT), Fidelity (FBTC), and others.
This was a landmark event: institutional investors could gain Bitcoin exposure through their existing brokerage accounts without setting up wallets or exchanges.
Types of crypto ETFs
| Type | Holds actual crypto | Examples | |------|--------------------|---------|| | Spot ETF | Yes | IBIT (BlackRock), FBTC (Fidelity) | | Futures ETF | No (futures contracts) | BITO (ProShares) |
Impact on miners
Bitcoin ETF approval brought significant institutional capital into Bitcoin markets. Higher institutional demand generally supports Bitcoin's price — which directly improves miner profitability. ETF inflows also reduce sell pressure since ETF holders don't mine or trade BTC directly.
