A spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) is an investment vehicle that provides investors with direct exposure to Bitcoin’s (BTC) price.
Unlike Bitcoin futures ETFs, which derive their value from derivatives contracts, spot Bitcoin ETFs directly hold Bitcoin. To be more specific, the ETF issuer, like BlackRock, buys Bitcoin and holds the funds with a secure custodian such as Coinbase, which uses cold storage solutions to safeguard the assets.
The Custodians not only safeguard the assets on behalf of issuers but are also in charge of surveillance-sharing agreements with the ETFs’ listing exchanges. Note that the ETF might invest in Bitcoin directly through a broker or buy derivatives linked to the price of BTC.
Liquidity is another crucial component. Issuers work with market makers who continuously buy and sell ETF shares, ensuring investors can trade easily without significant price discrepancies. This mechanism helps maintain stable trading conditions and minimizes large bid-ask spreads.
Fee structures vary across issuers, with management fees typically deducted from the fund’s assets.
How To Buy Bitcoin ETFs
When investors buy Bitcoin ETFs, they’re buying the shares of the ETF on stock exchanges like the NYSE or NASDAQ. They are basically buying a portion of the current market value of the fund’s Bitcoin holdings.
In other words, investors don’t need to buy Bitcoin from a cryptocurrency exchange or deal with the complexities of managing the coin, such as setting up a Bitcoin wallet, security measures, etc.
Here’s how to do it in simple steps:
- Choose a Brokerage: Select a reputable online brokerage that offers spot Bitcoin ETFs. Some well-known options include Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and Robinhood.
- Open an Account: Visit the brokerage’s website or mobile app and start the account setup process. You’ll need to pass the basic Know Your Customer (KYC) process by providing personal details like your name, address, and Social Security number, then complete the identity verification process.
- Fund Your Account: Transfer money into your brokerage account using a method that works best for you. Common funding options include ACH bank transfers, wire transfers, check deposits, or transferring funds from another brokerage. Make sure your funds are available before placing a trade.
- Select a Spot Bitcoin ETF: Research different ETFs to find one that matches your investment goals. Compare factors like expense ratio, liquidity, and issuer reputation before deciding.
- Placing The Order: Log into your brokerage account and search for your chosen ETF by its ticker symbol. Click “Buy” or “Trade,” then enter the number of shares or the dollar amount you want to invest. Decide between a market order or a limit order. Finally, review your order details and confirm the purchase.
Once your order is executed, you officially own shares of a spot Bitcoin ETF, giving you direct exposure to Bitcoin’s price movements through a regulated investment vehicle.
How to Choose a Spot Bitcoin ETFs
Selecting the right Bitcoin ETF requires evaluating several factors to ensure it aligns with your investment strategy, cost expectations, and risk tolerance. While all Bitcoin ETFs aim to track the price of Bitcoin, they differ in fees, liquidity, and structure, which can impact overall returns.
- Expense Ratio: The lower the expense ratio, the less you pay in fees, allowing more of your investment to grow over time. Many ETFs charge between 0.20% and 0.50% annually, but some offer temporary fee waivers to attract investors. Always check how long these waivers last and what the fees will be once they expire.
- Assets Under Management (AUM): A higher AUM usually indicates a more established ETF, which can lead to better liquidity, easier trading, and lower bid-ask spreads. Larger funds tend to have more investor confidence and smoother price tracking.
- Liquidity & Trading Volume: ETFs with higher daily trading volumes allow investors to buy and sell shares easily without significantly affecting the price. If you plan to trade frequently, choosing an ETF with high liquidity and tight bid-ask spreads is essential to keeping trading costs low.
- Tracking Error: This measures how closely the ETF follows Bitcoin’s actual price movements. A low tracking error means the fund accurately reflects Bitcoin’s market value, reducing the risk of unexpected performance deviations.
- Issuer Reputation & Custody Security: Established firms with experience in ETFs and cryptocurrency products are generally more reliable. It’s also important to check who is storing the Bitcoin—a strong, regulated custodian adds an extra layer of security to your investment
The Best Spot Bitcoin ETFs
There are many Bitcoin ETFs to choose from, but here are the market leaders by asset under management.
BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)
BlackRock’s Spot Bitcoin ETF, known as iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), is designed to provide investors with a cost-effective way to gain exposure to Bitcoin’s price performance without directly owning the cryptocurrency.
The ETF tracks the price of Bitcoin, allowing investors to benefit from its price movements through a traditional brokerage account. This ETF simplifies the investment process by handling the storage and security of Bitcoin, alleviating the need for individual investors to manage these aspects themselves.
Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (FBTC)
The Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (FBTC) is one of the industry’s first spot Bitcoin exchange-traded products (ETPs). Launched by Fidelity Investments, FBTC aims to track Bitcoin’s performance, providing investors with direct exposure to this digital asset.
The fund is available to financial advisors, institutional investors, and retailers through Fidelity’s online platforms.
Unlike other ETFs, FBTC’s Bitcoin is secured by Fidelity Digital Assets Services, which has been regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) since 2019.
Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC)
The Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) ETF is one of the largest Spot Bitcoin ETFs, having dozens of billions in assets under management (UAM).
GBTC was created in 2013 and functioned through private placements. In other words, it was only available to accredited investors. The company had famously promised that the fund would be converted into an ETF.
The premium in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) refers to the difference between the market price of GBTC shares and the net asset value (NAV) of the underlying Bitcoin that the trust holds. This premium (or discount) indicates how much investors are willing to pay above (or below) the actual value of the Bitcoin held by the trust.
Ark 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB)
Ark 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB), co-launched by Ark Invest and 21Shares, provides investors with a regulated way to gain exposure to Bitcoin.
It tracks its performance via the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate (New York Variant) and adjusts for expenses and liabilities. It trades on the Cboe BZX Exchange and has an expense ratio of 0.21% as of June 6, 2024.
As mentioned, the fund was co-launched by two well-known companies in the crypto and FinTech space.
Bitwise Bitcoin ETF Trust (BITB)
Bitwise’s BITB fund is a well-known spot Bitcoin ETFt. It exposes investors to Bitcoin’s price by tracking its performance (minus the Trust’s operating expenses and other liabilities).
BITB has an expense ratio of 0.95%. While higher than most ETFs, it covers management fees, custody charges, and the fund administrator’s and auditor’s customary fees.
What are the Risks of Investing in Bitcoin ETFs?
While Bitcoin ETFs provide a convenient way to gain exposure to Bitcoin, they come with several risks that investors should carefully consider before investing.
- Limited Trading Hours: Bitcoin ETFs are only available during regular stock market hours, preventing investors from reacting to sudden price changes outside market hours, leading to missed opportunities or unexpected losses.
- Management Fees: Bitcoin ETFs typically have higher fees than traditional ETFs, with expense ratios ranging from 0.39% to 1.5%. Over time, these costs can eat into profits, reducing overall returns.
- Market Volatility: Bitcoin is known for its extreme price swings, making ETFs that track its value high-risk investments. Prices can rise or fall sharply within short periods, leading to substantial and rapid investor losses.
