Futures exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are not the same as spot ETFs because they do not contain actual Bitcoin. This results in a price gap between the ETF and the current Bitcoin price. ✅A Bitcoin spot exchange-traded fund, on the other hand, is backed by actual Bitcoin.
Ever since the Bitcoin Spot ETF was approved, many have asked me what are the differences between the two of them? Would it be better to buy Bitcoin or the ETF? In this post, I will start by sharing what are some of the benefits and considerations when buying ETFs.
Pros of Bitcoin Spot ETF
For traditional investors, Bitcoin ETFs simplify entry into the cryptocurrency market, avoiding the technicalities of crypto wallets and blockchain. You can be excused from managing wallets with Bitcoins, navigating online crypto exchanges, or grappling with private and public keys. Removing such technical hurdles simplifies the investing decision into Bitcoin, making it a more attractive proposition for those accustomed to traditional investments.
ETFs in general are subject to regulatory scrutiny, offering a layer of security and peace of mind for investors wary of the unregulated crypto space. When purchasing bitcoins outright, you might be doing so without the backing of clear, standardized regulations. Spot bitcoin ETFs are subject to rules that ensure transparency and protect investors.
Cons of Bitcoin Spot ETF
When you purchase ETFs, you don't own the underlying Bitcoin, thus limiting your control over your investment. The Bitcoins held in the ETF are all under custodial ownership, which means if the custodian were to suffer from a security breach or loss of access, it would greatly affect the investors holding the ETFs.
While investing in spot bitcoin ETFs could save you the time and costs of exchanging and securing Bitcoins yourself, these ETFs do charge management fees or expense ratios to cover operational costs, diminishing your returns over time. These fees can be higher than traditional equity ETFs because the ETF must also pay fees for the trading and custodial fees of the exchange.
What Are Bitcoin ETFs?
Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are investment funds giving investors direct exposure to Bitcoin.
The ETFs are investment products listed on traditional stock markets, being regulated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
After years of waiting, the SEC approved the first batch of BTC ETFs at the beginning of January 2024, accelerating the cryptocurrency’s recovery journey.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs are required to actually hold ‘physical’ crypto coins with a custodian, which enables investors to trade ETF shares securely through traditional brokerage platforms.
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Current List of BTC ETFs and Their Performance
The SEC green-lit 11 ETFs in total. Some of the issuers include:
Grayscale (GBTC)
BlackRock (IBIT)
Bitwise (BITB)
VanEck (HODL)
Fidelity (FBTC)
Valkyrie (BRRR)
Bitcoin ETFs are a big deal, as they help cryptocurrency gain legitimacy on Wall Street, attracting capital from institutions and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs).
In the first two months following their launch, over $70 billion worth of ETF shares changed hands, with Grayscale Bitcoin Trust and BlackRock’s ETF accounting for the lion’s share.
Bitcoin ETF Pros
Direct exposure to Bitcoin in a regulated market.
Liquid investment product, with physical Bitcoin being held in a vault.
Ability to diversify traditional portfolios.
Less complicated than trading actual BTC.
Bitcoin ETF Cons
Investors don’t own the underlying Bitcoin.
The ETFs are tradeable during market hours on business days only.
ETFs have management fees and operational costs.
Bitcoin ETFs are highly regulated and aren’t easily accessible to the world at large.
Bitcoin vs Bitcoin ETFs: 7 Differences
Below are the main differences between Bitcoin and its related ETF products:
#1 Ownership
With Bitcoin ETF, investors own shares of the funds, which can increase or decrease in value based on Bitcoin’s price performance. However, they cannot transfer crypto to digital wallets or redeem their shares for an equivalent amount of crypto.
Truly owning Bitcoin involves having direct access to your private keys, which Bitcoin ETF owners do not have. The only way to actually own Bitcoin is to hold it in a self-custody crypto wallet.
#2 Regulatory Oversight
While the prices of Bitcoin and its related ETFs may move in tandem, they are fundamentally different products.
A borderless, decentralized network with no governing authority runs Bitcoin.
In the United States, the regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies needs to be developed, lacking clear oversight. However, it is anticipated that digital assets will ultimately be subject to stringent regulation by a government agency.
Bitcoin ETFs, however, fall under the securities umbrella and are regulated by the SEC. They are issued by companies registered with the SEC.
In contrast, the decentralized nature of Bitcoin means there is no entity with the power to enforce regulatory compliance globally.
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#3 Liquidity and Accessibility
Bitcoin is traded on specialized cryptocurrency exchanges, including platforms like Coinbase. Although cryptocurrency traders generally don’t face significant liquidity issues with BTC, Bitcoin ETFs offer even greater liquidity, appealing to conventional investors.
These ETF shares are listed on stock exchanges such as NASDAQ. They are accessible through brokerage accounts from providers like tastytrade, Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, and Robinhood, enhancing liquidity and accessibility for both retail and institutional investors.
In contrast, purchasing and securely storing Bitcoin directly involves a more complex process, which can be particularly challenging for traditional investors who are not technologically adept.
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#4 Market Hours
While you can trade Bitcoin anytime, ETFs are available for trading during market hours (9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET) on business days.
This can have serious consequences.
For example, if you buy ETF shares while Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $60,000 on a Friday, you might see its value drop by 15% over the weekend, during which time you’re unable to sell your shares. In contrast, actual Bitcoin can be traded 24/7, allowing for more flexibility in responding to market fluctuations.
#5 Tax Implications
As a rule, each transaction involving Bitcoin or a Bitcoin ETF is treated as a taxable event, and investors are responsible for tracking their capital gains and losses in dollar terms over the course of a year.
In this scenario, ETF investors have an advantage because ETF issuers typically provide regular reports, which can simplify the process of filing taxes.
The IRS assesses Bitcoin ETF-related capital gains based on the holding period, e.g., short-term gains are taxed differently from long-term gains.
When you sell Bitcoin ETF shares held for less than a year, the capital gains are taxed at ordinary income rates, which vary from 10% to 37%. Conversely, if you hold the shares for over a year before selling, the long-term capital gains are subject to lower tax rates, specifically 0%, 15%, or 20%.
#6 Management Structure & Fees
Bitcoin holders are tasked with directly managing their investments, which involves ensuring the security of their crypto wallets and selecting a reputable exchange for transactions.
In contrast, when investing in Bitcoin ETFs, the issuing company manages the operational aspects, such as securely storing the cryptocurrency in vaults and monitoring its market price.
However, trading Bitcoin ETF shares usually involves higher costs. Most Bitcoin ETFs, offered by companies like BlackRock, Fidelity, and VanEck, charge a trading fee of 0.25%. Grayscale’s GBTC, representing over 60% of all Bitcoin ETF holdings, levies a 1.5% fee per trade.
It must be noted that transacting in bitcoin and other cryptos that you own outright often involves fees. For example, with self-custody wallets, you have to pay network fees, which can fluctuate wildly. With exchange wallets, you pay maker/taker fees.
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#7 Ecosystems
Bitcoin ETFs can be easily integrated into traditional portfolios, as they’re no different than company shares. However, they cannot be directly converted to other crypto assets.
While Bitcoin outright ownership cannot be directly integrated into traditional portfolios, you can easily trade it against other digital assets on crypto exchanges and even participate in decentralized finance (DeFi) opportunities through Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC).
