Institutional investment is taking no notice of Bitcoin’s current volatility as two pioneering Blockchain exchange-traded funds (ETFs) launch Wednesday.
‘Profound Long-Term Investment Opportunities’
The Reality Shares Nasdaq NextGen Economy ETF (BLCN) and the Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF (BLOK) are forerunners of what some pundits expect to be an onslaught of Bitcoin and Blockchain ETFs which may gain approval in 2018.
Unlike previous Bitcoin attempts from last year which met with flat-out rejections from US regulators, Wednesday’s Blockchain products have yet to receive problems from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), meaning that under current law, they may continue operating as planned.
Blockchain companies will form the focus for investment for both ETFs, with officials keen to note that the target ecosystem presents significant opportunities despite the inherent risks associated with investment in the rapidly-evolving yet volatile industry.
In an official press release, Reality Shares CEO Eric Ervin said:
The blockchain ecosystem potentially presents one of the most profound, long-term investment opportunities many of us have or will ever see in our lifetime.
He continued:
In order to fully harness the potential of this exciting sector, we teamed up with other well-known groups – Nasdaq and the experienced members of our advisory board – to vet and qualify blockchain companies and identify trends and initiatives in our pursuit to become the leaders in blockchain investing.
Here’s what you need to know about the BLCN ETF https://t.co/YEjxkuXEsK #blockchain #blockchainetf #innovation #blockchainscore pic.twitter.com/ROrvRFkD2s
— Reality Shares (@RealityShares) January 17, 2018
Looking Beyond The Price Slump
The products received a comparatively understated release compared to December’s twin Bitcoin futures contracts, which set both investment and Bitcoin prices astir upon their debut.
At press time, Bitcoin was facing a major slide in price comparable to its performance following the Mt. Gox exchange collapse of 2013, losing almost 50% of its value within just eleven days.
Within optimism remaining in legacy investment circles, however, there is a more profound sentiment that the opportunities presented by Bitcoin for traditional money are only just beginning to reach their potential audience.
The Reality Shares release nonetheless cautions:
Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Shares are not FDIC insured and may lose value. Past performance does not guarantee future results. […] For BLCN, there is no guarantee or assurance the methodology used to create the respective Benchmark Index will result in the Fund achieving positive returns.
What do you think about the two new Bitcoin ETFs? Let us know in the comment section below!
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