Should You Invest in Bitcoin ETFs?

Bloomberg Intelligence forecasts that the spot Bitcoin ETF market could grow to $100 billion within the next five years. So, would investing in Bitcoin ETFs be a wise investment decision? Bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are revolutionising the investment landscape by offering a new way to invest in cryptocurrency without directly purchasing it.

Bitcoin ETFs offer a simpler and more accessible way for investors to engage with the cryptocurrency market. It does away with the need to understand the technicalities of online trading and managing cryptocurrencies directly.

They can be bought, sold, and traded on traditional stock exchanges, using familiar brokerage accounts, which eliminates the complexities related to digital wallets and crypto exchanges

For Indian investors, this has opened doors to the global crypto market through easy investments in the U.S. ETFs, bypassing the complexities of crypto exchanges and wallets.

Benefits of Investing in Bitcoin ETFs

Investing in Bitcoin ETFs comes with several advantages, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter the cryptocurrency market:

Ease of Access: Bitcoin ETFs can be bought through conventional brokerage accounts, making the process easier for investors who may not be familiar with crypto exchanges or the intricacies of handling private keys and digital wallets.
Regulatory Oversight: Being part of a regulated financial system, Bitcoin ETFs offer improved investor protection and a secure investment environment, thanks to adherence to financial regulations.
Diversification: Bitcoin ETFs allow for diversification in investment portfolios, as Bitcoin often has a low correlation with traditional assets like stocks and bonds, potentially providing a hedge against market downturns.
Liquidity: ETFs typically offer greater liquidity than direct cryptocurrency investments, enabling investors to buy and sell shares easily during market hours.
Tax Efficiency: In some jurisdictions, investing in ETFs might offer tax advantages compared to direct Bitcoin investments, due to favorable tax treatments that defer capital gains realisation until the investment is sold.

Risks and Considerations

However, it’s also important to consider the downsides:

Investors are exposed to the price volatility of the cryptocurrency markets, which can see sharp fluctuations within short periods.
Bitcoin ETFs may have higher fees compared to traditional ETFs due to the costs associated with maintaining the underlying cryptocurrency holdings.
Investors own shares in a fund that possesses Bitcoin instead of holding the Bitcoin themselves. This may exclude them from certain advantages of having direct ownership of the digital currency.

The SEC’s approval of 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 marked a significant step toward integrating cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial markets, offering a regulated option for investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without owning it directly.

This approval includes products from major providers of investment vehicles such as Grayscale, Bitwise, and BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, among others.

How to Invest in a Bitcoin ETF using Appreciate

Investing in a Bitcoin ETF through Appreciate is easy and offers numerous benefits, such as global investing for higher returns and a secure online trading experience. Appreciate stands out by offering low transaction fees, zero withdrawal charges, and a minimum investment requirement as low as ₹1. The platform ensures the safety of your investments through direct integration with Yes Bank, adhering to FEMA, SEBI, and RBI regulations, and providing US-government-backed portfolio insurance worth up to $500,000 against systemic failures, though not against trading losses.

Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

Step 1: Install and Sign Up: Download the Appreciate app and complete the sign-up process.

Step 2: Complete KYC: Follow the steps to finish your Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation, ensuring your account is secure and ready for transactions.

Step 3: Invest: Once your account is set up, you can start investing in Bitcoin ETFs alongside other global investment opportunities provided by the platform.

Here’s how you can do it:

Search for ETFs: Tap the search bar and enter “Bitcoin ETF”
Select the Bitcoin ETF you want to invest in. Click the ‘buy’ button to invest.
Enter the amount you want to invest. Check all the details, and confirm your purchase.

Remember to review the ETF’s performance and understand the risks before buying.

Final Thoughts

Investing in Bitcoin ETFs can be a strategic move for those looking to diversify their investment portfolio and gain exposure to the cryptocurrency market without directly purchasing digital assets. This approach combines the potential high returns of Bitcoin with the ease of trading traditional stocks. However, like all investments, it’s crucial to consider the associated risks and the volatile nature of cryptocurrency markets.

Investing in Bitcoin ETFs via Appreciate is not only simple but also offers the added benefits of higher returns through global investment opportunities and the utmost security for your funds. With Appreciate , you have the tools and support for online trading, to make investment decisions, secure your financial future, and achieve your investment goals.

Author Bio – Yogesh is a Co-Founder at Appreciate, a fintech platform helping Indians achieve their financial goals through globally diversified one-click investing.