All over the crypto community, the spotlight has turned to the potential approval of spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While some see this as a golden opportunity, a closer look at the implications shows they need to be cautious.
As the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) prepares to possibly begin the approval process for Ethereum ETFs, investors are at a crossroads. According to financial analyst Zach Rector, the outcome of this approval process will bring two primary scenarios.
Often viewed as a classic “buy the rumor, sell the news” situation, the first scenario could kick off a rally in Ethereum prices as excitement and speculation increase. Investors typically rush to buy in on the whispers of regulatory approval, hoping to ride the wave of a favorable outcome.
However, once the approval is confirmed, we might see a sharp pullback as those early birds start cashing out, having pumped the price based on speculation more than anything else.
Conversely, if the ETF is rejected or its approval is delayed, we could see a harsh reaction in the market. Investors banking on a green light might suddenly look to dump their holdings, potentially causing Ethereum prices to plummet.
This kind of sell-off tends to be more intense than usual because it reflects disappointment and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Ethereum’s regulation since the SEC suddenly declared it a security.
Until recently, many in the market were bracing for the SEC to reject applications for spot Ethereum ETFs. The Commission’s reluctance largely comes from ongoing debates about whether Ethereum should be classified as a security, which remains unresolved. Meanwhile, the agency’s Chair, Gary Gensler, has steered clear of personally commenting on Ethereum’s status, even as investigations continue.
Moreover, the SEC’s recent call for updated Form 19b-4 submissions from ETF hopefuls by a specific deadline suggests that a decision could come sooner than we think.