Bitcoin Vs Bitcoin ETFs: Are there advantages of buying Bitcoin directly versus investing in Bitcoin ETFs? Here we list the pros and cons of both, factoring in autonomy, security, and long-term potential.
Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have exploded into every financial journal like cryptocurrency investing is a brand new thing. But we all know that and other cryptocurrencies has been around for more than a decade. So what is the big deal with Bitcoin ETFs?
are an alternative route for investors seeking exposure to Bitcoin without directly owning the digital asset. However, when it comes to the choice between owning actual Bitcoin and investing in Bitcoin ETFs, there are some things to think about.
What are the pros and cons between Bitcoin ETFs / Spot Bitcoin ETFs or just owning Bitcoin outright? Let’s dig in.
Bitcoin ETFs function similarly to gold ETFs. When you invest in a gold ETF, you receive shares representing ownership of a certain amount of gold held by the fund.
Similarly, Bitcoin ETFs provide exposure to Bitcoin’s price movement without requiring you to hold the actual cryptocurrency. Generally, the ETF will hold actual Bitcoin as its underlying asset, but may also hold cash or Bitcoin derivatives.
Accordingly, the price of Bitcoin ETFs may broadly track the price of Bitcoin but this may not always be exact.
For investors who don’t want to learn how to open an account on a crypto exchange (which is actually super easy on CoinJar) then ETFs offer convenience. You don't have to think, you can do what you have always done. Then you can go play pickleball or collect vintage Barbies or whatever you do with the time you've saved.
However, this convenience comes at a cost. You don’t directly own Bitcoin; you merely hold units of the ETF.
When you own actual Bitcoin, you eliminate risk associated with the companies holding Bitcoin on behalf of the ETF fund managers. What if these custodians face security problems or regulatory issues? What if they go bankrupt in a blaze of controversy?
But if you yourself buy Bitcoin, it means that you can keep your assets in a cold wallet. Or you can keep it on an exchange like CoinJar in your CoinJar account, which is a to avoid hacking or fraud.
For those who are committed to the long-term potential of Bitcoin, direct ownership might be more interesting. However, the price of Bitcoin may be volatile and you are relying on your own judgment, vs the experience of ETF fund managers who presumably would have good insight into the market.
Like crypto, ETFs may be subject to market fluctuations, management fees, and regulatory changes.
Owning Bitcoin yourself means not only can you hold it, but you can use it as a medium of exchange. You can even buy things like a or a . With a spot Bitcoin ETF this may not be possible and you will have to sell units in the ETF for cash.
Bitcoin ETFs are easy if you already have investments in other ETFs, however they lack the benefits of direct ownership. But you can rely on the expertise of fund managers if you don’t have experience yourself.
Bitcoin is backed by a philosophy of personal sovereignty which might appeal to some people. The core idea behind Bitcoin lies in its decentralisation and the ability to be your own bank. If you seek financial independence, you might be more tempted to buy Bitcoin and keep it on CoinJar or keep it in your own cold or hot wallet.
, Bitcoin has been one of the best performing assets over the course of its life.
However this isn’t a guarantee of how it will perform in the future.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs performed well for its investors .
At the time of writing (7th May 2024), the crypto markets fell, and this led to from US spot products.
In the battle of owning Bitcoin vs. Bitcoin ETFs, it probably comes down to preference of being your own “bank” and owning Bitcoin directly, or paying higher fees for convenience and experience with a spot Bitcoin ETF.
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An Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) is a financial instrument that allows investors to gain exposure to a basket of assets (such as stocks, bonds, or commodities) without directly owning them.
In the crypto industry, Bitcoin ETFs provide a similar function by tracking the price of Bitcoin.
Owning a digital asset, such as Bitcoin, means having direct control over the private keys and the ability to transact or hold it securely in your own wallet.
Investing in a Bitcoin ETF involves buying units that represent ownership of Bitcoin held by the fund.
Autonomy and Control: Owning Bitcoin allows you to manage your private keys independently, reducing reliance on third parties.
Security and Privacy: You can choose secure storage options, such as hardware wallets, to safeguard your assets.
Long-Term Investment Perspective: Direct ownership provides flexibility for holding, transacting, or using Bitcoin as a medium of exchange.
Trading fees for Bitcoin ETFs vary by platform and provider. Investors should consider these fees when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of ETFs compared to direct ownership.
You can monitor the price of Bitcoin through cryptocurrency exchanges, real-time price trackers, or financial news platforms. Additionally, owning Bitcoin allows you to participate in its price movements firsthand. The price for Bitcoin for example, can be found .
The SEC reviews and approves (or denies) applications to list and trade Bitcoin ETFs in the United States. Their decisions impact the availability and legitimacy of these investment vehicles.
It's hard to track the Securities and Exchange Commission SEC and their views on spot Bitcoin ETFs as they were against them for so long. However they approved a number of spot Bitcoin ETFS from 10 January 2024, including from BlackRock, Ark Investments / 21Shares, Fidelity, Invesco and VanEck.
While exchanges provide access to Bitcoin, they also could pose risks such as security breaches, and regulatory changes. Proper security practices are essential when using exchanges.
No, Bitcoin is not directly traded on traditional stock exchanges. However, Bitcoin-related investment products, like ETFs, may be available on certain stock exchanges.
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