ETH ETF Approval Could Spur 60% Rally as ETH Buying Increases

The approval of spot ether exchange-traded funds (ETF) in the U.S. could lead to a significant rise in the token's value, mirroring the market reaction seen with bitcoin ETFs. Bitcoin rose to over $73,000 from $42,000 in the two weeks after the ETF started trading on Jan. 11, CoinGecko data shows. The decision on the ether ETF is expected soon, with significant buying activity observed on both centralized and blockchain-based exchanges.

Buying activity increased on both centralized and blockchain-based crypto exchanges, with holders buying over 100,000 ETH in spot markets on Tuesday, the highest daily level since September 2023. Open interest on ether-tracked futures spiked in tandem to a record $14 billion, 67% of bitcoin open interest as of Wednesday. Activity also increased at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, an exchange favored by institutions, with ether futures hitting a record notional $2.85 billion of trading on Tuesday. Ether options traded a record 1,135 contracts ($216 million).

Ether ( ETH ) prices in the coming days could be volatile after investors sent 62,000 ETH to exchanges, the most since early March. However, the firm's analysts warned of a "significant price correction" should the ETF application be dismissed. Six issuers, including BlackRock, filed updated copies of their ether ETF proposals this week ahead of a decision due today. All removed plans to stake the token, suggesting the activity may have been a regulatory roadblock.