Ethereum pumps after Ark Invest and 21Shares’ spot Ethereum ETF application amendment

• ETH price surged post-Ark Invest, 21Shares ETF amendment.
• Amendment aligns spot ETH ETF with cash creation and redemption model akin to spot Bitcoin ETFs.
• The introduction of ETH staking in amended filing remains uncertain pending regulatory approval.

Ethereum’s native token, ether (ETH), experienced a surge in price, reaching $2,457 before retracing to the current price of $2,424, after news of amendments to the joint spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) application by Ark Invest and 21Shares.

The news was another positive development for the Ethereum ecosystem after the Dencun upgrade was successfully deployed on the Holesky testnet.

Amendment to spot Ethereum ETF application

Ark Invest and 21Shares filed an amendment to their joint application for a spot Ethereum ETF, signalling significant updates in their approach.

The amended S-1 filing introduces a cash creation and redemption policy, mirroring the structure of recently approved spot Bitcoin ETFs. This adjustment aims to streamline the creation process, with authorized participants restricted to cash creations and redemptions, excluding in-kind transactions involving ETH.

The move aligns with regulatory expectations and operational efficiency, reflecting the SEC’s preference for cash-based methods seen in spot Bitcoin ETF approvals.

Additionally, the amended filing introduces the possibility of Ethereum staking, with plans to stake ether tokens from the Trust’s Cold Vault Balance. Staking could potentially generate rewards, treated as income, although it carries a risk of loss. However, uncertainty looms over the inclusion of staking in the final proposal, as indicated by bracketed sections in the filing. Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart remains sceptical, suggesting that the SEC might not permit staking in spot Ethereum ETFs.

Market reaction and expectations

The news of Ark Invest and 21Shares amending their spot Ethereum ETF application has stirred mixed reactions among investors and industry observers. While it marks a positive development for spot Ethereum ETFs, expectations regarding approval vary.

With the SEC’s deadline looming on May 23 for a decision on a spot Ethereum ETF, analysts differ in their predictions. Polymarket reports 43% odds of a May approval, while Seyffart suggests a 60% chance. Standard Chartered Bank is very positive of an approval in May, contrasting with TD Cowen’s expectation of no approval in 2024.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding regulatory approval, Ethereum’s price surge indicates investor optimism and interest in the potential launch of a spot Ethereum ETF. Stakeholders eagerly await further developments in the ETH ETF space, closely monitoring regulatory decisions and industry dynamics.