Tuesday saw cryptocurrency prices climb, fueled by optimism surrounding the potential approval of Ethereum ETFs by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The first applications could be submitted as early as this week.
According to Coin Metrics data, Ethereum led the charge with a 9% jump to $3,680.98—following Monday's impressive 20% surge. Meanwhile, Bitcoin rose 2% to approximately $71,350, continuing its upward momentum after breaking the $70,000 barrier with an 8% gain the previous day.
Crypto-Related Stocks Join the Rally
The bullish trend extended to crypto-adjacent stocks:
- Coinbase (COIN.US) and MicroStrategy (MSTR.US) maintained a ~2% after-hours rise after Monday’s 9%+ closing gains
- Robinhood climbed nearly 3% in post-market trading
- Bitcoin mining stocks like Marathon Digital (MARA.US), Riot Platforms (RIOT.US), Iren (IREN.US), and CleanSpark (CLSK.US) advanced by 3%
Shifting Perceptions on Ethereum ETF Approval
Investors are reevaluating the likelihood of SEC approval following reports that the regulator recently engaged with at least one exchange and prospective Ethereum ETF issuers to update 19b-4 filings—documents tied to ETF listings. This suggests accelerated progress toward approval, though the timeline remains uncertain. Previously, the consensus leaned toward rejection.
👉 Why Ethereum’s ETF approval could redefine crypto markets
Key Upcoming Deadlines
- VanEck’s final decision: Thursday
- Ark Invest’s final decision: Friday
Other applicants including BlackRock, Fidelity, Invesco, Grayscale, and Bitwise Asset Management await rulings later this year.
Potential Roadblocks Ahead
Some issuers anticipate rejections due to less frequent engagement with regulators compared to the Bitcoin ETF approval process. Others note that another critical procedure—S-1 registration—could face indefinite delays by the SEC, potentially stalling listings even with 19b-4 approvals. However, legal challenges by applicants post-rejection could reignite hope for Ethereum ETFs.
The "Buy the Rumor, Sell the News" Dynamic
Bartosz Lipiński, CEO of Cube Exchange, observed: "Ethereum’s price skyrocketed shortly after rumors emerged about possible SEC approval this week. Similar to Bitcoin’s ETF approval earlier this year, this feels like a classic ‘buy the rumor, sell the news’ scenario. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a rally through Thursday... followed by at least a short-term sell-off regardless of the decision."
FAQ Section
Q: Why is Ethereum’s price surging this week?
A: Optimism about potential SEC approval for spot Ethereum ETFs—with updated regulatory filings suggesting progress—has driven buying activity.
Q: What’s the difference between 19b-4 and S-1 approvals?
A: 19b-4 filings relate to exchange rule changes for listing ETFs, while S-1 registrations cover the securities themselves. Both are required for launch, but S-1 approvals can be delayed separately.
Q: Could legal action speed up Ethereum ETF approvals?
A: Yes. If rejected, applicants may sue the SEC (as seen with Grayscale’s Bitcoin ETF case), potentially forcing reconsideration.