Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust sees trading surge as spot ETF decision looms Insights Crypto EquitiesETFsGBTC
Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust sees trading surge as spot ETF decision looms
Anticipation of Bitcoin ETFs stirs significant trading activity for Grayscale's Bitcoin Trust with narrowed discount to NAV.
Quick Take
As the digital asset world anticipates the forthcoming approval of Bitcoin ETFs, Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) is experiencing significant fluctuations in its trading volume. GBTC saw its second-largest trading day volume in the past 12 months on Jan. 2, 2023, registering $338 million. Interestingly, this figure pales compared to the trading volume during the 2021 Bitcoin bull run, which saw figures exceeding $500 million and even reaching the $1 billion mark on occasions.
The most significant trading day volume in the past 12 months for GBTC was recorded on Aug. 29, 2023, with an impressive $400 million.
One notable trend is the narrowing GBTC discount to NAV, which now stands at approximately -5%. This decrease is believed to be a response to the possible approval of a spot ETF.
Moreover, Grayscale posted a revenue of $40 million in November, the highest since April 2022. This revenue is primarily derived from Grayscale’s fees, with GBTC charging a 2% annual fee. However, according to Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, it’s important to note that the emerging spot ETFs will charge significantly lower fees, close to 0.4%, creating potential competitive pressure for GBTC.
Analyst 
James Van Straten
James fervently appreciates data, technology, and trend-spotting. As a tech and liberty maximalist, he hails Bitcoin as the 21st century's paramount invention.
In this insight
Bitcoin, a decentralized currency that defies the sway of central banks or administrators, transacts electronically, circumventing intermediaries via a peer-to-peer network.
Grayscale Investments
Established in 2013 by Digital Currency Group, Grayscale Investments is a trusted authority on digital currency investing and cryptocurrency asset management.
