Bitcoin Price Tumbles Amid VanEck ETF’s Volume Surge: What Happend?

Jake Simmons

1 year ago

3 mins read

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Bitcoin experienced a tumultuous day yesterday, with its price briefly touching $53,000 before plummeting to a low of $50,820. Amid this price volatility, an unexpected phenomenon caught the eye of market analysts: a dramatic surge in trading volumes for certain Bitcoin ETFs.

Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas provided a detailed account of this anomaly on X, particularly focusing on the VanEck Bitcoin ETF (HODL) and its astonishing increase in trading volume. He remarked, “HODL is going wild today with $258m in volume already, a 14x jump over its daily average, and it’s not one big investor… but rather 32,000 individual trades, which is 60x its avg.”

This level of activity was not only unexpected but also unprecedented, sparking widespread speculation and analysis within the financial community. The unusual trading volume wasn’t isolated to HODL alone. Wisdom Tree’s Bitcoin ETF (BTCW) and BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) also saw significant upticks in trading activity, albeit to varying degrees.

Balchunas pointed out, “BTCW also popping off, $154m trades, 12x its avg and 25x its assets via 23,000 indiv trades.” However, he noted that the volume increase in IBIT, while elevated, did not reach the “extraordinary levels” observed in HODL and BTCW.

What’s Behind The Sudden Spike In Bitcoin ETF Volumes?

Addressing theories that the ETF volume surge was driving Bitcoin’s price drop, Balchunas offered a rebuttal, “To the ‘bruh volume must be selling bc btc is dumping’ crowd: a) that makes no sense given how little these ETFs had in existing aum/shareholders b) plus you never see ton of outflows in brand new ETF that is in rally mode c) there are so many other holders of btc besides ETFs! d) how can you call it ‘dumping’ when it is down 1% after 20% rally in two weeks?”

However, the source of this sudden and explosive increase in trading volume remains a mystery, with Balchunas speculating, “Still haven’t figured out what happened. No one knows. Given how sudden and explosive the increase in number of trades was… I’m wondering if some Reddit or TikTok influencer type recommended them to their followers. Feels retail army-ish.”

He also considered the possibility of market makers trading among each other but found it an unlikely explanation given the liquidity of other Bitcoin ETFs like IBIT and BITO.

The trading day concluded with “The Nine” achieving a record-breaking volume day, thanks to significant contributions from HODL, BTCW, and BITB, which all shattered their previous records. Balchunas highlighted the significance of this trading volume, stating, “For context $2b in trading would put them in Top 10ish among ETFs and Top 20ish among stocks. It’s a lot.”

Turnover / trade volume of the spot Bitcoin ETFs | Source: X @EricBalchunas

As the dust settles on this unprecedented day of trading, the Bitcoin community continues to grapple with the implications of this volume surge on Bitcoin ETFs and its potential impact on the market. The exact catalyst behind this phenomenon remains elusive, with analysts and investors alike keenly awaiting further developments.

At the time of going to press, BTC fell below the $51,000 mark again and initially found support at the EMA100 on the 1-hour chart.

Bitcoin price — BTC price drops below $51,000, 1-hour chart | Source: BTCUSD on TradingView.com

Featured image created with DALL·E , chart from TradingView.com

Jake Simmons

Jake Simmons, a dedicated crypto journalist, has been passionate about Bitcoin since 2016 when he first learned about it. Through his extensive work with NewsBTC.com and Bitcoinist.com, Jake has become a trusted voice in the crypto community, guiding newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike towards a deeper understanding of this dynamic field.

His mission is simple yet profound: to demystify Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies and make them accessible to everyone.
With a professional career in the Bitcoin and crypto scene that began right after graduating with a degree in Information Systems in 2017, Jake has immersed himself in the industry. Jake joined the NewsBTC Group in late 2022. His educational background provides him with the technical prowess and analytical skills necessary to dissect complex topics and present them in an understandable format. Whether you are a casual reader curious about Bitcoin or an investor seeking to navigate the latest market trends, Jake’s insights offer valuable perspectives that bridge the gap between complex technology and everyday usage.

Jake is not just a reporter on technological trends; he is a firm believer in the transformative potential of Bitcoin over traditional fiat currencies. To him, the current financial system is on the brink of chaos, propelled by unchecked government actions and flawed Keynesian economic policies. Drawing from the principles of the Austrian school of economics, Jake views Bitcoin not merely as a digital asset but as a crucial step towards rectifying a failing monetary system. His libertarian views reinforce his stance that just as the church was separated from the state, so too should money be freed from governmental control.

For Jake, Bitcoin represents more than just an investment; it's a peaceful revolution. He envisions a future where Bitcoin fosters a sustainable and responsible financial framework for generations to come. His advocacy is not about opposition but about evolution, about laying the groundwork for a system that prioritizes transparency and equity over secrecy and inequality.

As a journalist, Jake’s articles are crafted with the precision of a scholar and the passion of a true believer. He provides not only news but also thoughtful analysis that connects the dots between daily developments and larger economic theories. His work is a beacon for those lost in the technical jargon often associated with crypto discussions, illuminating the practical implications and benefits of these technologies.

In summary, Jake Simmons is not just reporting on a revolution; he wants to be part of it, fully committed to enhancing public understanding and adoption of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. His work is more than just a collection of articles; it’s a resource, a guide, and a companion for anyone ready to explore the potential of this digital frontier. Whether you are taking your first steps into crypto or are a veteran looking to stay on top of the latest trends, Jake’s insights provide clarity and foresight in an often unpredictable industry. Join him on this journey to reshape the world of finance, one post at a time.

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