Summary

• A range of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) targeting the performance of ether futures have been launched.
• These offerings mark the first-ever ETFs based on ether futures, coming almost two years after the introduction of the first bitcoin futures ETF.

In a significant development for the crypto industry, a range of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) targeting the performance of ether futures have been launched. These offerings mark the first-ever ETFs based on ether futures, coming almost two years after the introduction of the first bitcoin futures ETF.

Renowned for launching the first U.S. bitcoin futures ETF, ProShares leads the charge with the launch of the ProShares Ether Strategy ETF, along with two additional offerings that provide a blend of exposure to both bitcoin and ether. ProShares’ CEO, Michael L. Sapir, expressed optimism about the appeal of these crypto-linked ETFs to investors, stating, "We think that many investors who are interested in cryptocurrencies but are concerned about custody risks, or who are challenged by the learning curve and complexities required to buy them directly, will be attracted to our crypto-linked ETFs."

Bitwise also joined the fray with two ether futures ETFs: the Bitwise Ethereum Strategy ETF and the Bitwise Bitcoin and Ether Equal Weight Strategy ETF.

VanEck, a prominent asset manager, has also entered the arena with the VanEck Ethereum Strategy ETF. This ETF is designed to target capital appreciation by investing in ether futures contracts, providing investors with an alternative path to participate in the robust futures market centered around Ethereum.

Additionally, the VanEck Ethereum Strategy ETF has also entered the market, “designed to seek capital appreciation” through ether futures contracts. As highlighted by Kyle DaCruz, Director of Digital Asset Product at VanEck, these offerings provide a means for investors to tap into the robust futures market surrounding Ethereum.