Blockchain ETF Definition


Blockchain is the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. It has far-reaching applications and can potentially disrupt any business that depends on database records.

You may quickly join hundreds of organizations exploring blockchain-based strategies via blockchain exchange-traded funds (ETFs). They are great for investors looking to capitalize on this technology's exciting potential.

To assist you in navigating this new category of exchange-traded funds, Forbes Advisor has created a list of the top blockchain ETFs. It trades on the market by total assets under management (AUM).

What are Blockchain-Based Exchange-Traded Funds?

Blockchain ETFs, a form of themed ETF, invest in the equities of companies that use or develop blockchain technology. Unlike Bitcoin ETFs and other cryptocurrencies ETFs, which support entirely in following the price of single cryptocurrencies, these ETFs spread their holdings across different asset classes.

Digital currencies such as Ethereum and Bitcoin are the most prominent applications of blockchain today. The technology has the potential to serve a wide range of other purposes in addition to crypto. For example, Walmart Canada used a blockchain-based automated system to manage invoicing and payment processing for its logistics partners.

The ETFs above diversify their holdings across hundreds of different industries. They may be classified into the following groups −

  • Firms that possess cryptocurrency. Some corporations, such as MicroStrategy and Tesla, have substantial holdings in Bitcoin and other digital assets.

  • Cryptocurrency trading platforms and miners. Coinbase, for example, is the leading cryptocurrency exchange. At the same time, Marathon Digital is a big Bitcoin miner.

  • Financial Firms. Take, for example, Galaxy Digital Holdings, which manages blockchain-based crypto assets. Meanwhile, two large multinational banks, HSBC and BNP Paribas, invest in blockchain initiatives and develop their applications.

  • Tech Firms. The technology that powers blockchain networks is provided by several microprocessor manufacturers, including NVIDIA Corp and Advanced Micro Devices. Leaders in the cloud computing business, such as VMware, have committed departments to blockchain technology.

What is the deal with ETFs?

ETFs trade on stock markets such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the Nasdaq Stock Exchange (NASDAQ), and the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSX). One significant difference between ETFs and mutual funds is that ETF share values vary during trading hours, similar to stock prices. NAVs for mutual funds are typically appraised once each day after the market closes. The cost of an ETF's underlying assets may be watched in real-time by buying and selling them whenever their prices fluctuate.

ETFs operate as a "wrapper" for a group of underlying equities, similar to mutual funds holding a collection of companies. As a result, mutual and exchange-traded funds are enticing to regular investors since they enable individuals to get exposure to a diverse range of asset classes in a single transaction.

Reason to Invest in Blockchain ETFs?

Despite the enthusiasm and attention, blockchain is still in its infancy. Although the volatility of bitcoin prices has received much attention, more practical applications of blockchain technology have largely gone unnoticed.

While huge, well-known public firms have dabbled with the blockchain sector, smaller, more specialized organizations have prioritized it. However, no one use case has arisen to demonstrate that blockchain technology is an essential component of the future economic and technological environment.

As a result, putting all of your money into a single or a limited number of blockchain or cryptocurrency-focused enterprises is risky. Given this, investing in a diversified blockchain ETF is a safer way to get exposure to the industry. Our blockchain ETFs invest in various securities, providing investors with broad market exposure with a single investment.

Given how rapidly things change in the blockchain industry, adding an exchange-traded fund (ETF) to your portfolio might be the best decision you can make.

Tips for Investing in Blockchain Technology

In its broadest meaning, investing in blockchain refers to funding firms active in blockchain research and development or using blockchain technology in their operational infrastructures. The number of companies researching and using blockchain technology is rapidly growing, including well-known names like large banks, Amazon, and even credit card issuers.

It would help if you tried to invest in blockchain-based companies and organizations. According to Theresa Morrison, CFP's financial advisor, "we're now starting to see corporations building on top of these infrastructures."

Blockchain mining companies, which conduct large-scale computer operations to mine cryptocurrency or otherwise support such activities, are another way to invest in blockchain technology. Some examples are RIOT Blockchain, Marathon Digital Holdings, and Galaxy Digital.

Investing in businesses at the forefront of cryptocurrency enables average investors to avoid the intricacies. Resource needs of cryptocurrency mining while still supporting companies at the forefront of the industry. Morrison recommends avoiding digging in the mountain to discover a vein, instead selling picks and shovels in the community. Mining in the blockchain space might be likened to providing building equipment.

Yet, investing in a single blockchain-related business is riskier than investing in a fund. It includes many blockchain-related firms, much as experts advise against picking individual stocks. Blockchain funds enable individuals to diversify their portfolios despite the heightened risk and volatility associated with any cryptocurrency investment. Yet, they maintain their bitcoin assets inside their current retirement or investing accounts.

Conclusion

Blockchain ETFs are a relatively recent phenomenon. This makes it difficult to draw clear conclusions about their efficacy. However, numerous blockchain ETFs have enjoyed advances in recent years.

However, other investors are concerned about the future of blockchain ETFs because they feel the novelty of the technology will wear off rapidly. We don't know enough about this technology yet to tell if it's worthwhile to spend further time and money on it. Diversification is essential, as is not relying too heavily on any investment technique.

The blockchain is a novel technology that generates a ledger and stores all transactional data. Instead of being maintained in a single location, this ledger is open to the public and disseminated across the internet. The catalogue is a permanent record of transactions.

On the blockchain, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) combine the benefits of mutual funds and stocks into a single product.

Updated on: 26-Oct-2022

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