Two ETF issuers are joining the trend of bringing politics to the trading floor.Bitwise and GraniteShares are seeking regulatory approval to launch ETFs linked directly to the outcomes of upcoming U.S. elections, marking another step in the expansion of prediction market-style investing. • DraftKings stock is showing upward movement. Why are DKNG shares climbing?Bitwise, through its PredictionShares lineup, has filed for six ETFs proposed for listing on NYSE Arca. According to its prospectus, the funds aim ...

Which lever to pull… Clients have a growing list of options when it comes to ETFs that use leverage. Issuers are prepping new funds almost daily, in some cases even filing for single-stock products focused on companies that aren’t public yet. During February, for example, several firms filed for 2x leveraged ETFs built around SpaceX, Anthropic and other tech companies. Some are also trying their luck again with dozens of 3x and 4x products, even after the Securities and Exchange Commission told them last ...

Group 1 - The core development in the prediction market sector is the proposal of ETFs that could attract both institutional and individual investors, indicating a significant shift in the industry [1] - At least three ETF issuers, including Roundhill Investments, Bitwise Asset Management, and GraniteShares, have filed with the SEC to launch funds based on event contracts related to U.S. elections, highlighting the growing interest in prediction markets [1] - The proposed ETFs will hold event contracts that have binary outcomes, specifically betting on the results of the 2024 congressional elections and the 2028 presidential election, which could institutionalize prediction markets similar to how cryptocurrency funds have evolved [1] Group 2 - The popularity of prediction markets is increasing, prompting major derivatives firms like CME Group and Cboe Global Markets to explore offering event contracts to their clients, indicating a broader acceptance of these financial instruments [1] - The ETF filings currently lack detailed information regarding exchange usage and fee structures, which is typical in the early stages of the approval process, but they do outline unique aspects of the proposed ETFs, including settlement risks [1] - If election outcomes contradict the ETF strategy, significant losses could occur, as indicated in the filings, emphasizing the inherent risks associated with these investment products [1]

Would gambling by any other name be as risky? At least three companies have their fingers crossed that the Securities and Exchange Commission won’t halt their plans for ETFs making all-or-nothing bets on federal election results. Over the past week, Roundhill Investments, GraniteShares and Bitwise have each filed nearly identical prospectuses for sets of six exchange-traded funds that would use event contracts to make wagers on the outcome of the 2028 US presidential election and majorities in the House a ...

Bitcoin's massive slump from a record price above $126,000 last October has darkened sentiment across the crypto landscape. Faith has been shaken in a trade that was viewed as a digital rival to gold as a store of value, and by some others as a risk-on asset that would continue to boom alongside a crypto-friendly Trump administration. Since the all-time high price last October, bitcoin has lost almost half its value and its inability to bounce back in trading is increasing fears about another "crypto winter ...

Core Viewpoint - Income-focused investors may benefit from a potential pause in interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, as recent inflation data suggests less urgency for rate cuts [1] Inflation and Federal Reserve - The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report indicated a 2.6% annual increase in consumer prices for December, which was 0.1% lower than expectations, suggesting inflation may not be as significant a risk as previously thought [1] - Cleveland Fed President Elizabeth Hammack stated that interest rates "could be on hold for quite some time," allowing the Fed to assess incoming data without immediate pressure [1] Investment Strategies - A diversified income strategy is recommended over a single income strategy in the current environment, as both closed-end funds and business development companies could benefit from a neutral Fed and lower inflation [1] - Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are expected to perform well as borrowing costs stabilize and yield comparisons with bonds improve, historically thriving after the Fed's initial rate cuts [1] - Energy infrastructure partnerships have shown limited sensitivity to interest rate cycles, supported by contract-based revenues and steady demand [1] HIPS ETF - The GraniteShares HIPS US High Income ETF (HIPS) offers a diversified approach by tapping into four income sources: closed-end funds, master limited partnerships (MLPs), business development companies (BDCs), and REITs [1] - HIPS provides a compelling yield, with a 30-day SEC yield of 12.15% as of January 28, 2026, allowing investors to access multiple income avenues [1]

Overview - Assets under management for spot crypto funds have decreased to $130 billion, marking the lowest level since March of the previous year, driven by significant net outflows and a decline in Bitcoin prices [1][2]. Market Dynamics - Bitcoin has fallen over 50% from its peak in October 2025, with approximately $7 billion in outflows, but most ETF investors remain committed for the long term [2][3]. - The selling pressure is primarily from original crypto investors who have been gradually trimming their positions rather than mass selling [3]. - Currently, about 40% of spot Bitcoin ETF holders are experiencing losses and require a 50% increase in Bitcoin prices to break even [4]. Investor Sentiment - There is a prevailing negative sentiment among investors, exacerbated by the rising price of gold, which has reached all-time highs, contrasting with the performance of cryptocurrencies [5][6]. - The lack of dip buying in ETFs suggests that many investors are hesitant, with flows often reflecting the price movements of Bitcoin or Ethereum rather than counter-trend buying [7][10]. ETF Flows and Strategies - Some financial advisors are viewing the current market as an opportunity, leading to inflows in certain products, while hedge funds and traders are contributing to outflows [8][9]. - The ETF market is characterized by two distinct investor groups: those seeking short-term gains and those focused on long-term investments [10][32]. - The recent performance of spot ETFs has not provided the same price support for Bitcoin as seen in previous cycles, indicating a shift in market dynamics [10][14]. Future Trends - There is growing interest in diversified index funds within the crypto space, similar to trends seen in traditional asset classes, as investors seek broader exposure [20][21]. - The retailization of institutional strategies is becoming a significant trend, with more retail investors gaining access to complex investment strategies previously reserved for high-net-worth individuals [34][36]. - The potential for more banks to issue crypto products could enhance market flows and investor participation [28][29].

Let's just start with the broad overview from both of you. Assets under management fell to $130 billion, its lowest level since March of last year. I'm talking about those spot crypto funds.We've seen historic stretches of net outflows. Matt, I want to start with you first. Take us inside this sell-off.What's driving it. >> Yeah, absolutely. You know, the interesting thing about your question, McKenzie, is it's not the ETF investors who are driving the selloff.Assets are down, but most of that is price appr ...

And we're back on halftime. I'm Mackenzie Seagalis with your ETF edge. The recent hard slide in major cryptocurrencies has investors re-examining the entire ecosystem, including the ETFs that track them.Instruments tied to digital assets were expected to be a major source of innovation and expansion for the ETF industry in 2026. Now, that's all in question. Joining me is Will Rin, founder and CEO of Granite Shares.Well, of course there's the general riskoff mentality happening here, but is there more that d ...

And we're back on halftime. I'm Mackenzie Seagalis with your ETF edge. The recent hard slide in major cryptocurrencies has investors re-examining the entire ecosystem, including the ETFs that track them.Instruments tied to digital assets were expected to be a major source of innovation and expansion for the ETF industry in 2026. Now, that's all in question. Joining me is Will Rin, founder and CEO of Granite Shares.Well, of course there's the general riskoff mentality happening here, but is there more that d ...