Core Insights - The U.S. SEC is experiencing a surge in crypto ETF filings despite a government shutdown that has stalled decision-making processes [1][2] - Asset managers are racing to secure approvals for new crypto ETFs before the end of the year, with at least five new filings submitted recently [1][3] Group 1: New ETF Filings - VanEck has filed for the VanEck Lido Staked Ethereum ETF, which aims to track the performance of stETH, a liquid staking token from Lido [3] - Lido currently holds approximately 8.5 million ETH, valued at around $31 billion, and offers a staking yield of 3.3% [4] - 21Shares has filed for a leveraged crypto ETF that provides 2x exposure to the Hyperliquid token (HYPE), showcasing innovative ETF structures [4][5] Group 2: Existing ETF Strategies - ARK Invest has introduced three new Bitcoin ETFs, including the ARK Bitcoin Yield ETF, which focuses on income through yield-based strategies [5][6] - The ARK DIET Bitcoin ETFs are designed to offer partial downside protection based on Bitcoin's price movements [6] - Volatility Shares has submitted filings for a range of 3x and 5x leveraged ETFs linked to both crypto and major U.S. stocks [6] Group 3: Regulatory Concerns - The recent filings include the first-ever 5x ETF proposal in the U.S., raising questions about compliance with the SEC's Derivatives Rule, which limits leverage to 2x [7] - SEC officials have expressed uncertainty regarding whether these new ETFs would adhere to existing leverage regulations [7]

Among the veteran investors, nobody can point fingers at Cathie Wood for not taking enough risks. After all, her investment firm ARK Invest regular scoops up shares of major crypto companies. Wood is very bullish on Bitcoin's future, predicting a $1.5 million price for the king coin. Now, as the spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to Bitcoin have received an invigorated response in the wake of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's dovish comments on interest rate cuts, Wood didn't want to be left be ...