Bitcoin set a fresh record on Sunday for the first time since mid-August, as the US government shutdown drove investors to safe-haven assets in a migration dubbed the “debasement trade.” The largest digital asset climbed to $125,689 over the weekend, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. It remained in touching distance of its all-time high on Monday in New York, changing hands at about $125,000. Most Read from Bloomberg Bitcoin’s advance coincided with a US government shutdown that began on Oct. 1 ...

Investors have plowed more than $900 billion into U.S. exchange-traded funds so far this year. Investors are putting more money than ever into exchange-traded funds, and Washington just took a step that all but ensures the billions will keep flowing. U.S.-listed ETFs have taken in a net $917 billion through Sept. 29, according to FactSet. If that pace holds during the fourth quarter, when inflows tend to pick up, it will be the market’s second straight record year. In 2024, ETFs added $1.1 trillion.  ETFs, ...

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) made a significant six-figure investment into a U.S. Treasury Bill in mid-September, anchoring a flurry of trading activity that also saw her purchase shares in popular technology stocks and a Bitcoin ETF. The transactions, made on Sept. 11, were detailed in a financial disclosure report filed with the House of Representatives on Sept. 27, 2025. Piling On US Treasury Bil ...

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) made a significant six-figure investment into a U.S. Treasury Bill in mid-September, anchoring a flurry of trading activity that also saw her purchase shares in popular technology stocks and a Bitcoin ETF.The transactions, made on Sept. 11, were detailed in a financial disclosure report filed with the House of Representatives on Sept. 27, 2025.Piling On US Treasury Bills Ahead Of Rate CutsThe congresswoman's largest transaction was a purchase of a U.S. Treasury Bill value ...

Changing your mind is hard, but it’s a sign of maturity and openness to new information… Especially, when there’s money to be made. Vanguard appears to be reevaluating its stance on crypto ETFs, which the financial giant famously has not allowed on its brokerage. That’s according to industry newsletter Crypto in America, which cited an anonymous source familiar with the company’s plans. The potential change follows demands from clients for access to crypto ETFs and developments at the US Securities and Ex ...

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government is moving towards allowing alternative investments, including cryptocurrency and private equity, in 401(k) plans, following an executive order signed by President Trump, which aims to expand investment options for retirement savers [2][3][12]. Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Labor Department, and the Treasury are working on regulatory details to facilitate the inclusion of alternative investments in 401(k) plans [1][13]. - Trump's executive order highlights that alternative investments are already part of traditional pension plans, suggesting a similar approach for 401(k) plans [3][12]. Group 2: Market Impact and Adoption - The Michigan Retirement System has invested approximately $74 million in cryptocurrencies, indicating a growing acceptance of digital assets in public pension plans [3][4]. - The executive order is expected to lead to quicker adoption of alternative investments by employers, especially those with younger workforces [14][15]. Group 3: Investor Sentiment - Supporters of cryptocurrency view the inclusion in 401(k) plans as a significant opportunity for everyday investors, particularly younger individuals [5][7]. - A Gallup poll indicates that 14% of U.S. adults own cryptocurrency, but 60% express no interest in purchasing it, reflecting a divide in investor sentiment [20][21]. Group 4: Risks and Concerns - Experts warn that including cryptocurrencies in retirement plans could introduce significant risks due to their volatility, with historical data showing dramatic price fluctuations [18][19][26]. - Concerns have been raised about the suitability of alternative investments for average workers, particularly those nearing retirement who may not be able to absorb potential losses [24][26]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The executive order is seen as a step towards making the U.S. a leader in digital assets, with expectations of increased investment and innovation in the sector [16][22]. - The regulatory process will take time, but there is optimism that once established, more employers will offer these investment options [13][14].

Core Viewpoint - Sygnia Ltd. is advising caution regarding its Bitcoin ETF, which has seen significant interest from local investors, emphasizing the importance of limiting crypto exposure in investment portfolios [1][3][4]. Company Strategy - The Sygnia Life Bitcoin Plus fund was launched in June, and the company actively discourages clients from transferring all their assets into this high-risk crypto product [3][4]. - CEO Magda Wierzycka recommends that cryptocurrencies should constitute no more than 5% of discretionary or annuity assets in a broader investment strategy [4][8]. Market Context - Bitcoin has experienced an 82% increase over the past year but remains volatile, with a recent price drop of 2.3% to $112,735.12 [4]. - The historical volatility of Bitcoin has decreased from over 200% a decade ago to around 40%, yet the risk remains significant, particularly in emerging markets like South Africa [5]. Investor Guidance - Wierzycka warns that the extreme volatility of Bitcoin could jeopardize life savings in South Africa, where the per capita GDP is approximately $15,990 [5]. - The company has been proactive in contacting investors who are attempting to switch large sums into the Bitcoin fund to caution them against such moves [6][8]. Future Plans - Sygnia intends to launch additional crypto ETFs on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, pending regulatory approval, following a previous attempt that was blocked [6]. - The firm currently manages around 350 billion rand (approximately $20 billion) in assets, with the Bitcoin Plus fund experiencing significant inflows, although specific figures were not disclosed [6]. Industry Overview - Bitcoin exchange-traded products now hold over 1.47 million BTC, accounting for about 7% of the total supply, with U.S.-based ETFs leading the market [7].

Group 1 - BlackRock Inc. is exploring the tokenization of its exchange-traded funds (ETFs), aligning with a broader trend in Wall Street to integrate real-world assets onto blockchains [1][2] - The tokenization would allow fund shares, typically traded during market hours, to be issued as tokens on the blockchain, pending regulatory approval [2] - BlackRock offers various ETFs under the iShares brand, including the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF [3] Group 2 - BlackRock previously launched the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund, which allows qualified investors to earn U.S. dollar yields, marking its initial venture into tokenization [3][4] - The fund, initially launched on Ethereum, is now accessible on seven blockchains and has a market valuation exceeding $2 billion [4] - Nasdaq has filed with the SEC to allow trading of tokenized stocks, which will provide holders the same rights and benefits as traditional shares [4][5] Group 3 - Robinhood Markets has also launched tokenized stocks in Europe, including shares from notable private companies like OpenAI and SpaceX [5] - BlackRock shares closed 2.84% higher at $1,134.18, with a year-to-date gain of over 10% [5] - The stock currently shows a moderately high Momentum score but lags in the Value metric [6]

Group 1 - Bitcoin has become more accessible for investment since the approval of the first Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024, with numerous funds available for trading [1] - The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (NASDAQ: IBIT) is highlighted as a leading pure-play Bitcoin ETF, holding approximately $84 billion in Bitcoin and featuring a low expense ratio of 0.25% [4][5] - The ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (NYSEMKT: ARKW) is another ETF of interest, actively managed with $2.35 billion in assets, focusing on modern technology infrastructure and investing 6.4% directly in Bitcoin [6][7] Group 2 - The cryptocurrency industry and blockchain technology are recognized for their significant potential, prompting interest in ETFs that invest in related businesses [6][8] - The ARK Next Generation Internet ETF includes major holdings in companies like Coinbase and Robinhood, which are involved in cryptocurrency trading and services [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF is expected to closely mirror the performance of Bitcoin over the next five years, making it a viable alternative to owning actual Bitcoin [1][10]. Group 1: Bitcoin Price Expectations - Bitcoin is anticipated to rise in value over the long term due to its limited supply and increasing demand, supported by the U.S. government's acceptance of Bitcoin and the introduction of Bitcoin-based ETFs [3][5]. - The Bitcoin community faces competition from newer cryptocurrencies and must adapt to technological challenges, such as quantum computing threats, to maintain its market position [4][5]. Group 2: ETF Performance and Structure - The iShares Bitcoin ETF is designed to reflect Bitcoin's returns closely, with both the ETF and Bitcoin gaining approximately 141% since the ETF's launch [7][8]. - The ETF has a modest annual sponsor fee of 0.25%, which allows Blackrock to profit from managing the ETF, but this fee can impact long-term returns [8][11]. Group 3: Advantages and Disadvantages of ETF Ownership - Owning the iShares Bitcoin ETF provides shareholder protections, ease of trading, and simplified tax reporting compared to direct Bitcoin ownership [11]. - However, the ETF does not allow for direct use of Bitcoin as a currency or participation in on-chain events, which are benefits of owning actual Bitcoins [11][12]. Group 4: Investment Recommendations - Long-term investors are encouraged to include Bitcoin exposure in their portfolios, either directly or through ETFs, with Blackrock suggesting a limit of 2% of total portfolio value for Bitcoin investments [12][13].