Bitcoin ETF Demand Skyrockets, Outpacing Supply by 12.5X

In an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Anthony Pompliano, a well-known cryptocurrency advocate, shed light on the burgeoning interest from Wall Street in Bitcoin, revealing that institutional investors are purchasing Bitcoin ETF at a rate of 12.5 times greater than its daily production. This surge in demand comes as the cryptocurrency market anticipates the upcoming halving event in mid-April, which will reduce the rate of new Bitcoin creation by half, further tightening the supply-demand dynamic.

Bitcoin ETF Launch Spurs Institutional Rush to Accumulate BTC

The institutional appetite for Bitcoin has been notably robust, particularly following the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) approval of the first batch of spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in early 2024. Despite an initial 20% drop in Bitcoin’s price post-ETF launch, attributed to profit-taking and sales from Grayscale’s GBTC, ETF providers and institutional investors have seized the opportunity to bolster their Bitcoin holdings at lower prices.

Grayscale currently holds over 475,000 BTC, with BlackRock and Fidelity not far behind, amassing more than 70,000 and 60,000 BTC, respectively. A consortium including ARK, Bitwise, Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin Trust, VanEck, Valkyrie, Franklin, and WisdomTree has collectively acquired over 174,000 BTC. These acquisitions represent nearly 1% of the total circulating Bitcoin supply, underscoring the significant impact of institutional investment on the market.

Market Dynamics and Future Outlook

The aggressive accumulation of Bitcoin by ETF providers and institutional investors reflects a strategic response to the evolving supply and demand market dynamics. With the Bitcoin supply set to decrease following the halving and demand from institutional investors continuing to rise, the market is witnessing a significant shift. This trend pushes Bitcoin’s price past $50,000, with analysts like Pompliano predicting that the cryptocurrency will reach new yearly highs.

The introduction of Bitcoin ETFs has played a pivotal role in facilitating institutional participation in the cryptocurrency market, offering a regulated and more accessible avenue for investments in Bitcoin. As the market adjusts to the reduced Bitcoin production post-halving, the high demand from institutional investors will likely exert upward pressure on prices, potentially leading to new market highs.

Read Also: Peter Schiff Labels Bitcoin Rally “Another Classic Pump and Dump”