The TSX’s 1st Crypto ETF Lost $500 Million in 1 Day

The TSX’s first crypto ETF lost $500 million is one day and is down nearly 58% year to date.

| More on:
Economic Turbulence

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn moresdf

The violent downturn of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies in general sends a strong signal that the crypto space is in a danger zone. China has taken the lead in warning investors that the price of the top crypto is heading to zero. Beijing, through its news media outlet Economic Daily, said, “Bitcoin is nothing more than a string of digital codes, and its returns mainly come from buying low and selling high.”

Tom DeMark, founder and CEO of market analysis firm DeMark Analytics, believes the cryptocurrency market faces prolonged price reduction, given Bitcoin’s meltdown from its US$67,566.83 peak on November 8, 2022. Meanwhile, crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can’t escape the carnage of risky assets.

Purpose Bitcoin ETF (TSX:BTCC.B), CI Galaxy Ethereum, and Evolve Cryptocurrencies ETF are in a free fall like Bitcoin. The fund providers launched their ETFs as safer alternatives to owning cryptocurrencies. Unfortunately, their recoveries hinge on Bitcoin’s bounce back, if ever it happens.

Who will survive?

The Bank of England (BOE) isn’t issuing a warning but instead maintains the position that there’s upside potential of building wealth in the crypto space during a bear market. According to Jon Cunliffe, BOE’s deputy governor, crypto firms that manage to stay afloat during the current downturn could be the dominant industry players when things turn around.

Cunliffe said, “Whatever happens over the next few months to crypto assets, I expect crypto technology and finance to continue. It has the possibility of huge efficiencies and changes in market structure.” However, DeMark doubts a recovery anytime soon. He said, “Such breakdowns bespeak a high probability that recovery to the all-time Bitcoin highs will require many years, if not decades, to accomplish.”

Massive one-day outflow

Purpose Bitcoin ETF lost half or 50% of the value of its Bitcoin holdings in one day. As of June 22, 2022, BTCC trades at $3.99 per share, which represents a year-to-date loss of 57.5%. Its price soared to as high as $13.83 in November last year — at the same time Bitcoin registered an all-time low.

Now, the massive outflow or withdrawal is a concrete sign that buying sentiment for the ETF has nearly diminished. Even the most seasoned crypto investors are turning away. Based on published reports, the fund’s holdings went down to US$23,307 on June 17, 2022, from US$47,818 on the previous day.

While Bitcoin rose above US$20,000 on June 23, 2022, crypto investors think more forced selling is coming. For Paweł Łaskarzewski, co-CEO at Synapse Network, the biggest issue against cryptos is a global recession. If Bitcoin drops below US$20,000 again, analysts think the next support level is US$17,000 to US$18,000.

Purpose Bitcoin ETF is the TSX’s first crypto ETF. Before the largest redemption ever on June 17, 2022, it was also the largest Bitcoin-focused exchange-traded product. Some analysts estimate the one-day outflow to be US$500 million. Arthur Hayes, co-founder of crypto exchange 100x, said, “Smells like a forced seller triggered a run on stops.”

Bull trap

Avoid Purpose Bitcoin ETF until the mystery behind the massive outflow is revealed. Peter Schiff, a Bitcoin critic, warned investors, “Don’t get excited about Bitcoin being back above $20K. 20 is the new 30. This is just another bull trap.”

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Bitcoin.

More on Cryptocurrency

consider the options
Cryptocurrency

Should You Buy Galaxy Digital Stock Right Now?

Galaxy Digital Holdings is down 80% from all-time highs, but should you buy this cryptocurrency stock right now?

Read more »

New virtual money concept, Gold Bitcoins
Tech Stocks

These 2 Stocks Carry a Lot of Risk, But Their Upside is Huge

If you want windfall gains, you have to risk losing what you invest. These two stocks with disruptive technology could…

Read more »

cryptocurrency, crypto, blockchain
Cryptocurrency

Is Hut 8 Stock a Buy in December 2022?

Hut 8 Mining Corp. (TSX:HUT) stock has been throttled in the face of a crypto bear market. It still looks…

Read more »

cryptocurrency, crypto, blockcahin
Cryptocurrency

HIVE Blockchain Stock Fell 18% In October – Is It Time To Buy? 

Hive Blockchain (TSXV:HIVE) stock is down with the crypto market but ready for a BTC rebound.

Read more »

crypto, chart, stocks
Cryptocurrency

2 Top Cryptocurrencies to Buy in October 2022

Ethereum and Solana are two of the most popular cryptocurrencies in the world that are well poised to deliver substantial…

Read more »

Hand arranging wood block stacking as step stair with arrow up.
Cryptocurrency

2 Cryptocurrencies to Buy for Potential Recovery

The largest and most liquid cryptocurrencies may not always be the first to recover, and you may have to go…

Read more »

Senior couple at the lake having a picnic
Tech Stocks

3 TSX Stocks That Are Great Long-Term Picks

October is a ripe time to buy growth stocks for wealth creation. Use the market downturn to tap the recovery…

Read more »

cryptocurrency, crypto, blockchain
Tech Stocks

Sinking Crypto Stock: Is Hut 8 (TSX:HUT) Worth Buying at $2.30?

A prominent crypto stock trading at an absurdly cheap price, but you must have a high-risk appetite to consider buying…

Read more »