Two Bitcoin ETFs to Steer Clear Of—and One to Keep an Eye On for 2026

Current Market Conditions: The cryptocurrency market is experiencing stagnation, with Bitcoin hovering around $78,000 after hitting a 10-month low, leading to significant capital flight from the sector.

Investment Strategies: Investors are shifting from traditional buy-and-hold strategies to more aggressive hedging and speculative approaches, as they seek to capitalize on market volatility and potential breakout opportunities.

Company Developments: Coinbase and Cboe Global Markets are pivoting towards derivatives and prediction markets, aiming to capture new trading volumes and adapt to the evolving market landscape.

Market Outlook: The current environment favors active trading strategies over passive holding, with a focus on transaction volume rather than price timing, as investors look for opportunities amidst market stagnation.

Shift in Investment Preferences: With falling interest rates, traditional fixed-income securities are losing appeal for income-focused investors, leading to a notable shift towards sectors historically associated with strong dividends, such as utilities and real estate.

Emergence of Bitcoin ETFs: The approval of the first Bitcoin ETF by the SEC in January 2024 has opened new avenues for investors seeking exposure to cryptocurrencies without navigating the complexities of decentralized finance.

BlackRock's Bitcoin Income ETF: BlackRock is launching a Bitcoin Income ETF that aims to provide premium income through actively managed strategies, similar to traditional dividend-focused equity funds, while also tracking Bitcoin's price performance.

Risks and Considerations: The fund highlights the volatility of digital asset markets and the regulatory uncertainties that could impact Bitcoin's value, suggesting that potential investors should conduct thorough due diligence before investing.

Market Performance: Over the past year, Bitcoin has seen a significant decline, losing nearly 15% since its peak in October 2025, while the financial sector has underperformed compared to other sectors in the S&P 500.

ETF Developments: The approval of the first spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024 has led to increased demand, with nearly $10 billion in inflows into Bitcoin exchange-traded products (ETPs) in 2025, despite the overall market challenges.

Expense Ratios: Bitcoin ETFs like the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) and ProShares Bitcoin ETF (BITO) have higher expense ratios compared to average actively managed ETFs, which may deter some investors despite their liquidity.

Investment Trends: Institutional investors have shown a strong preference for Bitcoin ETFs, with significant inflows surpassing outflows, indicating a growing interest in cryptocurrency exposure among traditional investors.