SEC Rejects Bitcoin ETF

FXOpen

The Securities and Exchanges Commission decided to reject the first US bitcoin ETF. Prices initially crashed on the decision but quickly recovered. Litecoin fell on the ETF decision as well but it later recovered all losses.

SEC Rejects Bitcoin ETF

The US Securities and Exchanges Commission decided to reject a rule change that would permit the listing of the first US bitcoin ETF. Prices initially crashed by over $200, from $1246 to a low of $1,040 on FXOpen. Other exchanges saw similar 20% declines.

btcusdh4-mar14-copy

But as you can see on the chart above, the drop was used by bulls to ‘buy the dip’. We’re currently quoted at $1,223 on FXOpen/BTC-E, only 1.8 percent below the pre-ETF news price.

According to the SEC, a major reason for disapproving the ETF was the influence of unregulated markets on the bitcoin price. Gemini, the exchange that was to be used as a reference point for the ETF, is itself regulated but large swaths of the overseas markets remain unregulated.Therefore, the SEC continues:

”As the Exchange has not entered into, and would currently be unable to enter into, the type of surveillance-sharing agreement that has been in place with respect to all previously approved commodity-trust ETPs, agreements that help address concerns about the potential for fraudulent or manipulative acts and practices in this market”

This means that all other bitcoin ETFs in the pipeline are now dead in the water as well, at least for the foreseeable future.

With the break below the $1,100 mark we are now back into neutral mode. A new rally requires a breakout above this month’s high. While this is $1,269 on FXOpen, on other exchanges prices spiked to $1,330-$1,360 on Friday before the news release. On the lower end we have support at the ETF spike low of $1,040. But a new downtrend will not be in place until the $1,000 round figure is taken out on the major BTC exchanges.

Litecoin Remains in Rally Mode

Litecoin prices fell along with bitcoin on the ETF decision. But they have since rebounded strongly. Yesterday we got a major move from $3.85 to a high of $4.48 but things cooled off later on. No news can be attributed to this rally. We are currently quoted near the 50% retracement of yesterday’s move.

ltcusdh4-mar14-copy

To end the current uptrend the bears will have to push LTC/USD back below the post-ETF lows at $3.67 dollars per coin. This would also start a new LTC downtrend. Above current prices weak resistance can be found at the March 2nd swing high of $4.32, closely followed by yesterday’s high at $4.48 and the $4.50 round figure.

FXOpen offers the world's most popular cryptocurrency CFDs*, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Floating spreads, 1:2 leverage — at your service. Open your trading account now or learn more about crypto CFD trading with FXOpen.

*Important: At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency trading via CFDs is only available to our Professional clients. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. To find out more information about how this may affect you, please get in touch with our team.

This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Stay ahead of the market!

Subscribe now to our mailing list and receive the latest market news and insights delivered directly to your inbox.

forex

Crypto CFD Trading with FXOpen

Crypto CFD Trading with FXOpen

Experience ECN technology for deep liquidity and light-speed trade execution

  • Access over 40 markets 24/7
  • Trade with tight spreads and low commissions
  • Choose from 3 trading platforms: MT4, MT5, or TickTrader
Learn more

Latest articles

Shares

Coca-Cola Company (KO) Shares Trade Near All-Time High

Stock market charts indicate that from the start of last week’s trading through to its close:

→ The S&P 500 Index (US SPX 500 mini on FXOpen) declined by approximately 3%;
→ Pepsico (PEP) shares dropped by more than

Cryptocurrencies

BTC/USD Analysis: Bulls on the Offensive

In our previous analysis of Bitcoin’s price (14 April), we:

→ constructed a long-term ascending channel (marked with blue lines);

→ highlighted resistance level R, suggesting that the bulls were seizing the initiative in an attempt to pave the way for

Commodities

Market Analysis: Gold Extends Record Run, WTI Crude Oil Rebound in Tandem

Gold price started a fresh surge above the $3,250 resistance level. WTI Crude oil prices climbed higher above $60.00 and might extend gains.

Important Takeaways for Gold and WTI Crude Oil Prices Analysis Today

· Gold price started a

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 60% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.