Exchange Traded Fund

Definition ∞ An Exchange Traded Fund is a financial product that tracks an asset or index and trades on stock exchanges. In the digital asset sphere, crypto ETFs provide investors regulated exposure to cryptocurrencies without direct ownership. These funds pool capital to purchase underlying digital assets or derivatives, offering a familiar investment vehicle. Their structure typically allows for intraday trading and price transparency.
Context ∞ The regulatory approval and subsequent performance of spot Bitcoin ETFs represent a significant market development. These products offer institutional and retail investors a more accessible, regulated avenue for digital asset allocation. Discussions frequently center on their impact on market liquidity, price discovery, and broader mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies. Future developments may include ETFs for other major digital assets or baskets of crypto assets.