Ethereum and Bitcoin price crash spells the end for these Aussie crypto ETFs

Trading in both these ETFs was suspended on Monday.

| More on:
Businessman walks through exit door signalling resignation

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 More

Key points

  • The Ethereum and Bitcoin prices are both down some 70% from last November’s record highs
  • Cosmos Asset Management launched a Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF earlier this year
  • Cosmos suspended trading in both crypto ETFs and applied to delist them from the Cboe Australia exchange

The Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) price is down 1% over the past 24 hours. BTC is currently trading for US$20,297.

Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), the world's number two crypto, has slipped 3% to US$1,542.

With equities under pressure following the latest interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve, both tokens are holding up fairly well today.

But the same can't be said for their performance over the last year.

On 10 November last year, the Bitcoin price reached all-time highs of US$68,790. It's down a painful 71% since that record.

The Ethereum price notched its own record highs six days later. On 16 November Ether was trading for US$4,892. It's fallen 69% from that virtual high water mark.

Facing these kinds of headwinds, two of Australia's pioneering crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are pulling the plug.

Ethereum and Bitcoin price falls hampered these ETFs

Cosmos Asset Management launched the Cosmos Purpose Bitcoin Access ETF (CBTC) and Cosmos Purpose Ethereum Access ETF (CPET) earlier this year.

The Bitcoin ETF made its debut on the Cboe Australia exchange (formerly Chi-X) on 12 May, as The Motley Fool covered here. At that time, the Bitcoin price had already taken a big tumble but was still trading for around US$30,000.

While crypto investors had hoped that may be the bottom for the Ethereum and Bitcoin price rout, we know now that's not how it panned out.

With the funds under pressure, yesterday Cosmos informed investors that it "will be applying to revoke the funds' quotation on Cboe".

Trading in both the Cosmos Bitcoin ETF and Ethereum ETF was halted on Monday. Cosmos stated, "Trading on the funds will continue to be halted pending the outcome of the application to Cboe."

Commenting on the decision, Dan Annan, CEO of Cosmos, said (courtesy of The Australian Financial Review):

While we strongly believe in the asset class, we are all disappointed with this result. The ETFs are ring-fenced by independent external service providers, which is a key transparent risk mitigation structure across all asset classes… We will continue to follow the process in the best interests of all unitholders.

Both crypto ETFs look to be a casualty of fast-rising global interest rates.

The Bitcoin price reached its records when rates across the developed world were at historic lows, with central bankers predicting several more years of low rates.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Cryptocurrencies

A man clenches his fists with glee having seen the share price go up on the computer screen in front of him.
Cryptocurrencies

Why did the Bitcoin price just rocket to another all-time high?

At new record highs, Bitcoin now has a market cap of almost US$1.8 trillion.

Read more »

Bitcoin coin with a rising arrow.
Cryptocurrencies

Why cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are shooting for the moon today

Crypto investors just sent the Bitcoin price to new all-time highs. But why?

Read more »

A man with his head on his head because of the falling cryptocurrency prices on the screen.
Cryptocurrencies

What's happening with the Bitcoin price amid the stock market volatility?

Bitcoin investors have been on a wild ride in August.

Read more »

bitcoin coins falling
Cryptocurrencies

Think the ASX has been volatile this week? Wait until you see the Bitcoin price

Bitcoin has had the volatility of a yo-yo over the past week...

Read more »

A businessman carrying a briefcase looks at a square peg or block sinking into a round hole.
Technology Shares

Is this the real reason Block stock is down 11% in a week?

Block's big drop this week might have an unusual culprit...

Read more »

Bitcoin ETF digital illustration.
Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin ETF hits the ASX. Here's what you need to know

History is being written on the ASX today as it welcomes its first Bitcoin ETF.

Read more »

Concept image of Bitcoin and hand using laptop.
Cryptocurrencies

Buying Bitcoin? Here's why Block's Jack Dorsey says AI will drive global adoption

Moving forward, Block plans to reinvest some of its monthly profits into Bitcoin.

Read more »

A man holding a mobile phone walks past some buildings
Cryptocurrencies

The Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF (CRYP) is up 37% in a month. Is it too late to buy?

Looking at the CRYP ETF? Here's my take on whether it's too late to buy.

Read more »