ProShares to Launch the First U.S. Bitcoin-Linked ETF on October 19

Rhea-AI Summary

ProShares plans to launch the first bitcoin-linked ETF in the United States, BITO, on October 19, 2021. This ETF offers investors convenient access to bitcoin returns through brokerage accounts, eliminating the need for cryptocurrency exchanges or wallets. CEO Michael L. Sapir noted that BITO opens bitcoin exposure to a broader audience of investors familiar with stocks and ETFs. The ETF primarily invests in bitcoin futures contracts rather than directly in bitcoin. ProShares manages over $65 billion in assets across various ETF strategies.

Positive

• Launch of the first bitcoin-linked ETF (BITO) in the U.S. on October 19, 2021, marking a significant milestone.
• BITO provides retail investors with an easy way to gain exposure to bitcoin returns without dealing with crypto exchanges.
• ProShares manages over $65 billion in assets, showcasing strong industry positioning.

Negative

• BITO primarily invests in bitcoin futures contracts, which may not always align with the spot price of bitcoin.
• The ETF is non-diversified and concentrates its investments, which may lead to higher volatility.

BITO will offer access to bitcoin with the convenience, liquidity and tradability of an ETF

BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ProShares, a premiere provider of ETFs, plans to launch the first bitcoin-linked ETF in the United States (NYSE Ticker: BITO) tomorrow, October 19, 2021. BITO’s launch will mark a milestone for ETFs.

BITO will offer investors an opportunity to gain exposure to bitcoin returns conveniently, through a brokerage account. BITO can be bought and sold like a stock and eliminates the need for an account at a cryptocurrency exchange and for a crypto wallet.

“We believe a multitude of investors have been eagerly awaiting the launch of a bitcoin-linked ETF after years of efforts to launch one,” said ProShares CEO Michael L. Sapir. “BITO will open up exposure to bitcoin to a large segment of investors who have a brokerage account and are comfortable buying stocks and ETFs, but do not desire to go through the hassle and learning curve of establishing another account with a cryptocurrency provider and creating a bitcoin wallet or are concerned that these providers may be unregulated and subject to security risks.”

“BITO will continue the legacy of ETFs that provide investors convenient, liquid access to an asset class,” commented Sapir. “1993 is remembered for the first equity ETF, 2002 for the first bond ETF, and 2004 for the first gold ETF. 2021 will be remembered for the first cryptocurrency-linked ETF.”

BITO, or ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF, will invest primarily in bitcoin futures contracts and does not directly invest in bitcoin.

In July of this year, ProShares’ affiliate company, ProFunds, launched the first bitcoin-linked mutual fund in the U.S.

About ProShares

ProShares has been at the forefront of the ETF revolution since 2006. ProShares now offers one of the largest lineups of ETFs, and along with its affiliates manages more than $65 billion in assets. The company is the leader in strategies such as dividend growth, interest rate hedged bond, thematics and geared (leveraged and inverse) ETF investing. ProShares continues to innovate with products that provide strategic and tactical opportunities for investors to manage risk and enhance returns.

There is no guarantee any ProShares ETF will achieve its investment objective. This ETF may not be suitable for all investors.

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Bitcoin and bitcoin futures are a relatively new asset class, and the market for bitcoin is subject to rapid changes and uncertainty. Bitcoin and bitcoin futures are subject to unique and substantial risks, including significant price volatility and lack of liquidity. The value of an investment in the ETF could decline significantly and without warning, including to zero. You should be prepared to lose your entire investment.

This ETF is actively managed and invests in bitcoin futures contracts. The ETF does not invest directly in or hold bitcoin. The price and performance of bitcoin futures should be expected to differ from the current “spot” price of bitcoin. These differences could be significant. Bitcoin futures are subject to margin requirements, collateral requirements and other limits that may prevent the ETF from achieving its objective.

Bitcoin is largely unregulated and bitcoin investments may be more susceptible to fraud and manipulation than more regulated investments. Bitcoin and bitcoin futures are subject to rapid price swings, including as a result of actions and statements by influencers and the media.

This ETF is non-diversified and concentrates its investments. Non-diversified and narrowly focused investments typically exhibit higher volatility.

Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of ProShares before investing. This and other information can be found in the ETF’s summary and full prospectuses. Read them carefully before investing.

Shares of any ETF are generally bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the fund. Your brokerage commissions will reduce returns.

“Spot” price refers to the price of bitcoin that can be purchased immediately.

ProShares are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co., which is not affiliated with the funds’ advisor or sponsor.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211018005280/en/

Media Contact

Tucker Hewes, Hewes Communications, Inc., (212) 207-9451, tucker@hewescomm.com

Investor Contact

ProShares, (866) 776-5125, ProShares.com

Source: ProShares

FAQ

What is the ticker symbol for ProShares' bitcoin ETF?

The ticker symbol for ProShares' bitcoin ETF is BITO.

When is the launch date for the BITO ETF?

The BITO ETF is scheduled to launch on October 19, 2021.

How does BITO allow investors to access bitcoin?

BITO allows investors to access bitcoin returns conveniently through brokerage accounts without needing to set up cryptocurrency accounts or wallets.

What does BITO primarily invest in?

BITO primarily invests in bitcoin futures contracts and does not directly invest in bitcoin.

What risks are associated with investing in BITO?

Investing in BITO involves risks such as price volatility, lack of liquidity, and the possibility of losing the entire investment.