Capula, a UK-based hedge fund managing over $30 billion in assets, has made significant moves in the cryptocurrency space by acquiring shares in two major Bitcoin ETFs: the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) and BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). As of June 30, Capula’s investments in these Bitcoin ETFs have surpassed $464 million. The disclosure, however, does not mention any other cryptocurrency investments held by the fund.
This acquisition comes amid a turbulent period for Bitcoin ETFs. Following a sharp market decline in July, there has been a notable reversal in inflows into Bitcoin ETFs. According to Morningstar Inc., nearly $175 million in net outflows were reported between July 31 and August 2. Despite this trend, Bitcoin ETFs like IBIT and FBTC are seeing increasing interest from financial advisors, reflecting their growing appeal as investment vehicles for Bitcoin exposure. Roxanna Islam, head of sector and industry research at VettaFi, highlights that these ETFs are becoming leading options in the market.
Capula's move aligns with a broader trend among hedge funds showing strong interest in Bitcoin ETFs. Notably, Millennium Management, another prominent hedge fund, reported holding nearly $2 billion in Bitcoin ETF investments and related assets as of May. This substantial position underscores the growing acceptance and strategic integration of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies into traditional investment portfolios.
As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, the actions of major investment firms like Capula and Millennium Management indicate a deepening commitment to Bitcoin and its associated financial products. This shift reflects ongoing confidence in Bitcoin's role within diversified investment strategies, even amidst market volatility.
August 2024, Cryptoniteuae