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A Guide to Spotting Bitcoin ETFs for Everyday Investors and Retires in 2024

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A Guide to Spotting Bitcoin ETFs for Everyday Investors and Retirees

(VORNews) – Shortly before the US Securities and Exchange Commission authorized spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (Bitcoin ETFs) on Wednesday night, it reiterated its “no FOMO” caution to investors.

The caution not to invest for “fear of missing out” stressed the volatility of digital assets, pointing out how popular cryptocurrency investments experience tremendous highs and lows, resulting in billions of dollars in profits and losses.

Gary Gensler, head of the SEC, stated following Wednesday’s announcement in which the commission approved the bitcoin ETF listing but stated that “we did not approve or endorse bitcoin.” Digital asset investment is now regulated and standardized thanks to the SEC’s approval.

However, mainstream investors should proceed with caution, according to financial analysts, because bitcoin (BTC-USD) is still seen as a speculative asset. “You have to be very careful,” said Kiran Garimella, an assistant professor at the University of South Florida Muma College of Business, speaking to Yahoo Finance from a very conservative financial standpoint. “If the financial instrument that’s being traded doesn’t actually represent anything of specific value underlying it, then you’d have to sit back and question that.”

First, what exactly is a spot Bitcoin ETF?

ETFs that track the performance of bitcoin are known as spot Bitcoin ETFs. Asset managers who hold the actual bitcoin and its current value (“spot”) as the underlying asset manage the fund, in which investors buy shares. Management fees and the thin margin between the price at which they sell the shares and the actual price of bitcoins (which fluctuates) are how these managers make money.

Although the value of ETFs will fluctuate in tandem with Bitcoin, the funds themselves may be more stable because fund administrators can employ a variety of financial instruments to mitigate the fund’s volatility.

“Investing in an ETF not only simplifies the process of purchasing, selling, and trading bitcoins, but it may also mitigate a portion of the associated strategic risk,” Garimella explained. Unknown but utilizing the alias Satoshi Nakamoto, an unidentified individual created the initial Bitcoin in 2008.

It was established on the decentralized, free market tenet that digital currencies be generated, distributed, traded, and recorded in the blockchain, a peer-to-peer ledger. In the past week, Bitcoin’s price fluctuated around $46,500; at one point last week, it surged to $49,000 due to the reactions to the SEC approval.

In 2021, when the price surpassed $65,000, the value of a coin reached its historic apex. A mere twelve months later, however, it plummeted to approximately $16,000 as investors gradually lost faith in the industry.

Do you need to include bitcoin ETFs in your portfolio?

Everyone may now possess Bitcoin in their investing or retirement accounts, according to the much-anticipated SEC clearance. No longer do investors need to purchase digital tokens directly from a crypto exchange.

Even though many Americans still don’t understand or have access to cryptocurrency, eleven new spot funds have been launched on the NYSE, CBOE, and Nasdaq, the same exchanges where equities, mutual funds, and other conventional assets are traded.

According to Garimella, the new funds significantly lessen the administrative risks associated with Bitcoin investments. Previously, interested parties needed to generate “private keys” and create a “wallet” to own the tokens. There was a chance of fraud or hacking on crypto exchanges.

“Oh, boy, you’d have to go through hoops just to acquire a fraction of Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency for that matter,” said Garimella. “Most people had no clue what a wallet or private key is.” There is still a strategic risk in investing in a Bitcoin fund, even though the funds themselves are standardized.

“If you can manage to invest $5, sell it for $500, and then make a lot of money, it would be fantastic,” Garimella added. But can you be reliable and organized, and can you develop a plan to make the most of the value that results from that? Cryptocurrency and its speculative character continue to inspire widespread mistrust.

Such instruments rely only on investors’ expectations that the price of the digital asset will rise, rather than any inherent value in the asset itself. According to Mark Higgins, CFA, author of “Investing in US Financial History,” “Cryptocurrency seems like speculation that central banking will be replaced—that maybe the US dollar is going to be replaced as the dominant reserve currency,” as reported by Yahoo Finance. “I am skeptical.”

Neither the creation of a spot bitcoin ETF nor the offering of any crypto-related products are in the cards for the second-largest ETF provider, The Vanguard Group. “Our perspective is that these products do not align with our offer focused on asset classes such as equities, bonds, and cash, which Vanguard views as the building blocks of a well-balanced, long-term investment portfolio,” according to the firm.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Fidelity Investment, a global leader in asset management, introduced the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), describing it as an effective tool for investors looking to get exposure to Bitcoin. “We’ve long felt a spot-priced exchange-traded vehicle would be an effective method for investors to obtain exposure to bitcoin,” stated Cynthia Lo Bessette, head of digital asset management at Fidelity.

However, investors are being asked to undertake Fidelity’s Designated Investment Agreement (DIA) when they purchase the FBTC fund, which shows how unexplored this area is. The digital product investors have been verified by the DIA to be experienced, risk-tolerant, and financially stable enough to bear the possibility of partial or whole loss of investment.

Everyone may now possess Bitcoin in their investing or retirement accounts according to the much-anticipated SEC clearance. No longer do investors want to purchase digital tokens directly from a crypto exchange. However, asset managers may mitigate the funds’ risk through complex strategies including strengthening laddering, adding call options, launching futures contracts, and hedging, thus these ETFs may be a safer method to buy bitcoins.

“When you have an ETF that does all of that stuff, it introduces a certain level of stability or risk management to that underlying instrument,” explained Garimella. “In a crypto market, you’re exposing yourself to a certain level of risk, which could be minimized with the right ETF.”

Perhaps the greatest allure of blockchains is their possible future use cases, which is why Bitcoin is the most well-known cryptocurrency in the world. Supporters of the technology think it has the potential to revolutionize the way money is exchanged. According to Garimella, who holds bitcoin for educational purposes, he is considering increasing his investment in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) shortly due to the innovations in the field that might allow the digital coin to be linked to a physical asset class.

“However, would I suggest it to my grandma as an investment?” “I highly doubt it,” Garimella remarked.

Even though many Americans still don’t understand or have access to cryptocurrency, eleven new spot funds have been launched on the NYSE, CBOE, and Nasdaq, the same exchanges where equities, mutual funds, and other conventional assets are traded.

According to Garimella, the new funds significantly lessen the administrative risks associated with bitcoin investments. Previously, interested parties needed to generate “private keys” and create a “wallet” in order to own the tokens. There was a chance of fraud or hacking on crypto exchanges.

“Oh, boy, you’d have to go through hoops just to acquire a fraction of a bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency for that matter,” said Garimella. “Most people had no clue what a wallet or private key is.”

There is still a strategic risk in investing in a Bitcoin fund, even though the funds themselves are standardized.

“If you can manage to invest $5, sell it for $500, and then make a lot of money, it would be fantastic,” Garimella added. “But can you be consistent and systematic, and can you come up with a strategy to capitalize on the value generated by that?”

Cryptocurrency and its speculative character continue to inspire widespread mistrust. Such instruments rely only on investors’ expectations that the price of the digital asset will rise, rather than any inherent value in the asset itself.

According to Mark Higgins, CFA, CFP, author of “Investing in US Financial History,” “Cryptocurrency seems like speculation that central banking will be replaced — that maybe the US dollar is going to be replaced as the dominant reserve currency,” as reported by Yahoo Finance. “I am skeptical.”

Neither the creation of a spot bitcoin ETF nor the offering of any crypto-related products are in the cards for the second-largest ETF provider, The Vanguard Group.

“Our perspective is that these products do not align with our offer focused on asset classes such as equities, bonds, and cash, which Vanguard views as the building blocks of a well-balanced, long-term investment portfolio,” according to the firm.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Fidelity Investment, a global leader in asset management, introduced the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), describing it as an effective tool for investors looking to get exposure to Bitcoin.

“We’ve long felt a spot-priced exchange-traded vehicle would be an effective method for investors to obtain exposure to bitcoin,” stated Cynthia Lo Bessette, head of digital asset management at Fidelity.

However, investors are being asked to undertake Fidelity’s Designated Investment Agreement (DIA) when they purchase the FBTC fund, which shows how unexplored this area is.

The digital product investors have been verified by the DIA to be experienced, risk-tolerant, and financially stable enough to bear the possibility of partial or whole loss of investment.

Where to purchase ETFs and what fees to expect

Through their brokerage accounts, investors can purchase shares of bitcoin ETFs to diversify their portfolios. Traders can trade the funds throughout the day for liquidity, similar to other funds. ETFs approved by the SEC are funds from big financial players such as Fidelity, Invesco, and BlackRock.

The costs for managing the ETFs have been announced by many providers. The largest asset manager in the world, Blackrock (BLK), which oversees roughly $10 trillion in assets, has reduced its fee from 0.30% to 0.25%.

The new market is quite competitive, with Grayscale charging 1.5% and Franklin announcing that it will eliminate management costs until August. As of today, January 11, 2019, bitcoin’s market value of $913 billion makes it the biggest cryptocurrency in the world.

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Connor McDavid Wins Conn Smythe As Playoff MVP Despite Oilers Losing Stanley Cup Final To Panthers

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Conner McDavid | AP News image

SUNRISE, Florida – Connor McDavid earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP on Monday night, despite Edmonton’s Stanley Cup Final loss to Florida, in recognition of one of the best postseason performances in NHL history.

Despite being kept scoreless in the final two games, McDavid topped all postseason scorers with 42 points, five shy of Wayne Gretzky’s record of 47 set in 1985. He did not return from the locker room to receive the trophy from Commissioner Gary Bettman, leaving it on the stand while the Panthers celebrated nearby.

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McDavid | AP News image

Connor McDavid Wins Conn Smythe As Playoff MVP Despite Oilers Losing Stanley Cup Final To Panthers

“It’s an honor with the names on that trophy, but yeah,” McDavid said.

McDavid placed first on 16 of 17 ballots. Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov finished second.

“I don’t think he cares,” longtime running mate Leon Draisaitl stated. “I mean, that shows how great of a hockey player he is. No player in the world wants to win the Stanley Cup more than him. He does everything properly every day, hoping to win one day. It’s incredibly hard because he’s unhappy and disappointed at the end.”

After going scoreless (but leading the team with three assists) in the first three games against Florida, McDavid shifted the course of the series by doing something no other player in history, including Gretzky, has done. He scored four points in two straight games in the finals to keep the Oilers from being eliminated.

“You think about the year that Connor had: 100 assists, leading our team, the performance he had in this playoffs, especially in this final round when we’re down three games to zero and then he comes out with eight points in two games,” the coach, Kris Knoblauch, said. “Yeah, he’s our leader, he’s our best player.”

After Flyers’ Reggie Leach in 1976, McDavid is only the second player to win the Conn Smythe on a team that lost in the final. Goaltenders Jean-Sebastien Giguere of Anaheim in 2003, Ron Hextall of Philadelphia in 1987, Glenn Hall of St. Louis in 1968, and Roger Crozier of Detroit in 1966 were also named playoff MVPs after backing up teams that fell short of winning the Cup.

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Mcdavid | AP News Image

Connor McDavid Wins Conn Smythe As Playoff MVP Despite Oilers Losing Stanley Cup Final To Panthers

When asked how he was feeling over half an hour after the loss, McDavid could only say, “It sucks.”

McDavid, the reigning and three-time Hart Trophy winner widely regarded as the best hockey player in the world, put on a display in his maiden trip to the final. His goal and three helpers in an 8-1 victory in Game 4 prevented a sweep, and his four points, including an empty netter in Game 5 three nights later, returned the series to Alberta.

Those who know McDavid feel that his year-round effort throughout his career has helped him thrive when the spotlight shines brightest.

“He’s unique in his dedication to his craft,” said Hall of Famer Ken Hitchcock, McDavid’s coach in 2018-19. “He’s quite distinctive. He’s learned to be persistent, and he enjoys it. He’s really passionate about his craft, and that’s contagious when you’re on the same squad as him.”

Oilers teammates praised McDavid for setting a good example on and off the ice.

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Mcdavid | AP News Image

Connor McDavid Wins Conn Smythe As Playoff MVP Despite Oilers Losing Stanley Cup Final To Panthers

“He’s the greatest player to ever play, in my opinion,” Draisaitl added. “There are so many things that he does that most people don’t notice, such as his work ethic. He almost singlehandedly turned our franchise around. I just love sharing the ice with him. He’s just a very remarkable person.”

That discussion is warranted for a player who led the league in scoring five times during the regular season and did almost everything on his own. What is still missing from the Stanley Cup, which will have to wait at least another year?

“Connor McDavid, he’s going to win the Stanley Cup someday,” said Patric Hornqvist, a two-time champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins who is now a Panthers scouting and development consultant. “That’s how good he is.”

SOURCE – (AP)

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ICO Crypto Token Launch Pads: Revolutionizing Crypto Fundraising and Investment

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ICO Crypto Token Launch Pads Revolutionizing Crypto Fundraising and Investment

Overview of the ICO Crypto Token Launch Pads

An Initial Coin Offering (ICO) is the cryptocurrency industry’s version of an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Enterprises can raise cash to develop new cryptocurrency blockchain applications or services. Investors can participate in an ICO by purchasing the firm’s newly minted cryptocurrency, which may have utility related to the product or service or represent a share in the company. Notably, most ICOs are classified as security offerings and must comply with registration regulations.

Importance of ICO Launch Pad in the Cryptocurrency Business

ICO Crypto Launch Pads play an important part in the cryptocurrency sector. They act as platforms, facilitating the token issuance process for new projects. Launch Pads offer a standardized framework for executing ICOs, assuring regulatory compliance and increasing investor protection. These platforms serve as a conduit between companies and prospective investors, providing a safe and transparent environment for token offers.

Key advantages of employing a Launch Pad for token offerings:

Using an ICO Launch Pad benefits both project founders and investors. Launch Pads offer project creators access to a large investor base, increased credibility, and expedited token distribution processes. Launch Pads also provide investors with a selected selection of ideas, lowering the danger of fraud and allowing for early participation in promising ventures.

Furthermore, Launch Pads frequently include extra support services such as marketing, legal advice, and community building, increasing the likelihood of project success.

2. Key Components of an ICO Crypto Token Launch Pad

Project Selection Criteria for Launch Pads

ICO Launch Pads often use strict project screening criteria to ensure that only high-quality, legitimate projects are published on their platforms. These criteria could include the project team’s experience, the proposal’s validity, commercial potential, and technological innovation. Due diligence is carried out to reduce the danger of fraudulent or poorly designed projects.

Token distribution systems and processes.

Launch Pads play an important function in the token distribution process. They facilitate the issuance, sale, and allocation of tokens to investors. Launch Pads may use a variety of distribution mechanisms, including a fixed-price sale, a Dutch auction, or a tiered sales system. These procedures are intended to ensure fair and efficient token distribution while increasing the project’s fundraising potential.

The Function of Smart Contracts at ICO Launch Pads

Smart contracts, powered by blockchain technology, are critical components of ICO Launch Pads. They automate the token sale process, making it transparent, immutable, and secure. Smart contracts also allow for the automatic execution of predefined rules and circumstances, such as token distribution, vesting periods, and locking mechanisms. Launch Pads uses smart contracts to increase trust and eliminate the need for intermediaries in the token sale process.

3. Assessing ICO Projects on the Launch Pad

Due diligence procedure for evaluating ICO projects

ICO Launch Pads do extensive due diligence to determine the quality and legitimacy of projects they wish to list on their platforms. This process includes a thorough evaluation of the project team’s competence, the project’s business strategy, technical feasibility, and legal and regulatory compliance.
In addition, Launch Pads may seek external audits or expert opinions to verify a project’s claims and potential.

Risk assessment and mitigating measures

Launch Pads use rigorous risk assessment frameworks to identify and minimize hazards connected with the listed projects. These frameworks assess market, technical, regulatory, and operational risks. Launch Pads seeks to safeguard investors from fraudulent or failing initiatives while also promoting the long-term viability of the crypto ecosystem through rigorous risk assessments.

Ensure openness and credibility in ICO listings.

Transparency and credibility are important aspects of ICO launchpads. These platforms are designed to provide investors with credible and accurate information about listed projects. Launch Pads provide critical project information, such as the white paper, team profiles, fundraising targets, and token economics.
They also encourage open communication between project teams and the community, which promotes confidence and openness throughout the token sale process.

4. Maximizing Success in Launching Tokens through ICO Launch Pad

Marketing tactics to attract investors

To ensure the success of token releases, ICO Launch Pads use smart marketing methods. These techniques include social media campaigns, influencer collaborations, targeted advertising, and community involvement. Launch Pads also helps project founders develop a strong brand and communicate their value proposition to potential investors.

Developing a robust community around the token.

Community building is critical to the long-term viability of ICO ventures. ICO Launch Pads promote project teams’ interaction with the audience by providing regular updates, AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions, and online forums. Launch pads frequently assist in organizing community events and encouraging active involvement. A strong and engaged community boosts the project’s legitimacy and increases the token’s liquidity and adoption rate.

After-launch token management and value proposition

ICO Launch Pads assist project teams in properly managing their tokens once the token sale has concluded. They facilitate the complicated terrain of cryptocurrency exchanges, liquidity provision, and token price stability. Furthermore, Launch Pads promotes continued communication between project teams and investors, providing transparency and regular updates on project progress. This post-launch support enables project teams to preserve investor confidence while delivering on their promised value offer.

5. FAQs

How can I take part in an ICO Crypto coin launch pad?

To participate in an ICO Crypto token launch pad, investors must first register an account on the relevant site. After completing the Know Your Customer (KYC) criteria, investors can browse the listed projects, study their details, and participate in token sales by following the Launch Pad’s instructions.

What are the advantages of releasing a token using an ICO Crypto platform?

Launching a token on the ICO Crypto platform provides several advantages, including access to a large pool of potential investors, increased credibility thanks to the platform’s due diligence process, streamlined token distribution mechanisms, and ongoing support services such as marketing and community engagement.

Are there any legal criteria to follow before establishing an ICO Crypto token?

There are legal procedures to consider when establishing an ICO Crypto token. The regulatory landscape differs by location, and project creators must follow applicable securities and banking legislation. Engaging legal counsel is critical for ensuring compliance and avoiding legal risks.

How can I guarantee the safety of my investment in an ICO Crypto token launch pad?

To safeguard the security of their investments in an ICO crypto token launch pad, investors should undertake extensive research and due diligence on the platform and the businesses featured on it. It is critical to assess the platform’s security procedures, including multi-factor authentication, secure fund storage, and smart contract audits. Furthermore, investors should be cautious and only invest what they can afford to lose.

In conclusion, ICO Crypto Token Launch Pads have transformed how cryptocurrency projects raise funding and interact with investors. These platforms offer a controlled and secure environment for launching tokens, increasing transparency and investor protection. ICO Launch Pads assist to the crypto industry’s long-term growth by adhering to rigorous project selection criteria, utilizing smart contract technology, doing due diligence, and encouraging community interaction.

 

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Disneyland Character And Parade Performers In California Vote To Join Labor Union

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Pixa Bay - VOR News image

Anaheim, California – Disneyland actors who bring Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and other popular characters to life at the Southern California resort voted to unionize after a three-day referendum that ended on Saturday.

The Actors’ Equity Association labor union announced Saturday that cast members at Disney’s theme parks near Los Angeles voted overwhelmingly for the union to become the bargaining agent for approximately 1,700 workers.

According to an association website that tracked balloting among cast members, 78.7% (953 votes) supported the passage, and 21.3% (258 votes) opposed it

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AP – VOR News Image

Disneyland Character And Parade Performers In California Vote To Join Labor Union

“They say that Disneyland is ‘the place where dreams come true,’ and for the Disney Cast Members who have worked to organize a union, their dream came true today,” Actors’ Equity Association President Kate Shindle said in a statement on Saturday night.

Shindle described the workers as the “front lines” of the Disneyland guest experience. She said the association and cast members will address health and safety improvements, salaries, benefits, working conditions, and job security before meeting with Walt Disney Company executives to negotiate worker priorities into a contract.

The union now represents theatrical actors in Disney’s Florida parks.

According to the association, the National Labor Relations Board’s regional director will certify the results within a week, assuming no election challenges.

The NLRB did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’s email requesting confirmation or other information about the vote.

The election was held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday in Anaheim, California after employees filed cards earlier this year to join the “Magic United” unit.

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Pixa Bay – VOR News Image

Disneyland Character And Parade Performers In California Vote To Join Labor Union

Parade and character workers who advocated for unionization said they like helping to create a fantastic experience at Disneyland. However, they were anxious when asked to begin hugging people after returning to work during the coronavirus pandemic. They also claimed that elaborate outfits and unpredictable timetables cause damage.

Most of the Disneyland Resort’s more than 35,000 employees, including cleaning crews, pyrotechnic specialists, and security personnel, are already unionized. The resort contains Disneyland, the Walt Disney Company’s oldest theme park, Disney California Adventure and Anaheim’s shopping and entertainment center, Downtown Disney

In recent years, Disney has been accused of failing to pay a living wage to its Southern California employees, who face excessive housing prices and frequently drive long distances or live in cramped quarters. Parade performers and character actors are paid a base rate of $24.15 per hour, up from $20 before January, plus premiums for certain roles.

Union membership has been declining in the United States for decades, but organizations have enjoyed increased public support in recent years during high-profile contract negotiations with Hollywood studios and Las Vegas hotels. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which protects workers’ rights to organize, announced more than 2,500 filings for union representation during the fiscal year 2023, the most in eight years.

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PixaBay – VOR News Image

Disneyland Character And Parade Performers In California Vote To Join Labor Union

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a union that normally represents transportation workers, organized those who play Mickey, Goofy, and Donald Duck in Florida over 40 years ago.

At the time, Florida performers complained about unclean costumes and harassment from customers, including youngsters who kicked the shins of Disney villains like Captain Hook.

SOURCE – (AP)

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