JPMorgan suggests in a recent research report that Bitcoin miners may experience a pause following the approval of the first U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The bank's analysts, Reginald Smith and Charles Pearce, expressed uncertainty about whether this announcement will trigger further rises in Bitcoin and mining stocks in the near term or whether investors will turn it into a “sell the news” event.
The total market value of miners in the bank's coverage area has increased by 131% since the end of September. This growth is significantly higher than the 71% increase recorded in Bitcoin over the same period. As of yesterday, the total market cap of fourteen US-listed miners was approximately $17 billion.
Bitcoin mining stocks have surged significantly over the past three months, trading near record highs based on the bank's proven reserves and four-year block reward revenue estimates. However, analysts warn of potential selling pressure in the sector if investors decide to exit cryptocurrency-related stocks for more direct exposure to Bitcoin through an ETF.
Despite this, JPMorgan states that the ETF “does not directly impact the mining economy or change competitive dynamics.”
*This is not investment advice.