Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas Predicts 200 Crypto ETPs by 2026 as Market Frenzy Intensifies
Wall Street's stampede into digital assets accelerates as regulatory barriers crumble.
The Institutional Floodgates Open
Traditional finance giants scramble to catch the crypto wave, launching exchange-traded products at breakneck speed. Balchunas' projection of 200 ETPs by 2026 signals mainstream acceptance reaching critical mass.
Regulatory Green Lights Everywhere
Global watchdogs finally wake up to investor demand, approving products that would've been unthinkable just two years ago. The SEC's resistance crumbles under market pressure and common sense.
The Gold Rush 2.0
Asset managers smell blood in the water—and commissions in their pockets. Suddenly everyone's a crypto expert, though most couldn't explain blockchain if their bonus depended on it.
While traditional finance plays catch-up, the real innovation continues happening in decentralized trenches—proving once again that Wall Street excels at packaging what others build.
Crypto market sentiment turns cautious
At press time, Bitcoin traded around $108,543, ethereum at $3,879, and BNB at $1,074, all down from their intraday highs.
The Crypto Fear & Greed Index dropped nine points to 25, signaling “extreme fear,” while the Altcoin Season Index ROSE modestly to 29, indicating that altcoins are beginning to show early signs of resilience relative to Bitcoin.
Analysts attributed the short-lived rally to Optimism around U.S.-China trade talks and renewed institutional momentum, but said macro uncertainty remains a drag. “Markets are struggling to regain confidence after the sharp October sell-off,” one trader noted, citing lingering concerns about inflation and global liquidity.
ETF inflows offer a glimmer of relief
In a positive sign for institutional appetite, U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded $477 million in net inflows on Oct. 21, ending a four-day streak of outflows.
BlackRock’s IBIT led with $210 million, followed by Ark Invest’s ARKB with $162 million. Fidelity’s FBTC and Bitwise’s BITB added $34.15 million and $20.08 million respectively.
Ethereum ETFs also saw $141.1 million in net inflows, reversing a three-day decline. Fidelity’s FETH topped the list with $59.07 million, while BlackRock’s ETHA added $41.91 million. The inflows mark a tentative shift back toward accumulation after a volatile two weeks of selling pressure.
Despite this uptick, traders remain wary ahead of the Oct. 24 U.S. consumer price index report and the Federal Reserve’s Oct. 28–29 meeting, which could influence near-term liquidity.
