Learn Live ICYMI: Altcoin ETFs — bull run trigger?

Several top altcoins are projected to be available via altcoin ETFs. This presents great opportunities for new investors to get into cryptocurrency, and for established crypto traders to trade in different ways. Given the decline in the crypto market recently, many wonder if altcoin ETFs will break the trend and trigger a bull run. In the 21st episode of our Learn 101 livestream, we uncover Altcoin ETFs — Bull Run Trigger.

Our series Learn Live ICYMI provides a recap of our Learn 101 livestreams, offering you comprehensive expertise and insights from leading figures in the crypto industry in case you miss the livestream.

Joining the livestream on Mar 11, 2025, were two distinguished guests: Paz Gonzalez, Trader and Founder of 25 O magazine; and Kendrick, Product Manager at Bybit. Under the moderation of Sabrina Chua, Crypto Evangelist and SEO Editor at Bybit, this episode explores Altcoin ETFs — Bull Run Trigger.

Key Takeaways:

• Several altcoin spot ETFs have filed applications with the SEC.

• The crypto market is subject to changing macroeconomic conditions, which are currently declining.

• Index ETFs for cryptos may be a less risky option than buying a crypto-specific ETF or investing directly in a single cryptocurrency.

Litecoin, XRP, Polkadot Spot ETFs: Game-changers — or another non-event?

With Bitcoin’s price dropping substantially in recent weeks, traders are turning to altcoins for potential opportunities. Can altcoins revive the crypto market — or is this just another wave of hype?

Several new ETF applications have been submitted to the SEC for Litecoin, XRP, Polkadot, Solana and Dogecoin. Paz Gonzalez sees this trend as a reflection of past crypto cycles, while Kendrick is particularly bullish on XRP and Solana. Given XRP’s legal battle with the SEC last year (in which a federal judge ruled in Ripple Labs’ favor), Kendrick believes XRP has an edge over other altcoins when it comes to ETF approval. Numerous investment firms have already filed for XRP ETFs, and its use as a payment solution gives it strong real-world utility.

Kendrick notes that Solana (SOL) is the next-strongest contender. It boasts more use cases than XRP, but lacks the regulatory advantage and sheer number of ETF applications. Meanwhile, critics point to Solana’s relatively small validator set and to concerns over its potential centralization.

Paz Gonzalez agrees with Kendrick that XRP is the most likely crypto asset to receive the first spot ETF approval. However, she sees Litecoin (LTC) as next in line. Often referred to as Bitcoin’s “little sister,” Litecoin has long been positioned as a payment-focused cryptocurrency.

Speculation, barriers to institutional acceptance — andhype

Retail speculation tends to be higher for altcoins than for Bitcoin, and Gonzalez attributes the recent surge in altcoin activity to this trend. pointing out that institutions have historically been cautious and have taken years to fully embrace Bitcoin. Before backing altcoins, they need to see substantial trading volume and a shift in market sentiment.

Kendrick predicts that the altcoins currently being considered for ETFs may experience speculative spikes in the short term. He cites Dogecoin’s price surge following ETF-related news, which was quickly followed by a decline. He expects this pattern to hold across other altcoins, but foresees a sustained long-term rise after ETF approvals are finalized.

However, Gonzalez remains skeptical about meme coins securing ETFs, arguing that they lack real utility. The only exception, she suggests, might be Dogecoin — given Elon Musk’s influence and ties to Donald Trump. Even then, she believes an ETF would only be viable if Dogecoin eventually finds adoption as a legitimate payment method, or serves another functional purpose.

Can altcoin ETFs receive the same support as blue-chip crypto ETFs?

Kendrick highlights Bitcoin’s status as the crypto market’s staple cryptocurrency. Even with the rise of altcoin ETFs, he remains confident that Bitcoin will continue to dominate the market.

Gonzalez points out that the introduction of crypto ETFs has created greater regulation and centralization within the crypto market — shifting away from the original principles of decentralization on which cryptocurrency was built. She believes that as more ETFs are introduced and adoption grows, this trend toward regulation and centralization will only accelerate.

According to Gonzalez, the primary purpose of crypto ETFs is to bring institutional investors into the crypto space. Moreover, she notes that ETFs serve as an entry point for retail traders. Many traditional investors are hesitant to put their money into an industry that still operates in a legal gray area, thus making regulated ETFs a more appealing option.

What’s an investor to do?

Traditional investors typically take a conservative approach, prioritizing diversification in order to manage risk. Kendrick highlights the potential for a crypto index ETF, similar to those in the stock market, which often outperform individual stocks over time. He believes it’s only a matter of time before an index ETF is introduced for cryptocurrencies.

Gonzalez reinforces this idea, noting that investing in individual stocks — or cryptos — requires extensive research in order to understand their fundamentals. For many investors, this process can be overwhelming. An index ETF simplifies the decision-making process, offering a diversified and lower-risk approach to crypto exposure.

Gonzalez also brings up the classic trading mantra, “Buy the rumor, sell the news.” She and Kendrick both agree that XRP is a strong candidate for one of the first altcoin spot ETFs. From Gonzalez’s perspective, buying early could maximize potential gains. But even without a potential ETF approval, she sees XRP as a solid long-term investment, and emphasizes the importance of using stop-loss strategies to manage risk.

Could ETFs ignite the next bull run? How to position yourself

Recently, both Bitcoin and altcoins have faced turbulence, with altcoin spot ETFs now taking center stage. Gonzalez and Kendrick take a step back to examine the broader macroeconomic landscape. Gonzalez notes that altcoins are moving in sync with the overall market — which isn’t in great shape. While crypto remains a strong and innovative sector, it’s still a niche market, and with the general economy in decline, conditions aren’t ideal for altcoin ETFs in the short term, though they do hold long-term potential.

Many investors have been anticipating a bull run, but Gonzalez cautions against comparing the current market to events of four years ago. The crypto landscape is still evolving, and it’s crucial to adapt. Trying to predict market movements with past cycles in mind isn’t always reliable. Instead, she believes success in a bear market comes down to having the right strategy. For her, that means executing quick buy-and-sell trades to capture small, consistent profits.

Kendrick, however, takes a different approach. He favors a buy-and-hold strategy, supplemented by options to hedge against downside risk. He also steers clear of highly volatile tokens unless he’s trading on a short-term basis.

Closing thoughts

This Learn 101 livestream took a deep dive into Altcoin spot ETFs to consider whether they might be the spark for the next bull run. While they have the potential to shake up the market, the reality is that conditions are still volatile. Investors need to stay sharp, keep learning and adapt to the ever-changing crypto landscape. Whether you're in it for the long haul or playing the short game, understanding the market’s movements is key to making smarter trades.

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