Major crypto hedge funds anticipate a prosperous year ahead due to potential Bitcoin ETF approvals. In 2023, digital asset funds achieved an average gain of 44%, a stark contrast to the 52% loss experienced in 2022. Notable players such as Pantera Capital, Chainview Capital, and Stoka Global LLP saw gains of 80%, 100%, and 268% respectively. However, these funds still lagged behind Bitcoin, which recorded a year-to-date increase of over 150%. The market is currently optimistic about the approval of Bitcoin ETFs by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, with approximately 13 applications already confirmed.
Crypto Hedge Fund CEO Anticipates ‘Token Mania’
Despite their impressive performance, crypto hedge funds struggled to keep pace with Bitcoin’s meteoric rise. Chainview Capital CEO Dan Slavin predicts another surge in token mania. Some firms faced challenges this year due to limited access to banking services, while others suffered losses following the collapse of FTX in November. Galois Capital closed its fund after assets became trapped on FTX, and Alt Tab Capital plans to sell its holdings on the secondary market due to 2% of its assets being stuck on the platform. However, Alt Tab Capital’s CEO Greg Moritz remains optimistic about a bullish run for the company.
MicroStrategy Chair Foresees Twin Bullish Events
Michael Saylor, the executive chairman of MicroStrategy and a prominent figure in Bitcoin strategy, expects two favorable events next year: increased demand from ETF investments and a supply shock caused by the Bitcoin halving in April. These factors bode well for Bitcoin’s performance in 2024. MicroStrategy recently disclosed that it purchased 14,620 BTC for $615.7 million between November and December 2023, bringing its total holdings to 189,150 BTC. The company’s stock, often seen as a Bitcoin proxy, has surged by 327% since the beginning of the year.
Hot Take: Crypto Hedge Funds and Bitcoin’s Future
The performance of crypto hedge funds in 2023 highlights the potential for significant gains in the coming year. While these funds have shown impressive growth, they still trail behind Bitcoin’s remarkable rise. However, the anticipated approval of Bitcoin ETFs by the SEC could pave the way for further market optimism and potentially drive up demand for digital assets. Additionally, with the upcoming Bitcoin halving and MicroStrategy’s bullish outlook, Bitcoin is poised for a strong performance in 2024. As the crypto market continues to evolve, hedge funds and institutional investors will play a crucial role in shaping its future.