Vanguard's Decision to Exclude Spot Bitcoin ETFs
Several investment firms, including Vanguard, have decided to block customers from trading spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Vanguard explained that these products do not align with their focus on asset classes such as equities, bonds, and cash. As a result, some dissatisfied customers have closed their Vanguard accounts and moved their funds to other platforms that offer spot bitcoin ETFs.
Excitement Surrounding U.S. Spot Bitcoin ETFs
Financial markets experienced a wave of excitement on Thursday as U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) finally became available for trading after years of anticipation. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved 11 of these ETFs on Wednesday.
Vanguard's Stance on Spot Bitcoin ETFs
However, upon the opening of the market, some individuals took to social media to share that their financial institutions, including Vanguard, were not offering spot bitcoin ETFs. A Vanguard spokeswoman confirmed that the company has no plans to launch its own bitcoin ETF or list funds from other issuers. Vanguard's perspective is that these products do not align with their offer focused on asset classes such as equities, bonds, and cash, which they consider to be the building blocks of a well-balanced, long-term investment portfolio.
Customers' Response to Vanguard's Decision
Many bitcoin enthusiasts were frustrated by Vanguard's stance on spot bitcoin ETFs. As a result, they closed their Vanguard accounts and transferred their funds to platforms like Fidelity, which provide access to these newly approved products. Some users also reported that Vanguard now only allows them to sell their Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) holdings, even though they were previously able to buy them.
Other Investment Banks' Approach
Several other investment banks, including UBS, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America's Merrill Lynch, Citi, and Edward Jones, also chose not to offer spot bitcoin ETFs to their customers on the first day. While some of these banks plan to offer access in the future, potentially with certain conditions, others have not indicated their stance.
What are your thoughts on Vanguard's decision to exclude spot bitcoin ETFs from their trading options? Let us know in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is buying gold a good way to save money for retirement?
Buying gold as an investment may not seem very appealing at first glance, but when you consider how much people spend on average on gold per year worldwide, it becomes worth considering.
Physical bullion is the most popular method of investing in gold. There are other ways to invest gold. You should research all options thoroughly before making a decision on which option you prefer.
If you don’t need a safe place for your wealth, then buying shares of mining companies or companies that extract it might be a better alternative. If you need cash flow to finance your investment, then gold stocks could be a good option.
ETFs allow you to invest in exchange-traded funds. These funds give you exposure, but not actual gold, by investing in gold-related securities. These ETFs can include stocks of precious metals refiners and gold miners.
Do You Need to Open a Precious Metal IRA
Before opening an IRA, it is important to understand that precious metals aren't covered by insurance. It is impossible to get back money if you lose your investment. All your investments can be lost due to theft, fire or flood.
It is best to invest in physical gold coins and silver coins to avoid this type loss. These coins have been around for thousands and represent a real asset that can never be lost. You would probably get more if you sold them today than you paid when they were first created.
If you decide to open an IRA account, choose a reputable company that offers competitive rates and products. It is also a smart idea to use a third-party trustee who will help you have access to your assets at all times.
When you open an account, keep in mind that you won't receive any returns until your retirement. Keep your eyes open for the future.
Should You Invest in Gold for Retirement?
This will depend on how much money and whether you were able to invest in gold at the time that you started saving. You can invest in both options if you aren't sure which option is best for you.
You can earn potential returns on your investment of gold. Retirees will find it an attractive investment.
Although most investments promise a fixed rate of return, gold is more volatile than others. Because of this, gold's value can fluctuate over time.
However, it doesn't necessarily mean that you shouldn't invest your money in gold. You should just factor the fluctuations into any overall portfolio.
Another advantage of gold is its tangible nature. Gold is more convenient than bonds or stocks because it can be stored easily. It can be easily transported.
You can always access gold as long your place it safe. You don't have to pay storage fees for physical gold.
Investing in gold can help protect against inflation. Because gold prices tend to rise along with other commodities, it's a good way to hedge against rising costs.
Additionally, it will be a benefit to have some of your savings invested into something that won't lose value. Gold usually rises when the stock market falls.
You can also sell gold anytime you like by investing in it. Just like stocks, you can liquidate your position whenever you need cash. You don't even need to wait for your retirement.
If you do decide to invest in gold, make sure to diversify your holdings. Don't put all your eggs on one basket.
Also, don't buy too much at once. Begin by buying a few grams. Next, add more as required.
It's not about getting rich fast. Instead, the goal is to accumulate enough wealth that you don't have to rely on Social Security.
Gold may not be the most attractive investment, but it could be a great complement to any retirement strategy.
Statistics
- Contribution limits$6,000 (49 and under) $7,000 (50 and up)$6,000 (49 and under) $7,000 (50 and up)$58,000 or 25% of your annual compensation (whichever is smaller) (lendedu.com)
- You can only purchase gold bars at least 99.5% purity. (forbes.com)
- Gold is considered a collectible, and profits from a sale are taxed at a maximum rate of 28 percent. (aarp.org)
- This is a 15% margin that has shown no stable direction of growth but fluctuates seemingly at random. (smartasset.com)
- (Basically, if your GDP grows by 2%, you need miners to dig 2% more gold out of the ground every year to keep prices steady.) (smartasset.com)
External Links
law.cornell.edu
- 7 U.S. Code SS7 – Designation of boards for trade as contract markets
- 26 U.S. Code SS 408 – Individual retirement accounts
finance.yahoo.com
irs.gov
- Retirement Topics – IRA Contribution Limits
bbb.org
How To
The growing trend of gold IRAs
Investors are increasingly turning to gold IRAs as a way to diversify and protect their portfolios from inflation.
Owners can invest in gold bars and bullion with the gold IRA. It can be used for tax-free growth and provides an alternative investment option for those concerned about stocks and bonds.
A gold IRA allows investors the freedom to manage their wealth without worrying about volatility in the markets. They can use the gold IRA to protect themselves against inflation and other potential problems.
Investors also get the unique benefits of owning physical Gold, including its durability, portability, flexibility, and divisibility.
The gold IRA also offers many other benefits, such as the ability to quickly transfer the ownership of the gold to heirs, and the fact the IRS doesn't consider gold a currency.
This is why the gold IRA has become increasingly popular with investors looking to provide financial security during times of financial uncertainty.
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By: Kevin Helms
Title: Vanguard Blocks Customers from Trading Spot Bitcoin ETFs
Sourced From: news.bitcoin.com/vanguard-blocks-customers-from-trading-sec-approved-spot-bitcoin-etfs/
Published Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2024 04:00:37 +0000