Jihan Wu stands by Matrixport’s contentious Bitcoin ETF evaluation amid market shakeup

Matrixport co-founder Jihan Wu took to social media to deal with business considerations relating to the corporate’s current report predicting the rejection of spot Bitcoin ETF functions by the SEC.

In his assertion, Wu emphasised the independence of Matrixport’s analysts, stating that they function with none affect or interference from administration. He added that the analysts are valued for his or her analytical abilities, that are thought-about superior to these of the administration workforce.

He additional clarified that the report was not influenced in any approach by administration and is predicated on unbiased analysis by the creator.

Wu’s assertion comes after business backlash following the discharge of the report resulting from a scarcity of insider sources, with some claiming the report was a part of a market manipulation scheme.

Outstanding ETF analysts, specifically, declare the report is predicated on pure hypothesis because it conflicts with the data supplied by sources inside the SEC and the ETF hopefuls.

Wu additionally talked about his restricted involvement with the report, noting that he, like many others, had solely briefly checked out its title. His assertion aimed to make clear the corporate’s stance and reaffirm its dedication to offering unbiased, well-researched market evaluation.

Backlash

The report — titled “Matrixport Evaluation: SEC to Reject ETF Functions in January with Closing Approval Pushed to Q2 2024” — led to a major 7% worth drop in Bitcoin, which fell from above $45,000 to under $42,100 in a matter of hours.

Matrixport’s report detailed a number of elements influencing Bitcoin’s worth. It projected a rejection of spot Bitcoin ETF functions within the quick time period, with a possible approval being delayed till the second quarter of 2024.

The rejection declare shortly raised questions concerning the report’s veracity, with many — together with Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas — asking the creator Markus Thielen to verify his supply.

Thielen responded to Balchunas, stating:

“My report just isn’t based mostly on issuer, nor on SEC insider feedback. Clearly that is massively out of consensus. I do assume the SEC will vote it down. And sure, after being the largest bull all yr (predicted 45k by Xmas on Feb 1), I turned bearish in the present day however the arguments have been prepared.”

Regardless of the forecasted regulatory setback, the report maintained a bullish outlook on Bitcoin’s worth for 2024, citing historic patterns, the upcoming Bitcoin halving, and macroeconomic situations.

Analysts say in any other case

Balchunas stated that the report goes in opposition to the data given to him and lots of different journalists and analysts like James Seyffart, who’ve sources inside the SEC. He added that the declare appears extra like hypothesis as there is no such thing as a concrete proof to help it.

Balchunas additional acknowledged that the regulator wouldn’t be going forwards and backwards in assembly with the candidates and exchanges over fixing their filings if the watchdog deliberate to reject the functions. He added that it will be way more environment friendly for the SEC to stay quiet and easily ask the candidates to resubmit their S-1 filings as an alternative of updating and fixing the 19b-4 types.

Fox journalist Eleanor Terret echoed his sentiments and reported that her sources had confirmed the SEC was assembly with all of the exchanges — together with Nasdaq, Cboe, and the New York Inventory Alternate — concerned in itemizing the upcoming ETFs.

The assembly’s major goal is to finalize the 19b-4s submitted by the spot BTC candidates, which is one other constructive signal.