Bitcoin, solana ETFs planned as Wall Street leans into crypto, Morgan Stanley joins race

Morgan Stanley has filed applications for Bitcoin and Solana ETFs, reinforcing its commitment to digital assets. This move indicates a significant integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream finance. According to filings submitted to the U.S. SEC, Morgan Stanley aims to offer ETFs that provide direct exposure to these tokens. This follows the rapid growth of Bitcoin ETFs since their launch in 2024, with 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs now managing over $120 billion in assets. Bitcoin has thus solidified its status as the leading entry point for institutional investors in the crypto market. However, momentum for Solana and Ethereum ETFs has been weaker, reflecting a preference among investors for Bitcoin as a store of value while viewing other tokens as riskier and more sensitive to market sentiment shifts. Currently, Bitcoin is trading around $92,000, recovering from recent lows but still about 27% below its early October peak of $126,000, while Solana is hovering at $137, significantly lower than its record high of about $294. These trends illustrate the ongoing volatility in the cryptocurrency market. Morgan Stanley's applications signal a growing confidence among financial institutions that regulatory pathways for crypto ETFs are becoming clearer, despite the persistent price volatility and uneven investor appetite.