Coinbase Falls After JPMorgan Downgrades Stock to Underweight on Disappointing Bitcoin ETF Catalyst

The bitcoin ETF catalyst that pushed the ecosystem out of its crypto winter last year will disappoint investors in 2024, the report said.

AccessTimeIconJan 23, 2024 at 1:43 p.m. UTC
Updated Mar 8, 2024 at 8:22 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

The main positive catalyst for crypto markets last year, the launch of spot bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs), has the potential to reverse and disappoint investors in 2024, JPMorgan said in a research report Monday, downgrading U.S. exchange Coinbase (COIN) to underweight.

The bank cut its rating on the stock to underweight from neutral, with an unchanged price target of $80. Coinbase shares fell 4.1% to $122.90 in premarket trading. After the stock’s 390% gain last year, 2024 could be more challenging, despite the exchange’s progress in a number of important initiatives, the bank said.

  • Why USDT Dominates Supply With Lower Transaction Volume
    01:11
    Why USDT Dominates Supply With Lower Transaction Volume
  • ARK Sells Last of Its ProShares Bitcoin Futures ETF Shares; Consensys Files Lawsuit Against the SEC
    02:03
    ARK Sells Last of Its ProShares Bitcoin Futures ETF Shares; Consensys Files Lawsuit Against the SEC
  • Bitcoin Was 'Much More International,' Kara Swisher Says
    01:15
    Bitcoin Was 'Much More International,' Kara Swisher Says
  • Morgan Stanley May Allow Brokers to Pitch Bitcoin ETFs; 'Buy Bitcoin' Sign Auctioned for Over $1M
    01:55
    Morgan Stanley May Allow Brokers to Pitch Bitcoin ETFs; 'Buy Bitcoin' Sign Auctioned for Over $1M
  • “While we continue to see Coinbase as the dominant U.S. exchange in the crypto ecosystem and a leader in cryptocurrency trading and investing globally, we think the catalyst in bitcoin ETFs that pushed the ecosystem out of its winter will disappoint market participants,” analysts led by Kenneth Worthington wrote.

    The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) approval of spot bitcoin ETFs last month was widely expected to presage a new era for cryptocurrencies, with mainstream money expected to flood into the space. The launch of these products allows investors who were prohibited from owning digital assets to now access the sector without having to own the underlying assets themselves.

    “Our concern is that with such enthusiasm for a bitcoin ETF and the new flows into the cryptocurrency ecosystem that would follow, any disappointment with ETF fund flows could deflate the enthusiasm that has driven the cryptocurrency rally, largely in 2H23 and in particular since October,” the report said.

    JPMorgan notes that the bitcoin price is already under pressure, having slipped below $40,000, and it sees the potential for “cryptocurrency ETF enthusiasm to further deflate, driving with it lower token prices, lower trading volume, and lower ancillary revenue opportunities” for firms such as Coinbase.

    Coinbase is expected to hold similar custodian, surveillance, and trading roles for any spot ether (ETH) ETF if approved, the report added.

    The world’s largest cryptocurrency has fallen in price since spot ETFs were approved, hitting a two month low on Tuesday. Now defunct crypto exchange FTX’s bankruptcy estate dumped $1 billion worth of the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) since its conversion to an ETF, which has added selling pressure to the underlying digital asset.

    UPDATE (Jan. 23, 15:16 UTC): Changes words in first and second paragraph to show how Coinbase has been downgraded to underweight.

    Edited by Oliver Knight.

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.

    Author placeholder image

    Will Canny is CoinDesk's finance reporter.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.



    Read more about