Crypto Basics

What Is a Bitcoin ETF? A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds in 2025

Learn what a Bitcoin ETF is, how it works, and why it matters for investors in 2025. Discover the benefits, risks, and how Token Metrics helps you analyze Bitcoin ETFs with AI.
Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

The cryptocurrency world continues to evolve rapidly, and one of the most significant milestones in recent years has been the approval and rise of Bitcoin ETFs. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is a Bitcoin ETF and why is it important?” — this guide breaks it down in simple terms.

In this highly informative blog, we’ll explore:

  • What a Bitcoin ETF is
  • Types of Bitcoin ETFs
  • Benefits and risks
  • Why Bitcoin ETFs matter for crypto adoption
  • How to analyze Bitcoin ETFs using Token Metrics tools

📈 What Is a Bitcoin ETF?

A Bitcoin ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a financial product that allows investors to gain exposure to the price movements of Bitcoin without having to own or manage actual Bitcoin.

Just like buying a stock, investors can purchase shares of a Bitcoin ETF through traditional brokerage accounts. These shares represent ownership in a fund that tracks the price of Bitcoin.

In essence, a Bitcoin ETF bridges the gap between traditional finance and crypto investing.

🔄 How Does a Bitcoin ETF Work?

Bitcoin ETFs are created and managed by large financial institutions or asset managers. These funds:

  1. Buy Bitcoin directly (in spot ETFs), or
  2. Invest in Bitcoin futures contracts (in futures ETFs)
  3. Issue ETF shares that track the price performance of Bitcoin

These shares are then listed on stock exchanges like the NYSE, Nasdaq, or CBOE, where they can be bought or sold just like regular stocks.

🔍 Types of Bitcoin ETFs

There are two main types of Bitcoin ETFs:

1. Spot Bitcoin ETFs

  • Hold actual Bitcoin in custody
  • Track the real-time market price of Bitcoin
  • Provide direct exposure to Bitcoin’s price
  • Approved in the U.S. starting in early 2024 (e.g., BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust)

2. Futures-Based Bitcoin ETFs

  • Track Bitcoin futures contracts (derivatives)
  • Do not hold actual Bitcoin
  • Subject to contango and tracking errors
  • Were the first type approved (e.g., ProShares BITO)

In 2025, spot ETFs are considered superior due to their more accurate and direct exposure.

✅ Benefits of Bitcoin ETFs

Bitcoin ETFs offer several key advantages:

1. Accessibility

Investors can buy Bitcoin exposure through traditional brokerage platforms like Fidelity, Schwab, or Robinhood—no need for crypto wallets or private keys.

2. Regulation and Security

ETFs are regulated by institutions like the SEC and are managed by trusted financial firms, offering greater transparency and investor protection.

3. Tax Efficiency

Buying and selling ETFs may provide more favorable tax treatment compared to transacting in physical Bitcoin directly.

4. Institutional Adoption

Bitcoin ETFs enable pension funds, hedge funds, and banks to legally and easily gain exposure to BTC. Inflows from these entities have driven billions into Bitcoin in 2024 and 2025.

⚠️ Risks of Bitcoin ETFs

Despite their benefits, Bitcoin ETFs come with a few risks:

1. Price Tracking Errors

Futures ETFs may deviate from Bitcoin’s spot price due to volatility and contract rollover costs.

2. Management Fees

ETF providers charge an annual fee (0.20%–1.00%), which can reduce long-term returns.

3. Lack of Custody Control

You don’t actually own Bitcoin when you hold an ETF—so you can’t transfer it or use it for DeFi or crypto payments.

4. Market Volatility

Bitcoin remains a highly volatile asset. ETF shares may still experience massive price swings.

🏛️ Why Bitcoin ETFs Matter in 2025

The approval and adoption of Bitcoin ETFs mark a turning point in mainstream crypto acceptance. Here’s why:

  • Over $60 billion has flowed into U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs since January 2024
  • Institutions like BlackRock, Fidelity, and ARK Invest now actively manage Bitcoin exposure
  • Bitcoin ETF holdings reduce circulating supply, contributing to BTC’s price surge past $118,000 in mid-2025
  • Countries outside the U.S., including Canada and Hong Kong, are expanding their Bitcoin ETF offerings

🤖 How Token Metrics Helps You Analyze Bitcoin ETFs

While traditional investors focus on ETF tickers, smart crypto investors turn to platforms like Token Metrics to get deeper insights.

🔹 AI-Powered Bitcoin Forecasts

Token Metrics uses machine learning to predict short- and long-term Bitcoin price trends. As of June 28, the AI turned bullish, signaling BTC's breakout past $110,000.

🔹 Exchange Reserve Monitoring

The platform tracks Bitcoin’s exchange reserves, showing a drop from 3.25M to 2.55M BTC—a bullish signal due to reduced sell-side pressure.

🔹 ETF Flow Analysis

Token Metrics integrates on-chain data and fund inflows to measure:

  • How much BTC ETFs are buying
  • Impact on liquidity and price
  • Sentiment shifts among institutional investors

🔹 Alerts and Grades

You can set up custom price alerts for Bitcoin and receive Trader and Investor Grades based on 80+ real-time metrics.

These tools allow you to react faster than ETF investors relying on traditional media or quarterly reports.

📈 Bitcoin ETF Performance So Far

As of July 2025:

  • BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) holds over $18B in BTC
  • Fidelity’s ETF surpassed $12B in AUM
  • ETF buying pressure is one of the main drivers behind Bitcoin’s 2025 bull run

💡 Pro Tips Before Investing in a Bitcoin ETF

  1. Compare fees across ETFs (lower = better for long-term holdings)
  2. Choose spot ETFs over futures ETFs for more accurate performance
  3. Use Token Metrics to track BTC signals and time your entry
  4. Understand your goals—ETFs are great for passive exposure but not for on-chain crypto utility

🧠 Final Thoughts

A Bitcoin ETF is one of the easiest ways to gain exposure to Bitcoin in 2025. Whether you’re a traditional investor looking to diversify or a crypto-native looking for a regulated option, ETFs offer accessibility, safety, and legitimacy.

But don’t stop at just buying shares—pair your ETF exposure with real-time intelligence from Token Metrics.

With institutional momentum accelerating, regulatory clarity improving, and AI tools like Token Metrics giving you an edge, there’s never been a better time to understand and invest in Bitcoin ETFs.

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Token Metrics Team
Token Metrics Team

Recent Posts

Crypto Basics

What Is Bitcoin Halving? Why It’s Crucial for Crypto Investors in July 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, few events carry as much long-term impact as the Bitcoin halving. For seasoned investors and newcomers alike, understanding Bitcoin halving is essential—not just to grasp how Bitcoin works, but to predict major market cycles and capitalize on new investment opportunities.

In this comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide, we’ll break down what Bitcoin halving is, how it works, why it matters to crypto investors, and how you can use Token Metrics’ AI-powered tools to navigate the markets before and after a halving event.

What Is Bitcoin Halving?

Bitcoin halving (or “halvening”) is a programmed event that occurs roughly every four years, where the block reward given to Bitcoin miners is cut in half.

Why It Happens:

Bitcoin was designed to have a maximum supply of 21 million coins. To control the rate at which new BTC enters circulation, Bitcoin's protocol reduces the mining reward by 50% every 210,000 blocks (approximately every four years).

A Quick History of Bitcoin Halvings

The next halving is expected around 2028, reducing the reward to 1.5625 BTC per block.

Why Is Bitcoin Halving Important?

✅ 1. Reduces Inflation Rate

Bitcoin halving slows the issuance of new BTC. After every halving, the inflation rate of Bitcoin drops, increasing scarcity. This contrasts with fiat currencies, which are often inflated through central bank printing.

✅ 2. Triggers Supply Shock

With fewer BTC entering circulation daily, supply is reduced. If demand remains the same or increases, price tends to go up—basic supply and demand economics.

✅ 3. Creates Market Cycles

Historically, halvings have preceded bull markets:

  • 2012 halving → 2013 bull run

  • 2016 halving → 2017 bull run

  • 2020 halving → 2021 bull run

  • 2024 halving → expected 2025 bull market

Smart investors use halving cycles to time their entries and exits.

Bitcoin Halving Impact: Historical Price Movements

These stats show why every halving becomes a critical entry point for crypto investors.

How Token Metrics Helps Investors Navigate Bitcoin Halving Cycles

While Bitcoin halving is a macroeconomic event, profiting from it requires micro-level strategy and data. That’s where Token Metrics comes in—a powerful AI-driven crypto research and trading platform that helps investors take full advantage of post-halving market conditions.

🔍 Token Metrics Features That Help Post-Halving

1. AI-Powered Ratings

Token Metrics uses machine learning to analyze 6,000+ crypto assets daily, providing:

  • Trader Grade – short-term momentum indicators
  • Investor Grade – long-term fundamental quality
  • Historical ROI Data – benchmark token performance over time

This is critical for identifying high-quality altcoins that typically surge after Bitcoin halvings.

2. Moonshots Engine – Discover Low-Cap Gems Early

After each halving, altcoins tend to follow Bitcoin’s lead. Token Metrics scans the entire market to detect undervalued low-cap tokens with 10x–100x potential.

Each Moonshot includes:

  • Entry date and live ROI
  • Market cap and 24H volume
  • Trader Grade and historical signals

You can track live performance or buy instantly using the integrated on-chain swap widget.

3. Bullish/Bearish Signals

Token Metrics issues AI-generated buy/sell signals on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins—crucial during volatile post-halving periods.

Use these signals to:

  • Confirm trend reversals
  • Set automated alerts
  • Capture optimal entry and exit points

4. Indices for Smart Diversification

Want exposure to multiple post-halving winners?

Token Metrics offers AI-managed indices by:

  • Sector (AI, DeFi, RWA, Gaming)
  • Theme (Moonshot, Low Cap, Top 100)
  • Chain (Ethereum, Solana, Base)

These prebuilt portfolios allow you to ride sector rotations after Bitcoin surges.

5. Token Details Page

Every token has a detailed page including:

  • Fundamental data
  • Exchange listings
  • Top wallet holders
  • Live charting
  • Real-time grade movement

Use this to evaluate new investments and manage risk during the halving cycle.

When Should You Invest Around Bitcoin Halving?

✅ Before the Halving

Best for accumulating Bitcoin or high-conviction altcoins while prices are consolidating.

✅ After the Halving

Smart traders rotate into altcoins once Bitcoin begins trending upward.

🧠 Use Token Metrics Moonshots and Signals to identify which tokens are gaining momentum post-halving.

Pro Tips for Bitcoin Halving Trading in 2025

  1. Don’t FOMO – Halvings are long-term cycles. Focus on quality entries and conviction.
  2. Diversify – Allocate across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and select altcoins using TM Indices.
  3. Set Alerts – Token Metrics lets you set custom alerts for price, volume, or grade changes.
  4. Use ROI Benchmarks – Compare your tokens against past halving performance using Token Metrics' historical tools.
  5. Build with AI Agents – Devs can use TM’s API & MCP Server to build bots that trade halving cycles automatically.

Final Thoughts: Why Bitcoin Halving Matters More Than Ever

The 2024 Bitcoin halving has already happened, and 2025 is positioned as a critical year for crypto investors. If history repeats, we’re in the early stages of the next major bull market.

But riding the halving wave requires more than blind luck. You need:

  • Data-backed research
  • Timing signals
  • Portfolio strategies
  • Altcoin discovery engines

With Token Metrics, you’re not guessing—you’re trading with AI precision, real-time alerts, and proven ROI frameworks.

Get Started Today

  • ✅ Create your Token Metrics account: tokenmetrics.com
  • 🚀 Explore Moonshots, Ratings, and Buy/Sell Signals
  • 🧠 Use AI tools to trade smarter this halving cycle

🔔 Set alerts and never miss the next 10x opportunity

Crypto Basics

Best Crypto Exchanges and Apps in July 2025 – Why Token Metrics Leads in AI Crypto Trading

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

The crypto market in July 2025 is booming, and investors—from beginners to pros—need the right tools to stay ahead. Whether you're trading Bitcoin, discovering new altcoins, or building an automated strategy, the best crypto exchanges and apps are essential for seamless investing.

In this comprehensive and SEO-optimized guide, we’ll review the top crypto exchanges and mobile apps for July 2025, and explore why Token Metrics stands out as the #1 AI-powered crypto research and trading platform.

What to Look for in a Crypto Exchange or App

Before diving into the top picks, let’s cover what defines a great crypto exchange or trading app in 2025:

Security: 2FA, cold storage, and audit transparency
User Interface: Easy navigation for beginners and advanced tools for pros
Low Fees: Competitive trading, deposit, and withdrawal fees
Variety of Coins: Access to trending and low-cap altcoins
Mobile Functionality: Apps that support full trading, portfolio tracking, and alerts
Research Tools: In-depth market analytics, signals, and alerts

Top 5 Crypto Exchanges and Apps in July 2025

1. Binance – Best for Advanced Trading and Global Liquidity

Binance remains the largest and most liquid centralized exchange globally in 2025. It supports 600+ cryptocurrencies, low trading fees (0.1%), and high-speed performance.

Key Features:

  • Spot, margin, and futures trading
  • Launchpad and staking products
  • Advanced trading dashboard
  • Wide mobile app compatibility

Best For: Active traders, global users, and DeFi explorers

2. Coinbase – Best for U.S. Compliance and Beginners

Coinbase continues to dominate the U.S. market due to its strong regulatory reputation and user-friendly interface.

Key Features:

  • Easy fiat on-ramp (USD, GBP, EUR)
  • High-level security and insurance
  • Coinbase Learn to earn crypto while learning
  • Now supports Web3 dApps and NFTs

Best For: Beginners, U.S.-based users, and compliant long-term investors

3. Kraken – Best for Security and Institutional Access

Kraken’s strong emphasis on compliance, security, and staking makes it a favorite among institutions and security-conscious users.

Key Features:

  • Institutional-grade custody
  • Margin and futures markets
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Transparent proof-of-reserves

Best For: Long-term investors, institutions, and security-focused users

4. Bitget – Best for Copy Trading and Derivatives

Bitget has quickly become one of the most popular apps for copy trading and derivatives in 2025. With advanced tools for automation and mobile execution, Bitget attracts both retail and pro traders.

Key Features:

  • Copy trading with top traders
  • Low fees on perpetual contracts
  • AI-powered trading signals
  • Sleek mobile UI

Best For: Derivatives traders, social traders, and mobile-first investors

5. OKX – Best for Web3 and Earn Features

OKX is increasingly becoming a one-stop hub for trading, DeFi, and NFTs. Its Web3 wallet and DEX integration make it ideal for users exploring beyond centralized trading.

Key Features:

  • Deep liquidity and low fees
  • Integrated Web3 wallet
  • Earn, staking, and lending products
  • NFT marketplace access

Best For: Hybrid CEX/DEX traders and passive earners

Why Token Metrics Is the Best AI Crypto Research and Trading Platform

While exchanges allow you to execute trades, Token Metrics empowers you with the intelligence to make the trades.

🔍 What Is Token Metrics?

Token Metrics is an AI-powered crypto research platform that combines:

  • In-depth token ratings (Investor & Trader Grades)
  • Real-time buy/sell signals
  • Daily Moonshot altcoin picks
  • Custom alerts and integrated swap
  • Market indices and portfolio tools

It’s not an exchange—it's your personal crypto analyst, portfolio strategist, and AI trading assistant all in one.

📈 Top Features of Token Metrics in 2025

1. Moonshots – Discover Early-Stage 100x Altcoins

Token Metrics AI scans 6,000+ tokens daily to find low-cap tokens with massive upside potential. Each Moonshot comes with:

  • Entry date and price
  • Live ROI tracking
  • Real-time grades and volume data
  • Buy button via on-chain swap

2. AI Token Grades

  • Trader Grade (short-term momentum)
  • Investor Grade (long-term fundamentals)
  • Backtested across bull and bear markets for accuracy

3. Buy/Sell Signals

  • AI-generated Bullish and Bearish indicators
  • Available via email, Telegram, Slack, and more
  • Perfect for scalping or swing trading

4. Portfolio Management Tools

  • Prebuilt indices by sector, chain, or risk
  • Live PnL tracking
  • Alerts based on grade changes or price movements

5. Unified Crypto API (MCP Server)

  • For developers building bots and agents
  • Integrates with OpenAI, Claude, Cursor, and Raycast
  • One key, all clients, consistent data

🛠️ Token Metrics vs. Crypto Exchanges: A Powerful Combo

Combine Token Metrics for research and crypto trading = the smartest crypto trading stack in 2025.

How to Use Token Metrics with Your Exchange

  1. Research Tokens on Token Metrics

    • Visit tokenmetrics.com
    • Check the Ratings or Moonshots tab
    • Evaluate Trader Grade, price momentum, and live signals

  2. Click “Buy” on Token Metrics

    • Use the integrated on-chain swap widget to buy directly
    • Or copy the token address and execute the trade on your preferred exchange or DEX

  3. Set Alerts and Monitor

    • Use custom alerts to get notified on Telegram, email, or Slack
    • Monitor Moonshots' ROI in real time

Final Thoughts: Choose Intelligence, Not Just Access

Crypto exchanges are your access points to the market. But intelligence is what drives profitability.

In July 2025, the smartest investors are:

  • Using Binance, Coinbase, or Bitget for execution
  • Using Token Metrics for research, strategy, and automation

Whether you're trading daily or building a long-term portfolio, Token Metrics is the AI brain behind your crypto success.

Ready to Start?

  • ✅ Create a free account at tokenmetrics.com
  • ✅ Access token ratings, Moonshots, and live signals
  • ✅ Combine with your favorite exchange for execution
  • ✅ Build a smarter, faster, more profitable crypto strategy today
Crypto Basics

How to Find Early Stage Altcoins for 100x Returns in Jully 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

In the fast-moving world of crypto, finding the right early-stage altcoin could be the difference between average returns and life-changing wealth. While most traders chase trends, the smart money hunts for undervalued gems before they explode. These are called moonshots—and in this guide, you'll learn exactly how to find them using Token Metrics, the #1 AI-powered crypto research and trading platform.

What Is a Moonshot in Crypto?

A moonshot is an early-stage cryptocurrency or altcoin with high upside potential—often capable of delivering 10x, 50x, or even 100x returns if discovered before the mainstream catches on.

Moonshots typically:

  • Have low market caps (often under $50M)
  • Are in emerging sectors (AI, DePIN, Layer 2s)
  • Are backed by strong fundamentals, narrative, or tokenomics
  • Haven’t yet been listed on major centralized exchanges

The term comes from the idea of a token’s price “shooting to the moon.” But finding these tokens is not easy—unless you're using a powerful discovery engine like Token Metrics.

Why Most Traders Miss Moonshots

Most traders rely on:

  • Social media hype
  • Influencer calls
  • Discord rumors
  • Price chasing

But by the time a token hits your Twitter feed or a YouTube video, it’s often too late. The early gains are already gone.

Token Metrics solves this problem using AI-driven data analysis. Instead of following the crowd, it helps you get in before the hype.

How to Find Moonshots on Token Metrics

Token Metrics has built an entire feature called Moonshots that curates high-potential altcoins for you, powered by machine learning and 80+ data points across fundamentals, technicals, and sentiment.

Here’s how you can start spotting moonshots in minutes:

How to Use Token Metrics to Find Moonshots

Step 1: Go to the Ratings Page

  • From the Token Metrics dashboard, click the Ratings tab.
  • This is the core engine where all tokens are ranked based on Trader Grade, Investor Grade, and recent performance trends.

Step 2: Click on the “Moonshots” Tab

  • Inside the Ratings page, select the Moonshots tab at the top.
  • This filters and displays tokens that the Token Metrics AI system has flagged as potential moonshots—before they pump.

Step 3: Review Key Metrics

Each Moonshot token includes vital data to help you evaluate:

  • Trader Grade (AI prediction score for short-term upside)
  • 24H volume and market cap (for liquidity context)
  • Date of entry (when the token entered Moonshots)
  • Live ROI (real-time performance since Moonshot call)

You can also switch to Past Moonshots to view how previous picks performed over 7 or 14 days. Many have seen 100%–900% gains within days of being listed.

Step 4: Choose a Token to Explore

  • Click on any token to open its Token Details Page.
  • Dive into real-time charts, trend metrics, fundamental scores, and top wallet holders.
  • You’ll also see its Investor Grade, team insights, and code audits—helping you build conviction before investing.

Step 5: Buy in Seconds

  • Ready to act? Just click the “Buy” button on the Moonshots page.
  • This opens an embedded swap widget, letting you purchase the token directly via on-chain swap—without leaving the platform.

Why Token Metrics Moonshots Beat Traditional Research

Traditional research is slow, noisy, and often biased. Token Metrics eliminates human emotion and surfaces tokens based on:

  • AI Trend Detection: Finds breakouts before they happen.
  • Multi-Metric Analysis: Combines on-chain, technical, fundamental, and sentiment data.
  • Proven ROI: Dozens of past Moonshots have delivered 10x to 50x gains—all transparently tracked.
  • Speed & Convenience: Real-time alerts and in-app swap make execution seamless.

Pro Tips for Moonshot Hunting

  1. Focus on Low-Cap Projects: The lower the market cap, the higher the upside (and risk).
  2. Look for Fresh Entries: New entries to the Moonshots list often offer the best risk-reward.
  3. Use Custom Alerts: Set alerts by price change, grade increase, or signal triggers.
  4. Check the Narrative: DePIN, RWA, AI, Layer 2s, and Gaming are trending in mid-2025.
  5. Join the Community: Token Metrics Discord and Telegram groups often share early insights and case studies.

Getting Started with Token Metrics Moonshots

Token Metrics offers a 7-day free trial, giving you full access to the Moonshots engine, Ratings, and Signals. Here’s how to start:

  • Sign up at tokenmetrics.com
  • Navigate to Ratings → Moonshots
  • Explore current Moonshot candidates
  • Click Buy when you're ready to invest

No more chasing pumps. No more gambling on unknown tokens. Token Metrics gives you data-backed conviction for every trade.

Final Thoughts

Finding early-stage altcoins with 100x potential used to require luck, insider info, or hours of deep research. In 2025, Token Metrics Moonshots makes it possible for everyday investors to compete with the pros using AI.

If you're serious about catching the next big breakout before the crowd, Token Metrics is the tool you need. Stop guessing. Start moonshot hunting.

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