Asia Session Recap: SOL Gains 4% Following Robust Launch of SSK Staking ETF, Say Analysts

Strong Start for Solana Staking ETF Marks Institutional Shift Toward Crypto

The REX-Osprey Solana + Staking ETF (SSK) made a strong market debut, notching $33 million in trading volume on its first day, according to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas. In a post on X, Balchunas said SSK outperformed typical ETF launches, with first-day activity eclipsing that of earlier Solana and XRP futures ETFs.

SSK offers traditional investors a way to access Solana (SOL) and its staking rewards without needing to handle the technical elements of staking. Packaged within a regulated ETF structure, this product simplifies participation in crypto’s yield-generating opportunities.

The launch was made possible by a May ruling by the U.S. SEC, which clarified that staking services, in this format, don’t breach securities regulations—clearing the path for innovations like SSK.

Following the ETF’s rollout, Solana rose 4%, crossing the $150 mark based on CoinDesk data.

Currently, there are no Ethereum staking ETFs in the U.S., though Canadian firm 3iQ offers one listed in Toronto. Meanwhile, Hong Kong regulators introduced staking guidelines in April, allowing local ETH staking ETFs to emerge.

Bitcoin ETF from BlackRock Outpaces Iconic S&P 500 Fund in Revenue

In a surprising shift, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) has surpassed the firm’s benchmark iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) in annual revenue, as reported by Presto Research.

Even though IBIT holds just $75 billion in assets—compared to IVV’s $624 billion—its 0.25% management fee generates around $187.2 million a year. Meanwhile, IVV’s 0.03% fee yields slightly less, despite its size.

Presto noted, “IBIT’s fees are 8.3 times higher than IVV’s,” pointing to a growing willingness among institutional investors to pay more for regulated access to crypto. This appetite underscores the rising comfort traditional finance is finding in crypto ETFs—especially those backed by major names like BlackRock.

While traditional ETFs like IVV have become low-cost commodities, crypto-focused funds still command premium pricing, and IBIT’s rapid inflows highlight the momentum behind institutional crypto adoption.

Market Highlights – July 3, 2025

• Bitcoin (BTC):
  BTC rose 3.6%, moving above $109,000, supported by strong buying and firm support between $109,064–$109,359. Optimism from the new U.S.-Vietnam trade deal helped offset concerns tied to Middle East unrest.
• Ethereum (ETH):
  ETH jumped 8.6% to $2,608, bolstered by institutional flows and rising volume. Support formed near $2,565, with short-term resistance at $2,617.
• Gold:
  HSBC increased its gold projections, expecting prices to hit $3,215 in 2025 and $3,125 in 2026, citing global instability and persistent investor demand.
• Nikkei 225:
  Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.15%, reflecting regional caution as investors waited on further updates regarding the U.S.-Vietnam trade pact.
• S&P 500:
  The S&P 500 advanced 0.47%, closing at 6,227.42, lifted by trade optimism. However, a surprise drop in June’s private-sector jobs data sparked renewed economic concerns.