New Nicholas AfterDark ETF plans to hold Bitcoin only overnight and rotate into Treasuries during U.S. hours to exploit BTC’s non-U.S. session outperformance. Bitcoin has demonstrated a persistent pattern of stronger performance during non-U.S. trading hours over the past year,…New Nicholas AfterDark ETF plans to hold Bitcoin only overnight and rotate into Treasuries during U.S. hours to exploit BTC’s non-U.S. session outperformance. Bitcoin has demonstrated a persistent pattern of stronger performance during non-U.S. trading hours over the past year,…

Bitcoin ‘AfterDark’ ETF targets BTC’s overnight edge, skips U.S. hours

2025/12/10 16:19

New Nicholas AfterDark ETF plans to hold Bitcoin only overnight and rotate into Treasuries during U.S. hours to exploit BTC’s non-U.S. session outperformance.

Summary
  • Velo.xyz data shows Bitcoin has delivered stronger returns when U.S. markets are closed and weaker or negative performance during regular Wall Street hours.​
  • Nicholas Financial filed for the Nicholas Bitcoin and Treasuries AfterDark ETF, buying BTC at 4 p.m. ET and exiting by 9:30 a.m. while holding short-term Treasuries intraday.​
  • The ETF seeks to monetize overnight moves, dampen drawdowns, and reflects a maturing Bitcoin ETF market where issuers engineer products around microstructure and institutional flows.

Bitcoin has demonstrated a persistent pattern of stronger performance during non-U.S. trading hours over the past year, according to data from crypto analytics firm Velo.xyz, prompting one asset manager to file for an exchange-traded fund designed to capitalize on the trend.

Bitcoin enters choppy waters: analysts

The data shows Bitcoin (BTC) tends to post stronger gains when traditional U.S. markets are closed and weaker or negative returns during standard U.S. trading hours, according to hourly performance breakdowns analyzed by the firm.

Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Eric Balchunas stated the data mirrors patterns observed through much of 2024, suggesting that positioning in spot ETFs and derivatives markets may be influencing price action during regular market hours.

Nicholas Financial Corporation, a boutique wealth manager, has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to launch the Nicholas Bitcoin and Treasuries AfterDark ETF, which would hold Bitcoin only during hours when U.S. markets are closed.

Under the filing, the fund would purchase Bitcoin at 4 p.m. Eastern Time, when U.S. equities stop trading, and sell by 9:30 a.m. the next day, before Wall Street opens. During U.S. market hours, the fund would invest in short-term U.S. Treasury securities.

The strategy represents a departure from traditional spot Bitcoin ETFs, which maintain continuous exposure to the cryptocurrency regardless of time of day. Nicholas Financial also submitted paperwork for a second product, the Nicholas Bitcoin Tail ETF, designed to pursue a risk-managed approach tied to extreme market moves.

Market analysts cited several potential factors contributing to Bitcoin’s performance pattern during U.S. hours. Spot Bitcoin ETFs conduct the majority of their trading and rebalancing during U.S. equity market hours, creating a structural link between the cryptocurrency and broader risk sentiment, according to market observers.

Derivatives markets may also contribute to the pattern, as institutional investors often hedge spot exposure through futures during the U.S. session, which can limit upside moves or amplify downside swings when positioning becomes concentrated, analysts said.

The AfterDark ETF proposal aims to capture Bitcoin’s returns during global off-hours while reducing exposure during periods of U.S. macro headlines, Federal Reserve commentary, and equity market activity. The fund seeks to reduce drawdowns while capturing the asset’s historical gains during overnight hours by pairing Bitcoin exposure with Treasury holdings.

The filing reflects the maturation of the Bitcoin ETF ecosystem, with issuers seeking specialized approaches to differentiate products as dozens of spot and futures-based funds already trade in the market. The proposal also demonstrates growing interest in engineering market microstructure effects into mainstream investment vehicles.

The AfterDark ETF presents regulators with questions about the flexibility of ETF frameworks when issuers structure exposure along time-based dimensions, though the product does not appear to introduce novel custody or market integrity risks beyond existing Bitcoin ETF structures.

Bitcoin’s price behavior continues to be influenced by ETF flows, institutional trading patterns, and global liquidity cycles as the cryptocurrency integrates further into traditional financial systems.

Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact service@support.mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94%

Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94%

BitcoinWorld Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94% The financial world is buzzing with a significant development: the probability of a Fed rate cut in October has just seen a dramatic increase. This isn’t just a minor shift; it’s a monumental change that could ripple through global markets, including the dynamic cryptocurrency space. For anyone tracking economic indicators and their impact on investments, this update from the U.S. interest rate futures market is absolutely crucial. What Just Happened? Unpacking the FOMC Statement’s Impact Following the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement, market sentiment has decisively shifted. Before the announcement, the U.S. interest rate futures market had priced in a 71.6% chance of an October rate cut. However, after the statement, this figure surged to an astounding 94%. This jump indicates that traders and analysts are now overwhelmingly confident that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates next month. Such a high probability suggests a strong consensus emerging from the Fed’s latest communications and economic outlook. A Fed rate cut typically means cheaper borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, which can stimulate economic activity. But what does this really signify for investors, especially those in the digital asset realm? Why is a Fed Rate Cut So Significant for Markets? When the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates, it sends powerful signals across the entire financial ecosystem. A rate cut generally implies a more accommodative monetary policy, often enacted to boost economic growth or combat deflationary pressures. Impact on Traditional Markets: Stocks: Lower interest rates can make borrowing cheaper for companies, potentially boosting earnings and making stocks more attractive compared to bonds. Bonds: Existing bonds with higher yields might become more valuable, but new bonds will likely offer lower returns. Dollar Strength: A rate cut can weaken the U.S. dollar, making exports cheaper and potentially benefiting multinational corporations. Potential for Cryptocurrency Markets: The cryptocurrency market, while often seen as uncorrelated, can still react significantly to macro-economic shifts. A Fed rate cut could be interpreted as: Increased Risk Appetite: With traditional investments offering lower returns, investors might seek higher-yielding or more volatile assets like cryptocurrencies. Inflation Hedge Narrative: If rate cuts are perceived as a precursor to inflation, assets like Bitcoin, often dubbed “digital gold,” could gain traction as an inflation hedge. Liquidity Influx: A more accommodative monetary environment generally means more liquidity in the financial system, some of which could flow into digital assets. Looking Ahead: What Could This Mean for Your Portfolio? While the 94% probability for a Fed rate cut in October is compelling, it’s essential to consider the nuances. Market probabilities can shift, and the Fed’s ultimate decision will depend on incoming economic data. Actionable Insights: Stay Informed: Continue to monitor economic reports, inflation data, and future Fed statements. Diversify: A diversified portfolio can help mitigate risks associated with sudden market shifts. Assess Risk Tolerance: Understand how a potential rate cut might affect your specific investments and adjust your strategy accordingly. This increased likelihood of a Fed rate cut presents both opportunities and challenges. It underscores the interconnectedness of traditional finance and the emerging digital asset space. Investors should remain vigilant and prepared for potential volatility. The financial landscape is always evolving, and the significant surge in the probability of an October Fed rate cut is a clear signal of impending change. From stimulating economic growth to potentially fueling interest in digital assets, the implications are vast. Staying informed and strategically positioned will be key as we approach this crucial decision point. The market is now almost certain of a rate cut, and understanding its potential ripple effects is paramount for every investor. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)? A1: The FOMC is the monetary policymaking body of the Federal Reserve System. It sets the federal funds rate, which influences other interest rates and economic conditions. Q2: How does a Fed rate cut impact the U.S. dollar? A2: A rate cut typically makes the U.S. dollar less attractive to foreign investors seeking higher returns, potentially leading to a weakening of the dollar against other currencies. Q3: Why might a Fed rate cut be good for cryptocurrency? A3: Lower interest rates can reduce the appeal of traditional investments, encouraging investors to seek higher returns in alternative assets like cryptocurrencies. It can also be seen as a sign of increased liquidity or potential inflation, benefiting assets like Bitcoin. Q4: Is a 94% probability a guarantee of a rate cut? A4: While a 94% probability is very high, it is not a guarantee. Market probabilities reflect current sentiment and data, but the Federal Reserve’s final decision will depend on all available economic information leading up to their meeting. Q5: What should investors do in response to this news? A5: Investors should stay informed about economic developments, review their portfolio diversification, and assess their risk tolerance. Consider how potential changes in interest rates might affect different asset classes and adjust strategies as needed. Did you find this analysis helpful? Share this article with your network to keep others informed about the potential impact of the upcoming Fed rate cut and its implications for the financial markets! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin price action. This post Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94% first appeared on BitcoinWorld.
Share
Coinstats2025/09/18 02:25