US Spot Bitcoin ETFs Launched Jan 11, 2024: Key BTC (BTC) Trading Regime Shift Explained

According to @Andre_Dragosch, traders should frame current BTC behavior around the US spot Bitcoin ETF launch timing as the regime-change anchor, source: X post by @Andre_Dragosch on Oct 8, 2025. US spot Bitcoin ETFs began trading on Jan 11, 2024 after the SEC approved multiple spot Bitcoin ETP rule changes on Jan 10, 2024, source: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approvals and listing notices from Nasdaq, NYSE Arca, and Cboe. Because these ETFs trade during regular U.S. equity hours on Nasdaq, NYSE Arca, and Cboe, liquidity and flow impacts are concentrated in the U.S. session, which is a trading consideration when assessing BTC trend and volatility since the launch, source: Nasdaq, NYSE, and Cboe trading schedules.
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The recent tweet from André Dragosch, PhD, has sparked significant interest among cryptocurrency traders, pointing directly to the launch of US spot Bitcoin ETFs as a pivotal moment in the market's evolution. By asking traders to recall when these ETFs hit the scene, Dragosch implies that this event marks a turning point for Bitcoin's price trajectory and broader adoption. Launched on January 11, 2024, these ETFs, including offerings from major players like BlackRock and Fidelity, have reshaped institutional flows into BTC, driving unprecedented trading volumes and market sentiment shifts. This narrative serves as a reminder that understanding historical catalysts is key to navigating current trading opportunities in the volatile crypto landscape.
Impact of Bitcoin ETF Launch on Market Dynamics
Since the debut of US spot Bitcoin ETFs, the cryptocurrency market has witnessed a surge in liquidity and institutional participation, fundamentally altering BTC's price behavior. According to data from Bloomberg, ETF inflows exceeded $10 billion within the first few months, correlating with Bitcoin's rally from around $40,000 to all-time highs above $73,000 by March 2024. Traders should note that this influx provided strong support levels, with BTC finding consistent bids around the $50,000 mark during subsequent corrections. In terms of trading strategies, this event highlighted the importance of monitoring ETF net flows as a leading indicator; positive inflows often precede bullish breakouts, while outflows can signal short-term pullbacks. For instance, during the summer of 2024, a dip in ETF demand contributed to BTC's decline to $49,000, offering savvy traders entry points for long positions ahead of the recovery.
Trading Volumes and On-Chain Metrics Post-ETF Era
Delving deeper into trading-focused metrics, on-chain data from sources like Glassnode reveals a marked increase in Bitcoin's daily trading volumes, averaging over $30 billion across major exchanges post-ETF launch. This uptick is particularly evident in pairs like BTC/USD and BTC/USDT, where 24-hour volumes spiked by 50% in the initial weeks. Key resistance levels emerged around $60,000 to $65,000, tested multiple times throughout 2024, with breakthroughs often accompanied by heightened whale activity. Traders analyzing these patterns can leverage tools like the Relative Strength Index (RSI), which frequently signaled overbought conditions above 70 during ETF-driven rallies, prompting profit-taking strategies. Moreover, the correlation between Bitcoin ETF trading volumes and spot market movements underscores opportunities for arbitrage, especially in futures markets where basis trades yielded returns of 5-10% annualized for institutional players.
From a broader perspective, the ETF launch has influenced cross-market correlations, particularly with traditional stocks. As Bitcoin integrates into mainstream portfolios, events like Federal Reserve rate decisions now ripple through BTC prices more pronouncedly. For example, the dovish pivot in late 2024 boosted both equities and crypto, with BTC gaining 15% in a single week amid ETF inflows. Traders eyeing long-term positions should consider support at the 200-day moving average, currently around $55,000, as a critical level for dip-buying. Institutional flows, as reported by analysts like those at Ark Invest, continue to pour in, with projections of $100 billion in assets under management by 2025, potentially propelling BTC toward $100,000. However, risks remain, including regulatory hurdles that could dampen sentiment; thus, incorporating stop-loss orders below key supports is essential for risk management.
Strategic Trading Opportunities in the ETF-Driven Bitcoin Market
Looking ahead, the emphasis on the US spot Bitcoin ETF launch encourages traders to focus on sentiment-driven plays. Market indicators such as the Fear and Greed Index have hovered in 'greed' territory since the ETFs' introduction, reflecting optimistic retail and institutional buying. For those trading altcoins, correlations with BTC have strengthened, making ETH/BTC pairs attractive for relative value trades—ETH often lags during BTC rallies but catches up in bull cycles. Specific opportunities include scalping during high-volume ETF announcement periods, where volatility spikes can yield quick 2-5% gains. Additionally, exploring options on platforms like Deribit shows implied volatility premiums post-ETF, ideal for straddle strategies ahead of major news. In summary, Dragosch's tweet encapsulates how this landmark event continues to define Bitcoin trading, urging participants to blend historical context with real-time analysis for profitable outcomes. By prioritizing ETF flow data and on-chain signals, traders can navigate this evolving market with greater confidence, capitalizing on both upside potential and hedging against downturns.
André Dragosch, PhD | Bitcoin & Macro
@Andre_DragoschEuropean Head of Research @ Bitwise - #Bitcoin - Macro - PhD in Financial History - Not investment advice - Views strictly mine - Beware of impersonators.