16 Crypto ETFs Stuck as U.S. Shutdown Enters Third Week
The U.S. government shutdown, now in its third week, has frozen approvals for 16 cryptocurrency ETFs, delaying potential new investment inflows into digital assets. Political gridlock in Washington has forced the SEC to operate with minimal staff, halting non-essential activities including ETF reviews.
Market participants anticipated a wave of ETF approvals in October, with 16 pending applications and 21 new submissions in the first eight days of the month. Analysts predict a surge in approvals once government operations resume, potentially catalyzing significant market movements.
The standstill reflects broader Republican-Democrat tensions, with the SEC unable to advance crypto investment products until funding disputes are resolved. Institutional investors remain on standby, watching for regulatory clarity that could reshape crypto market dynamics.
