Memecoin ETFs Might Debut in 2026 Amid $60 Billion Market Surge

- Active crypto ETFs could lead to a memecoin-specific ETF launch. - Market growth and speculative interest are key drivers. On June 9, 2025, Cointelegraph reported that Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas stated there is a "really good chance" for an actively trading memecoin ETF to launch in 2026. Balchunas also anticipates a wave of active crypto ETFs in late 2025, believing this wave could pave the way for a memecoin-only fund the following year. According to the Cointelegraph report on June 9, the memecoin market's growth significantly drives this development, reportedly exceeding $60 billion in market capitalization as of that date. Increased speculative interest, particularly among retail investors, further supports the potential creation and success of such an ETF. Market participants are closely monitoring the approval process for Dogecoin ETFs, viewing it as an indicator for the broader memecoin ETF market. Several issuers, including Grayscale, Bitwise, and 21Shares, have filed for spot Dogecoin ETFs. Additionally, Osprey Funds and Rex Shares submitted filings in January 2025 for ETFs covering Dogecoin, Official Trump (TRUMP), and Bonk (BONK). Balchunas reportedly considers the application for a Dogecoin ETF under the 1933 Securities Act particularly significant. However, prediction market odds for a spot Dogecoin ETF approval by the end of 2025 have shown variability. According to Polymarket data as of late May 2025, odds stood at 68%. On May 22, 2025, Polymarket further indicated a 15% chance for approval before July and 63% for 2025. Earlier, in February 2025, Polymarket data had shown a 74% chance for approval by the end of 2025. Approval odds have since fluctuated, with recent odds falling to 44%. This contrasts with Balchunas' February 2025 prediction of a 75% chance. Furthermore, the SEC has not yet approved any memecoin-based ETFs or other altcoin ETFs, such as those for Solana, XRP, or Litecoin. Meanwhile, the memecoin market experienced a downturn after peaking in January 2025. Consequently, high-capitalization tokens like Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and Pepe have fallen significantly from their all-time highs. As of early June, estimates placed the total market capitalization of memecoins at around $66.6 billion. As of June 9, at 08:09 UTC, recent 24-hour trading volume changes for select memecoins were noted: - Bonk (BONK) showed a 2.731% increase. - Official Trump (TRUMP) experienced a 0.048% decrease. - Shiba Inu (SHIB) recorded a 1.31% fall. - Dogecoin (DOGE) saw a 0.904% decline. - Pepe (PEPE) registered a 0.256% rise. These figures emphasize the dynamic nature of the memecoin market and highlight its potential as an important segment within the broader cryptocurrency landscape.