The CBOE (Chicago Board Options Exchange), the world's largest options exchange, is opening Bitcoin futures on December 10, a full eight days ahead of the CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange). Nasdaq will follow suit in the summer of 2018.

This is a major shift for Bitcoin's image in the markets. It is entering another world - a realm of business that is perceived as more legitimate and trusted. Of course, this is highly debateable, but it does not change the fact that this move lends Bitcoin a much larger platform for trading with a much larger group of potential investors, and a great deal of publicity and exposure.

This also promotes the once-failed possibility of ETF's returning to the realm of probability. The SEC previously denied ETF's for Bitcoin, but with trading on futures being offered, an air of "regulation" may allow Bitcoin to enter this new arena. While it is debateable that futures will have any actual direct influence on the price of Bitcoin since it is merely traded with U.S. dollars and not with Bitcoin itself, futures may act as the springboard to this next level of legitimacy. Importantly, however, ETF's should potentially have a more direct impact on pricing.

Since ETF's allow ownership of Bitcoin through the entity that is purchasing on behalf of the investor, Bitcoin would actually be bought and sold by the entity providing the ETF's. This would ease the purchase of Bitcoin for those who are hesitant to place their funds in digital wallets which may not be entirely secure. This could cause a significant boost in trading volume by ETF entities.

It is this pathway to larger markets that will cause Bitcoin to gain value dramatically. Bitcoin futures are the starting point, allowing the currency a "ramp" into these massive markets.

A significant spike in pricing will likely occur over the next few days leading up to the launch of futures on December 10. Expect things to steady after that. But be prepared, if ETF's are permitted by the SEC soon after, Bitcoin may grow so quickly, you will fondly look back on the good ole' days when it was "just" $12 000.

source:
http://marketsmedia.com