Solana News Today: Staking Drives Altcoin ETF Boom as Investors Look for Returns Outside of Bitcoin

The U.S. crypto ETF market is undergoing changes as

and funds see net withdrawals, while altcoin ETFs—especially those linked to (SOL)—are drawing increased attention from investors. Even though Solana’s value has dropped 30% since September, spot Solana ETFs have attracted $476 million in total investments since launching on October 28, with Bitwise’s BSOL accounting for 89% of these inflows . This pattern signals a rising demand for altcoin exposure as uncertainty lingers in the broader crypto market.

The heightened interest in Solana ETFs is partly due to their staking features, which enable funds to earn rewards by supporting the blockchain’s security. For example, Fidelity’s FSOL saw $2.1 million invested on its first day and will not charge fees until May 2026

. Likewise, 21Shares’ TSOL, which started trading on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, offers a 0.21% expense ratio and includes staking . These offerings set themselves apart from Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which do not provide similar yield opportunities.

Bitwise’s BSOL has emerged as a top performer, gathering $388 million in investments since its inception and achieving 17 straight days of positive net inflows . Its popularity is credited to a lower 0.20% fee and integrated staking, allowing investors to earn returns without directly interacting with the blockchain . In contrast, VanEck’s VSOL and Grayscale’s GSOL have seen slower uptake, though both also offer staking to boost yields .

Despite these ETF inflows, Solana’s price continues to face downward pressure. The token is trading around $141, which is below its 50-day and 200-day exponential moving averages (EMAs) of $173 and $180, respectively

. Open interest (OI) in Solana futures has fallen to $7.2 billion from a high of $17 billion in September, indicating reduced speculative activity . Analysts caution that unless Solana can hold above $140, it may test support at $120, while a move above $160 could revive bullish sentiment .

The difference with Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs is notable. After their approval in January 2024, Bitcoin spot ETFs initially attracted billions, but have recently seen outflows as investors shift toward altcoins

. Ethereum ETFs, though still receiving investments, are losing momentum compared to Solana’s staking-enabled products. This change points to a growing preference for crypto funds that offer both exposure and yield—something traditional Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs do not provide.

The rise of Solana ETFs comes alongside greater regulatory clarity in the U.S., including approvals for spot ETFs tied to major cryptocurrencies. Still, there are ongoing hurdles. Solana’s network has experienced technical problems before, raising questions about the reliability of staking

. Broader economic uncertainty, such as a recent government shutdown and a $1 trillion drop in crypto market value, also highlights the sector’s volatility .

Industry experts expect 2026 to be a turning point for altcoin ETFs, with forecasts of more than 100 new products launching

. While Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs still lead the market, the emergence of staking-enabled altcoin funds points to a shift in investor strategies. For Solana, future prospects will depend on continued ETF inflows and the token’s ability to remain above key technical thresholds.

---