Bitcoin futures launch sparks excitement, warnings

NEW YORK (AFP) – Bitcoin will make its debut on a major exchange Sunday, a landmark for the cryptocurrency that has generated enthusiasm among some investors and more than a little anxiety from others.

The Cboe Futures Exchange in Chicago will open trading in bitcoin futures at 2300 GMT on Sunday, a move that is expected to be followed a week later by a rival listing on Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

“Bitcoin bonanza takes hold of world markets,” proclaimed the front page of the Times of London on Friday, reporting on the latest record price of the digital currency.

Among those cheering the launch are the Winklevoss twins, who have been called the first bitcoin billionaires. Critics include financial commentator Jim Cramer, who warns that prices could tumble once the new trading venues open the door to “short sellers,” who bet on downward moves in assets.

The two launches were made possible after a key US regulator, the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission, gave the green light to the exchanges on Dec. 1, while warning “of the potentially high level of volatility and risk in trading these contracts.”

Anticipation of the first mainstream listings for the digital currency has been a catalyst for a sharp price increase in recent weeks. Bitcoin opened 2017 at around $1,000, surged past $10,000 for the first time last month and soared as high as $16,777 on Thursday before retreating somewhat.

The actual opening of the Cboe market, an electronic trading venue, is expected to be a low-key affair, lacking the pomp of an initial public offering, which is often marked by the new entrant ringing the bell of the New York Stock Exchange.

“There won’t be any ceremony, no champagne,” said a person close to the Cboe process.

“It’s going to happen quietly, a switch flipping,” the person added. “There are not going to be many people in the office.”