• Franklin Templeton has launched EZPZ ETF tracking Bitcoin and Ether.
• The EZPZ ETF is the second US crypto index ETF.
• The other crypto index is Hashdex’s Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF (NCIQ).

Franklin Templeton, a prominent global asset manager, has introduced a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) that provides investors with exposure to both Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum’s Ether (ETH).

Announced on February 20, 2025, the Franklin Crypto Index ETF, trading under the ticker EZPZ, marks the second crypto index ETF to launch in the United States, following closely on the heels of Hashdex’s Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF (NCIQ), which debuted on February 14.

The Franklin Bitcoin and Ether Index ETF

The EZPZ fund is designed to track the US CF Institutional Digital Asset Index, a market capitalization-weighted benchmark managed by CF Benchmarks.

As of its launch date, the index allocates approximately 87% of its weighting to Bitcoin — currently priced at $98,706 — while Ether, valued at $2,755, accounts for about 13%.

Franklin Templeton has emphasized that this ETF offers a streamlined way for investors to gain exposure to these leading digital assets without the complexities of directly purchasing and managing them.

Franklin Templeton is excited to launch $EZPZ, our latest exchange-traded product (ETP) that provides exposure to bitcoin and ether without the hassle of buying them directly.

This innovative offering plans to add new digital assets as they become eligible for inclusion in… pic.twitter.com/1snE7mKMht

— Franklin Templeton Digital Assets (@FTDA_US) February 20, 2025

Looking ahead, Franklin Templeton plans to expand the fund’s holdings as additional cryptocurrencies are incorporated into the underlying index, subject to regulatory approval. This forward-thinking approach positions EZPZ as a potential “one-stop-shop” for US investors seeking a diversified crypto portfolio through a single investment vehicle.

The launch of EZPZ comes amid a wave of cryptocurrency ETF developments in the US. Hashdex’s NCIQ, trading on the Nasdaq, similarly focuses on Bitcoin and Ether with plans to broaden its scope over time.

The broader market has also seen a surge in ETF filings throughout 2024, with asset managers submitting proposals for funds tied to altcoins such as Solana (SOL), XRP, and Litecoin (LTC).

In October, NYSE Arca sought approval to list a Grayscale ETF based on the Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund, a diversified crypto portfolio established in 2018 that includes Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, and XRP, among others.

Additionally, Bitwise recently filed for a 10 Crypto Index Fund ETF with the SEC, further underscoring the growing demand for crypto investment vehicles.

Analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence have expressed optimism about the regulatory outlook, suggesting “relatively high odds of approval across the board” for these new crypto ETF proposals. This momentum highlights a pivotal moment for the integration of digital assets into traditional finance, offering investors more accessible and regulated options to participate in the crypto market.

Franklin Templeton’s entry into the crypto ETF space with EZPZ signals both the firm’s confidence in the maturing digital asset ecosystem and the increasing appetite among mainstream investors for cryptocurrency exposure. As the index evolves and regulatory hurdles are cleared, EZPZ could pave the way for broader adoption of crypto-focused ETFs, bridging the gap between conventional investment strategies and the rapidly expanding world of blockchain-based assets.

For now, the fund stands as a milestone in making Bitcoin and Ether more accessible to US investors, with the promise of further growth on the horizon.

Regardless of its persistent waning movements and underperformance compared to a few major crypto assets, Ethereum still has the potential to undergo a significant rally in the ongoing bull market cycle. With key developments surrounding ETH and its ecosystem, many analysts foresee a move to unprecedented levels in the upcoming months.

Current Cycle’s Target For Ethereum Above $10,000

Ethereum may have been demonstrating weak performances in the ongoing cycle as it failed to initiate a major rally. However, market expert and investor Ted Pillows has expressed his confidence in ETH’s long-term prospects, predicting a new all-time high target for the altcoin.

Pillows predicted that ETH will reach $10,000, stating it is a conservative target this cycle. Addressing the reasons why the $10,000 target and beyond is conservative, the expert highlighted that Ethereum is currently the optimal layer for organizations like central banks, credit unions, insurers, and government-affiliated companies.

Also, adoption is increasing worldwide, and the United States pro-crypto position acts as a major driving force for Ethereum. “With plans to bring the US Treasury on-chain, ETH is positioned for a strong comeback and widespread use,” Pillows added.

Following a comparison with past trends, Ted Pillows claims that “Ethereum is destined to go above $10,000 this current cycle.” The analyst cites a similar trend between the 2016 cycle and this cycle, whereby ETH witnessed a breakout to new all-time highs.

Should the development repeat itself, Pillows foresees a substantial move in the coming months, reaching between the $10,000 and $11,000 price range. His prediction indicates that ETH’s fundamentals continue to remain strong in light of recent market fluctuations, marking the $10,000 not just possible, but predestined.

Several bullish factors around Ethereum back pillows’ bold forecast. For example, ETH has the highest Total Value Locked (TVL) and stablecoin liquidity. Furthermore, the altcoin is experiencing heightened adoption and accumulation by institutional investors. Ethereum’s inflation is presently lower than that of Bitcoin and 99% of all altcoins.

As a result of these advancements, the expert urges investors and traders to focus on a rally for ETH to $10,000 rather than a rally to $5,000 this market cycle.

ETH Set For A Notable Price Recovery?

Following a significant underperformance in 2024 in comparison to other large caps, there has been some expectation of a recovery for ETH. On-chain platform Santiment reported that the altcoin recently displayed mild signs of a rebound as its price moved to $2,745, outperforming most altcoins to begin the week.

According to Santiment, ETH keeps leaving exchanges and entering cold wallets at a remarkable pace from a long-term perspective. Currently, the percentage of available ETH in exchanges is at 6.38%, marking its lowest level ever. This persistent withdrawal reflects investors’ confidence in Ethereum’s long-term performance, which might trigger a rebound.

Featured image from Adobe Stock, chart from Tradingview.com