🧭 What is the REX‑Osprey Solana + Staking ETF (SSK)?
Ticker: SSK
Launch Date: July 2, 2025, on Cboe BZX
Unique structure: U.S.’s first ETF with direct Solana exposure plus native staking rewards delivered via monthly cash dividends
Staking setup: Majority of SOL is staked on-chain (through Anchorage Digital), with at least 40% held in foreign staking ETPs and additional exposure via liquid staking tokens like JitoSOL
Estimated staking yield: Approximately 7.3% per year
Fees: Total annual expense ratio is 1.40% (0.75% management + ~0.65% tax expense)
📊 First-Day Results & Market Reception
Trading volume: ~$33 million on day one
Net inflows: Approximately $12 million initial commitments
Momentum: $8 million in trading volume within the first 20 minutes, per Bloomberg's analysts
Assets under management (AUM): Around $1 million by the end of day one, with potential growth expected
Analysts noted this performance “blows away” similar Solana futures ETFs, though remains behind Bitcoin/Ethereum spot ETFs in volume .
🏦 Why It’s a Big Deal
1. First-of-its-kind: Enables U.S. investors to gain Spot SOL exposure + staking rewards without directly holding crypto
2. Regulatory innovation: Registered under Investment Company Act of 1940—using custodian structure to bypass traditional 19b-4 filing
3. Powered by Anchorage Digital: A federally regulated custodian enabling secure staking and custody
4. Pioneer for altcoins: Part of a broader shift signaling possible approval of more staking-enabled crypto ETFs for altcoins
⚠️ Risks & Considerations
Expense ratio is relatively high at 1.40%, which may reduce net yield scoop
Demand uncertain: Smaller crypto ETFs historically face challenges sustaining interest
Institutional appetite: Early institutional engagement is cautious—SOL ETF day-one volume ~82% lower than BTC relative market cap
✅ Summary
SSK marks a significant milestone: a first U.S. ETF delivering direct Solana exposure with staking income, opening a pathway for simplified crypto yield access. Early uptake is promising, but high fees and cautious demand remain as potential hurdles.