## First Solana Futures ETFs Launching in the US
Volatility Shares is set to launch the first US Solana (SOL) futures exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on March 20th. These two ETFs, the Volatility Shares Solana ETF (SOLZ) and the Volatility Shares 2X Solana ETF (SOLT), will offer investors exposure to Solana futures contracts. SOLZ will track the standard performance of Solana futures, while SOLT will offer leveraged exposure at twice the daily return. The expense ratios for SOLZ and SOLT are 0.95% and 1.85%, respectively.
## Following the Bitcoin and Ethereum Path
This launch follows a similar trajectory to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), where futures ETFs preceded spot ETFs. While the SEC has not yet approved a spot Solana ETF, these futures-based products could pave the way for future spot offerings. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas compared SOLZ and SOLT to the Bitcoin ETFs BITO and BITX, acknowledging that investor enthusiasm might be tempered by the preference for physically-backed ETFs. He highlighted that while Solana is the first altcoin after Ethereum to have a futures ETF approved, investors generally prefer direct exposure to the underlying asset.
## Solana Futures Trading Volume
Solana futures trading began on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) on March 17th. While initial trading volume and open interest were lower than Bitcoin and Ethereum’s debut, K33 Head of Research Vetle Lunde noted that when normalized for market capitalization, Solana’s performance aligns with the other two cryptocurrencies. This suggests a healthy level of initial interest in Solana futures, despite the smaller absolute figures.
## Renewed Optimism for Crypto Innovation
Volatility Shares CEO Justin Young attributed the ETF launch to renewed optimism surrounding cryptocurrency innovation in the US. The application for these ETFs was
