US Shutdown Ends: Crypto Gains, ETF Approvals on the Horizon

After 40 days of political stalemate, signs that the U.S. government shutdown may soon end are providing visible relief to investors. Weeks of halted operations and uncertainties had eroded confidence in the markets, but optimism is gradually returning. With growing expectations that normal government activity will resume, investors are beginning to increase their exposure to digital assets.

Markets React to Signs of Progress in US Shutdown

The Senate advanced efforts to end the shutdown Sunday by moving forward with a procedural vote to reopen the government. In this context, President Donald Trump has signaled that the shutdown is coming to an end, reinforcing the growing optimism. A final post-closing vote is scheduled for Monday, and even before the result, signs of progress are evident.

Over the past 24 hours, major cryptocurrencies have seen notable gains amid growing optimism, while gold has also seen strong momentum:

• Bitcoin rose just over 1%, Ethereum showing a similar gain;
• XRP jumped 9%, while Solana gained around 2% over the same period;
• The total value of the global cryptocurrency market grew by almost 2% in a single day;
• The positive sentiment extended to gold, which rose sharply, with futures rising more than $100 an ounce, according to The Kobeissi Letter.

The improved outlook has focused attention on the shutdown's impact on market activity. Nicolai Sondergaard, research analyst at Nansen, offered some insight into the situationexplaining that the suspension of government operations deprived investors of crucial economic data and policy updates. He noted that the return of these regular reports would provide markets with a clearer view of the economic situation after weeks of limited information.

Ethereum and Bitcoin Show Signs of Renewed Dynamism

Separately, data from blockchain analytics firm CryptoQuant showed a resumption of institutional activity in the Ethereum market. The company's spot order size figures indicate an increase in larger transactionssuggesting that major players could return to the market. They added that if Ethereum sustains above the $3,000-$3,400 range, the asset could enter a period of low volatility and gradual accumulation.

For Bitcoin, market strategist Michaël van de Poppe observed that the asset is approaching a crucial resistance level. He suggested that an official end to the shutdown could be a turning point, helping the broader market move toward a more bullish trend. Van de Poppe indicated that if Bitcoin breaches the $110,000 mark, it could trigger an upward move towards its previous highs.

Crypto ETF Reviews Will Resume After Shutdown Ends

The planned end of the shutdown is also generating anticipation in the exchange-traded fund (ETF) space. With government operations resuming, regulators are expected to restart review of many pending crypto ETF applications. Industry watcher Nate Geraci noted that the reopening could trigger a wave of approvals, including the potential launch of the first spot XRP ETF—filed under the Securities Act of 1933—very soon.

Currently, at least sixteen crypto ETF proposals remain pending. Their review processes were suspended during the shutdown when regulatory agencies stopped most nonessential activities. With the suspension of operations, issuers and investors were awaiting updates. The return of staff and usual procedures will allow these assessments to resume, potentially paving the way for new investment products to come to market.