Dogecoin ETF Launch Disappoints: GDOG Trading Volume Falls 90% Below Forecast

Grayscale's spot Dogecoin ETF began trading on Monday with underwhelming results. The fund recorded just $1.4 million in first-day volume on NYSE Arca. This figure fell significantly below analyst predictions, marking a cautious start for institutional Dogecoin exposure.

The Grayscale Dogecoin Trust ETF (GDOG) now holds approximately $1.7 million in assets under management. Its net asset value stands at $17.98 per share. Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas had projected that opening-day volume could reach $12 million. The actual results came in nearly 90% lower than his estimate.

Balchunas described the $1.4 million volume as ”solid for an average launch but low for a 'first-ever spot' product.” His analysis suggests a clear pattern emerging in crypto ETF launches. Institutional interest appears to diminish as products move beyond Bitcoin into smaller market-cap cryptocurrencies.

Broader Crypto ETF Landscape Shows Clear Hierarchy

Recent launches of other cryptocurrency ETFs paint a striking contrast. XRP-focused funds attracted approximately $59 million in first-day trading volume. Solana ETFs recorded around $56 million during their debut sessions. These figures demonstrate substantially stronger institutional appetite for larger alternative cryptocurrencies.

Even the Rex-Osprey Dogecoin ETF, which launched in September under different regulatory parameters, achieved $17 million in opening-day volume. That product operates under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Its performance still exceeded GDOG

The disparity highlights growing skepticism among institutional traders. Dogecoin ranks as the tenth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. Yet its meme coin origins and volatile price history may deter conservative fund managers from immediate allocation decisions.

Spot ETF performance often improves after initial launch periods. Early volume does not necessarily predict long-term success. However, weak debuts can signal underlying concerns about asset fundamentals or timing.

Competition Intensifies as Bitwise Prepares Entry

The Dogecoin ETF market will soon see additional competition. Bitwise announced its own spot Dogecoin fund (BWOW) will begin trading on Wednesday, November 26. The asset manager cited persistent community demand as justification for the launch.

Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley explained the rationale behind the company's entry into this market segment. ”Bitwise is launching BWOW because many DOGE holders, a community that numbers in the millions, want the benefit that comes from getting exposure to crypto in an ETP format,” he stated. The company believes retail and institutional investors deserve regulated access to Dogecoin through traditional brokerage accounts.

This competitive dynamic could split already-limited institutional interest. Multiple Dogecoin ETFs now compete for the same pool of potential investors. The fragmentation may further dilute individual fund performance and adoption rates.