GameStop Covered Call ETF Debuts as Bitwise Taps Crypto Trend

Bitwise launches ETF focused on GameStop and crypto

Bitwise Asset Management has launched a groundbreaking fund, the GameStop Covered Call ETF (IGME), an investment product that merges income generation with indirect exposure to GameStop’s evolving role in the digital asset economy. The timing is notable, as GameStop makes headlines for holding over $500 million in Bitcoin.

Bitwise Taps Into GameStop’s Market Volatility

The GameStop ETF leverages a synthetic covered call strategy, allowing investors to earn income from GameStop’s stock volatility without owning the shares outright. Rather than a conventional holding structure, the fund utilizes options to simulate exposure, offering an innovative alternative for income-seeking investors.

Jeff Park, Head of Alpha Strategies at Bitwise, noted:

“IGME is the first covered call strategy built around GameStop, a stock whose historic volatility and growth potential make it a strong fit for this approach.”

GameStop’s Bold Crypto Strategy

GameStop recently revealed that it holds 4,710 Bitcoin, acquired for more than $500 million. This major move into crypto firmly aligns the retailer with a growing list of public companies integrating digital assets into their treasuries. IGME taps into this trend, offering investors a way to benefit from GameStop’s crypto participation through a traditional ETF format.

According to Bitcoin Asset Management, over 79 companies now hold a collective $57 billion in Bitcoin, a 159% year-over-year increase. The GameStop Covered Call ETF stands at the convergence of these developments.

Expanding Bitwise’s Product Range

IGME joins Bitwise’s growing portfolio of option income ETFs. These include:

  • IMST – Market-neutral strategy.
  • ICOI – Focused on options linked to Coinbase.
  • IMRA – Uses Marathon Digital options to produce returns.

The game adds a unique equity to this mix, enriching investor access to the intersection of retail stock popularity and digital innovation.

Covered Call Strategy for Monthly Income

The ETF’s structure revolves around selling call options on GameStop stock to earn regular income. This method thrives in volatile environments and supports monthly distributions. With an expense ratio of 0.98%, it remains competitive and accessible for income-focused portfolios.

Bitwise plans to announce IGME’s first distribution on July 24, marking the beginning of what could become a flagship product in its income-generating lineup.

Why the GameStop Covered Call ETF Stands Out

What makes the GameStop Covered Call ETF especially notable is its blend of traditional financial tools and crypto exposure. GameStop is no longer just a meme stock—it’s a bold actor in Bitcoin adoption. Through IGME, Bitwise captures this dual narrative and delivers a compelling offer to forward-looking investors.

CEO Hunter Horsley emphasized:

“We’re excited to add IGME to our suite of option income ETFs to help investors capitalize on the volatility of companies in the space.”

Final Take

The GameStop Covered Call ETF reflects a broader shift in finance, where conventional products meet the crypto frontier. Bitwise’s latest offering doesn’t just follow this movement; it leads it, empowering investors to tap into both income and innovation.