As October approaches, anticipation in the crypto market is building for what Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas has called “Cointober.” In a recent post on X, Balchunas wrote, “Who’s ready for Cointober? Spot crypto ETF deadlines start this week! Litecoin and Solana up first. Should be a wild month.”
His remark captures the growing attention around a month that could prove decisive for the future of altcoin-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States.
The excitement comes as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) prepares to rule on several key spot ETF applications, many of which have final decision dates falling in October.
These ETFs would let investors buy cryptocurrencies without having to hold the coins themselves, which is why both institutions and regular investors are keeping a close eye on them.
Uptober’s Recent Performance
October is often called “Uptober” in crypto circles because it has a history of strong price moves.
In 2023, Bitcoin rose nearly 28%, going from around $26,900 to about $34,500 during the month. That rally helped boost market sentiment after a long period of slow price movement and reinforced the idea that October can be a key month for gains.
In 2024, even though it was a tough year for many altcoins, October again brought some recovery and positive momentum to the market. Bitcoin picked up again, and the market mood got better, which is why October is often seen as a month that shapes the rest of the year.
Cointober: A Wave of ETF Deadlines
That history is now colliding with one of the most significant regulatory moments the industry has faced. According to Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart, 16 spot crypto ETF filings are heading toward key SEC deadlines in October. These include proposed funds tracking major altcoins such as Litecoin (LTC), Solana (SOL), XRP, and even Dogecoin (DOGE).
Major issuers — including Grayscale, VanEck, Franklin Templeton, 21Shares, CoinShares, Bitwise, WisdomTree, and Fidelity — are behind these filings. Most of the assets involved are classified as commodities by the SEC and already have CFTC‑regulated futures markets, factors that improve their chances of approval. Analysts place the odds for many of these ETFs at around 95%.
Upcoming ETF Deadlines
Several important ETFs have key dates coming up this October. For Litecoin, the first filing was made on October 15, 2024, and the SEC’s final decision is expected by July 2, 2025.
Solana ETFs were filed on January 24, 2025, and the SEC is expected to give its decision by October 10, 2025. XRP ETFs, which went in on January 30, 2025, are set for a final ruling on October 17, 2025.
Why This October Matters
If these ETFs get approved, it will be much easier for investors to get into coins like Litecoin, Solana, and XRP without having to hold or manage the crypto themselves. Investing becomes simpler, safer, and more convenient.
October has done well in 2023 and 2024, and with ETF decisions coming soon, this year’s “Cointober” could do more than push prices up. It could affect how altcoins are included in regular investment portfolios and how traditional financial institutions deal with the crypto market.