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First day of doge etf: hype meets reality

Dogecoin ETF Launch | Promising Hype | Disappointing Numbers

By

Nina Dupont

Nov 26, 2025, 02:01 AM

Edited By

Sofia Petrov

2 minutes needed to read

A trading chart showing low volume on the first day of the Doge ETF, with people looking on in anticipation.
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On the opening day of Grayscale's Dogecoin Trust ETF (GDOG) on the NYSE, the anticipated buzz fell flat, as the fund reported zero net inflows. This unfolds amidst Dogecoin's acclaim as the ninth-largest cryptocurrency, raising questions about institutional adoption of meme-based assets.

What Went Wrong?

Despite high expectations, institutional players remained skeptical about GDOG. Commenters on various forums pointed out the lack of serious investment interest. One user bluntly remarked, "No one will buy a dog coin in the stock market." The mixed sentiment reveals a stark gap between Dogecoin's cultural presence and its financial viability on Wall Street.

Industry Insights

Many in the community cited a few core issues:

  • Lack of capital: The absence of new investments highlights investor hesitation.

  • Management fee waiver: Grayscale waived the management fee to attract buyers, a sign of its struggle.

  • Skepticism: "Not even degens would buy that shit," stated a commenter, reflecting the prevailing mistrust in meme-centered financial products.

"Zero net inflows on its first day. BWHAHAHA," a user exclaimed, emphasizing the flop.

Broader Implications

The GDOG's poor debut may have lingering effects on future meme-based ETFs. Other cryptocurrencies, such as XRP, continue to perform well by comparison, with one comment noting, "XRP is awesome!" This raises the question: could the meme phenomenon be too niche for mainstream investing?

Key Takeaways

  • πŸ“‰ Zero new investments on launch day raises concerns over market acceptance.

  • πŸ’Έ Management fee waived suggests desperation to lure capital.

  • 🀷 Institutional hesitancy remains a major barrier, as echoed in disheartened community reactions.

As discussions continue, stakeholders will be keeping a close eye on how Grayscale navigates this rocky start and what it means for the future of meme cryptocurrencies in the financial arena.

Eyes on the Future: What’s Next for GDOG?

There’s a significant chance that Grayscale's Dogecoin ETF may struggle to gain traction in the coming months. With institutional interest fading, experts estimate around a 70% likelihood of continued low inflows unless a major stimulus, like increased cryptocurrency adoption among institutions, occurs. Another factor could be a potential rebranding or restructuring of the ETF to attract a broader audience. If these steps aren’t taken, GDOG might become a cautionary tale rather than a successful investment vehicle, reflecting the growing complexities of integrating meme-based assets into serious finance.

A Lesson from the Past: The Dot-Com Era

In the early 2000s, the rise of the internet saw countless companies with flashy ideas but little substance rushed to market. Many of these ventures crumbled due to inflated expectations, much like what we’re seeing with GDOG today. The hype surrounding Dogecoin mirrors those tech startups: adored by a community yet facing harsh realities in traditional finance. Just as the dot-com bubble birthed successful giants out of the wreckage, the current meme phenomenon might yield informative lessons on balancing enthusiasm with practicality.