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Morgan Stanley’s new Ethereum (MSSE) and Solana (MSOL) ETFs debut with a 0.14% expense ratio, the cheapest in their categories, and a distribution network of
The Morgan Stanley Ethereum Trust (MSSE) and Solana Trust (MSOL) began trading on Tuesday, each charging a 0.14% expense ratio—the lowest fees among spot Ether and Solana ETFs, a move that could broaden crypto exposure through the firm’s 16,000‑advisor wealth platform [1].
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| ETFs launched | MSSE & MSOL on Tuesday |
| Expense ratio | 0.14% (lowest in category) |
| Tracking index | CoinDesk Ether & Solana Benchmarks (4 PM NY Settlement) |
| Staking rewards | Fully passed to fund, no retain by Morgan Stanley |
Both trusts aim to track the performance of their respective digital assets via the CoinDesk benchmarks, with settlement rates measured at 4 PM New York time. The 0.14% expense ratio undercuts existing spot Ether and Solana ETFs, which typically charge higher fees, positioning the products as the most cost‑effective options for investors seeking direct exposure [1][2]. Morgan Stanley will stake a portion of the underlying Ether and SOL holdings to generate staking rewards, which are credited entirely to the funds rather than retained by the sponsor [1][2].
The launch follows Morgan Stanley’s earlier Bitcoin Trust, which holds more than $381 million in assets as of mid‑July 2026 [2]. Analyst Dan Balchunas notes that the firm’s 16,000 financial advisors manage roughly $7 trillion, making this the “biggest ether and sol launch” since the first crypto ETFs, and suggesting a distribution advantage that could drive adoption among retail investors and advisors alike [1]. The firm’s broader ETP suite now exceeds $14 billion in assets under management across 22 products, reflecting a growing appetite for digital‑asset solutions within traditional wealth channels [2].
Both ETFs will stake a share of their holdings to earn network rewards, a practice that can enhance total return but also introduces operational risk tied to third‑party staking providers. Morgan Stanley explicitly states it will not retain any portion of the rewards, ensuring that earnings flow to shareholders. The trusts are not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, meaning they may trade at premiums or discounts to net asset value and are subject to the high volatility inherent to Ether and Solana prices [2].
The debut of Morgan Stanley’s ultra‑low‑cost Ether and Solana ETFs highlights the firm’s push to integrate crypto assets into mainstream portfolios, leveraging its massive advisory network to potentially shift a larger share of retail wealth into digital assets. Whether the fee advantage and staking structure translate into significant inflows remains to be seen.
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AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 3 outlets · Jul 29, 2026 · How we report
It aims to track the performance of ether as measured by the CoinDesk Ether Benchmark 4PM NY Settlement Rate.
The trust stakes a portion of its ether holdings to earn network staking rewards, which are passed through to the fund.
The expense ratio is 0.14%.
They hold the underlying digital assets directly (spot) and return most staking rewards to investors, unlike futures‑based alternatives.
Analysts note a modest increase in confidence, reflected in slightly higher odds for Ethereum reaching $10,000 by 2026, though significant hurdles remain.