VanEck Warns of ETH Dilution Risk as Digital Asset Treasuries Reach $135B

Core Insights - Digital asset treasuries have reached approximately $135 billion, with VanEck warning of increasing dilution risks for Ethereum holders as the network shifts from fee-driven yields to a monetary asset status [1] - The upcoming Fusaka upgrade for Ethereum, scheduled for December 3, may exacerbate dilution for non-stakers due to increased Layer 2 adoption, which has historically reduced mainnet fee revenue [3] Group 1: Digital Asset Treasuries (DAT) Dynamics - The surge in digital asset treasuries is driven by entities like Bitmine Immersion Technologies, but their sustainability relies on maintaining volatility-driven funding mechanisms [2] - Many DAT valuations have fallen below their net asset values, with Bitmine's recent capital raise exemplifying this trend, selling a package valued at $104.61 for $70, indicating a 75% discount [4] - Major DATs such as Semler Scientific, Strive, KindlyMD, and Empery Digital are now trading below their market NAVs, raising concerns about the depletion of the "volatility well" necessary for further asset purchases [4] Group 2: Ethereum vs. Bitcoin - Standard Chartered analysts suggest that Ethereum could benefit from the DAT trend due to staking yields that may command higher market-to-net-asset-value premiums compared to Bitcoin [5] - Since June, Ethereum treasuries have accumulated approximately 3.1% of the circulating supply, compared to 4% for Bitcoin and 0.8% for Solana [6] - Corporate accumulation of Ethereum has continued despite market headwinds, with Bitmine purchasing an additional $69 million worth of ETH through Galaxy Digital's over-the-counter desk [7]