One Fund Discloses $9 Million Ethereum ETF Exit as Crypto Market Downturn Worsens

Core Viewpoint - Apeiron Capital Limited has sold its entire position in the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (NASDAQ:ETHA) for approximately $8.99 million during the fourth quarter of 2025, indicating a strategic shift away from cryptocurrency investments [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - Apeiron Capital sold all 285,400 shares of the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF, resulting in a net position change of $8.99 million for the quarter [2]. - The fund's ETHA stake is now zero, reflecting a complete divestment from this investment [2]. Group 2: ETF Performance and Market Context - As of January 30, 2026, ETHA shares were priced at $20.17, down 17.7% over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 by 32.0 percentage points [3]. - The one-year losses for ETHA have exceeded 30%, driven by broader volatility in the cryptocurrency market [3][9]. Group 3: ETF Overview and Strategy - The iShares Ethereum Trust ETF has assets under management (AUM) of $10.3 billion, providing a regulated vehicle for investors to gain exposure to ether without managing digital wallets [4][5]. - The ETF aims to closely track the value of ether while minimizing operational complexities for investors, targeting both institutional and retail investors [7]. Group 4: Implications of the Transaction - Selling out of the Ethereum ETF does not necessarily reflect a negative outlook on blockchain technology but rather a decision to allocate capital where it can be more effective [8]. - Apeiron's remaining portfolio is focused on operating businesses, suggesting a strategic pivot towards investments with more predictable fundamentals rather than speculative assets [10].