BlackRock has officially filed for a staked Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded fund, marking a key step in bringing staking exposure to the masses. The world’s largest asset manager submitted an S-1 registration statement with the U.S. SEC on Friday. The filing kicks off the review process, but to trigger a formal deadline for SEC approval or denial, the fund’s listing exchange must still submit a separate 19b-4 form. The proposed fund, called the iShares Ethereum Staking Trust (ETHB), was first hinted at in ...

Core Insights - U.S.-listed ETFs attracted $147.7 billion in November, marking a significant total despite being lower than October's record of $176 billion. Year-to-date inflows reached $1.27 trillion, setting an annual record with one month remaining [1] - The current pace suggests that net creations for 2025 could exceed $1.4 trillion [1] Inflows by Category - U.S. equity ETFs led the inflows with $73.6 billion, followed by U.S. fixed income ETFs at $33.1 billion, international equity ETFs at $24.6 billion, and international fixed income ETFs at $10.7 billion. Currency ETFs experienced outflows of $3.8 billion, primarily due to cryptocurrency funds [2] Market Performance - The S&P 500 experienced volatility, dropping 5.1% from peak to trough before recovering nearly all losses by month-end, finishing close to its starting point. The 10-year Treasury yield fluctuated, ending the month near 4.08% [3] Cryptocurrency Performance - Bitcoin and ether saw significant declines, with Bitcoin briefly falling to $80,000, approximately one-third below its October all-time high of $125,000 [4] Top Fund Performers - The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) led all ETFs with nearly $21 billion in inflows for November, achieving a year-to-date total of almost $125 billion, a new annual record for any ETF [5] - In fixed income, the iShares 0–3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (SGOV) and the iShares 7–10 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEF) were the top asset gatherers, attracting $5.5 billion and $4.7 billion, respectively. The iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) led international equity ETFs with $4.6 billion in inflows [6] Top Outflows - The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL), the iShares MBS ETF (MBB), and the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) experienced the largest outflows, with IBIT losing $2.4 billion and the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) shedding $1.1 billion [7]

Core Insights - The article provides an update on major cryptocurrencies, focusing on Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, highlighting their market performance and foundational differences [1] Bitcoin - Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency, launched in early 2009, and has become a mainstream financial asset despite its volatility [2] - Bitcoin's closing price has dropped to its lowest level since April, down approximately 2% year-to-date and about 25% below its record close from October 2025 [3] Ether - Ether, launched in July 2015 on the Ethereum blockchain, holds the second largest market share among cryptocurrencies [4] - Ether's closing price fell over 15% this week, reaching its lowest level in four months, with a year-to-date increase of around 7% and approximately 35% below its record close from August 2025 [4] XRP - XRP, owned by Ripple and launched in 2012, was once among the larger cryptocurrencies but has since been surpassed by newer coins [5] Comparative Analysis - An index has been created to compare Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, using a logarithmic scale to illustrate relative percentage changes and long-term growth since November 9, 2017, with Bitcoin currently leading [6] ETF Developments - On January 10, 2024, the SEC approved several spot Bitcoin ETFs from various issuers, including Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF and Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund [7] - On July 23, 2024, multiple spot Ether ETFs were launched, including Grayscale Ethereum Trust and Franklin Ethereum ETF [8]

Core Insights - The article provides an overview of major cryptocurrencies, focusing on Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, highlighting their foundational differences and market performance [1][2][6]. Bitcoin - Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency, launched in early 2009, and has become a mainstream financial asset despite its volatility [2]. - Bitcoin's closing price recently rebounded above $110,000 after a three-month low, showing a year-to-date increase of approximately 20% and is about 9% below its record close earlier this month [3]. Ether - Ether, launched in July 2015 on the Ethereum blockchain, is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market share [4]. - Ether's closing price has recently hovered near $4,000, with a year-to-date increase of around 19%, and is approximately 18% below its record close from August 2025 [4]. XRP - XRP, owned by Ripple and launched in 2012, was once among the larger cryptocurrencies but has seen increased competition from new coins [5]. Comparative Analysis - An index has been created to compare Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, using a logarithmic scale to illustrate relative percentage changes and long-term growth since November 9, 2017, with Bitcoin currently leading [6]. ETF Developments - On January 10, 2024, the SEC approved several spot Bitcoin ETFs from various issuers, including Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF and Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund [7]. - On July 23, 2024, multiple spot Ether ETFs were launched, including Grayscale Ethereum Trust and Franklin Ethereum ETF, providing new investment opportunities [8].

Group 1: Cryptocurrency Overview - Bitcoin and Ether are considered high-risk investments with foundational differences that investors should understand [1] - XRP is included as it was one of the largest cryptocurrencies when this series began [1] Group 2: Bitcoin Insights - Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency, launched in early 2009, and has become a mainstream financial asset [2] - Bitcoin's closing price fell over 10% from its all-time high last week but has recovered some losses, currently up approximately 20% year-to-date and about 9% below its record close from October 2025 [3] Group 3: Ether Insights - Ether operates on the Ethereum blockchain and was launched in July 2015, holding the second largest market share [4] - Ether's closing price briefly dipped below $4,000 this week, is up around 23% year-to-date, and is approximately 15% below its record close from August 2025 [4] Group 4: XRP Overview - XRP, owned by Ripple, was launched in 2012 and was one of the larger cryptocurrencies until newer coins entered the market [5] Group 5: Comparative Analysis - An index has been created to chart Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, using a logarithmic scale to illustrate relative percentage changes and long-term growth [6] - As of the time of writing, Bitcoin leads in price changes since November 9, 2017 [6] Group 6: ETF Developments - On January 10, 2024, the SEC approved several spot Bitcoin ETFs from various issuers, including Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF and Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund [7] - On July 23, 2024, multiple spot Ether ETFs were launched from issuers such as Grayscale Ethereum Trust and Franklin Ethereum ETF [8]

Core Insights - The article provides an update on major cryptocurrencies, focusing on Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, highlighting their market performance and foundational differences [1][2][3][4]. Bitcoin - Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency, reached a record high closing price of $124,000 this week, marking a year-to-date increase of approximately 29% [2]. - Bitcoin is characterized by its volatility but is also viewed as resilient in the market [2]. Ether - Ether, launched in July 2015 on the Ethereum blockchain, has the second largest market share and saw its price rise over 10% this week, reaching its highest level in three weeks [3]. - Year-to-date, Ether's price has increased by around 33% and is approximately 8% below its record close from August 2025 [3]. XRP - XRP, owned by Ripple and launched in 2012, was once among the larger cryptocurrencies but has since been surpassed by newer entrants [4]. Comparative Analysis - An index has been created to compare Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, utilizing a logarithmic scale to illustrate relative percentage changes and long-term growth since November 9, 2017 [5]. - Currently, Bitcoin leads in price changes among the three cryptocurrencies [5]. ETF Developments - On January 10, 2024, the SEC approved several spot Bitcoin ETFs from various issuers, including Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF and Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund [6]. - On July 23, 2024, multiple spot Ether ETFs were launched, including Grayscale Ethereum Trust and Franklin Ethereum ETF [7].

Core Insights - The article provides an update on major cryptocurrencies, focusing on Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, highlighting their market performance and foundational differences [1][3][5]. Bitcoin - Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency, launched in early 2009, and has become a mainstream financial asset despite its volatility [2]. - Bitcoin's closing price fell below $110,000 for the first time in nearly a month but finished Q3 with a year-to-date gain of approximately 21%, currently ~8% below its record close from August 2025 [3]. Ether - Ether operates on the Ethereum blockchain and was launched in July 2015, holding the second largest market share among cryptocurrencies [4]. - Ether's closing price fell below $4,000 for the first time since early August but ended Q3 with a 67% surge, resulting in a year-to-date gain of approximately 24%, now ~14% below its record close from August 2025 [5]. XRP - XRP, launched in 2012 and owned by Ripple, was once among the larger cryptocurrencies but has since faced competition from newer coins [6]. Comparative Analysis - An index has been created to compare Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, using a logarithmic scale to illustrate relative percentage changes and long-term growth since November 9, 2017, with Bitcoin currently leading [7]. ETF Developments - On January 10, 2024, the SEC approved several spot Bitcoin ETFs from various issuers, indicating a significant development in the cryptocurrency investment landscape [8]. - On July 23, 2024, multiple spot Ether ETFs were launched, further expanding investment options in the cryptocurrency market [9].

Core Viewpoint - Ethereum experienced an 11.3% decline since last Friday, impacting related assets like the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF and Wrapped Ethereum token [1][10] Price Movement Analysis - The price drop occurred in two phases: initial profit-taking at the end of the previous weekend followed by a disappointing inflation report released on Thursday [2][10] - The iShares Ethereum ETF and Wrapped Ethereum are designed to closely track Ethereum's price, resulting in identical declines for these assets [3][10] Macroeconomic Impact - The inflation report for August indicated higher-than-expected price increases, potentially leading to tighter fiscal policies and affecting interest rate cuts previously signaled by the Federal Reserve [5][6] - High interest rates on new debt typically deter institutional investors from risky investments, which has been a significant factor in Ethereum's growth since the launch of Ether-based ETFs in summer 2024 [6] Long-term Outlook - Despite recent corrections, Ethereum has nearly doubled in value over the past six months and is trading 174% above its 52-week lows from April [8][10] - Early signs of Web3 applications gaining traction could pave the way for broader Ethereum adoption in 2026 and beyond [9][10]

Market Overview - Ethereum's trading volume is experiencing significant growth, reaching a few hundred billion in daily trading volume, with $36 billion recorded in mid-July [1] - The current market cap of Ethereum stands at approximately $534 billion, with ETH recently hitting a new all-time high of $4,965 in August [3] - Institutional inflows from spot Ethereum ETFs and a resurgence in DeFi have revitalized the market, particularly after a slump to $1,796 in April [4][3] Institutional Involvement - Ethereum adoption is surging, driven by massive inflows from institutions, ETF products, and Web3-native companies [8] - Publicly traded companies now hold over 2.4 million ETH, valued at over $10 billion, with significant recent increases in holdings [32] - The top 10 Ethereum holders control around 83.9 million ETH, accounting for roughly 70% of the circulating supply, valued at over $300 billion [9][7] Major Holders and Their Roles - The Ethereum Beacon Deposit Contract holds approximately 68.2 million ETH, representing 56% of the total supply, actively staked to secure the network [12] - Coinbase holds around 6.9 million ETH, valued at $23.5 billion, serving as a gateway for mainstream finance [14] - Binance holds between 4.2 to 7.2 million ETH, contributing significantly to Ethereum's liquidity and infrastructure [16] ETF Landscape - Over 1.2 million ETH, roughly $4.1 billion, have flowed into spot ETH ETFs recently, surpassing Bitcoin inflows on multiple occasions [37] - BlackRock's iShares Ethereum Trust has become the dominant player among Ethereum ETFs, with $15.9 billion in net assets [39] - Grayscale's Ethereum Trust remains a major holder with $4.42 billion in net assets, despite experiencing outflows [40] Notable Individuals - Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, holds approximately 244,000 ETH, with total holdings estimated at around 280,908 ETH, valued at nearly $960 million [25] - Rain Lohmus, an early investor, has around 250,000 ETH locked in a wallet, currently worth about $850 million [27] - The Winklevoss twins are estimated to control between 150,000 and 200,000 ETH, valued at $510–$680 million [28]

Group 1: Cryptocurrency Overview - The article discusses major cryptocurrencies, specifically Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, highlighting their foundational differences and market positions [1][6]. - Bitcoin is recognized as the first cryptocurrency and has evolved into a mainstream financial asset since its inception in 2009 [2][3]. - Ether, launched in 2015, operates on the Ethereum blockchain and holds the second-largest market share among cryptocurrencies [4]. Group 2: Price Performance - Bitcoin's closing price has increased, reaching its highest level in four weeks, with a year-to-date increase of approximately 23% and is about 6% below its record close from August 2025 [3]. - Ether's closing price rose over 5% in the past week, now close to $4,600, with a year-to-date increase of around 37% and is approximately 5% below its record close from August 2025 [4]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - An index has been created to compare Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, using a logarithmic scale to illustrate relative percentage changes and long-term growth since November 9, 2017, with Bitcoin currently leading [6]. - XRP, launched in 2012 by Ripple, was once among the larger cryptocurrencies but has seen its position affected by the emergence of new coins [5]. Group 4: ETF Developments - On January 10, 2024, the SEC approved several spot Bitcoin ETFs from various issuers, including Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF and Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund [7]. - On July 23, 2024, multiple spot Ether ETFs were launched, including Grayscale Ethereum Trust and Franklin Ethereum ETF, providing new investment opportunities in the Ether market [8].