Ether ETF inflows hit record $2.9B as crypto funds surge

Global cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs) recorded one of their strongest weeks to date, driven overwhelmingly by Ether ETF inflows. According to data from European asset manager CoinShares, crypto investment products attracted $3.75 billion in net inflows during the week ending Friday, with Ether ETFs accounting for $2.9 billion — nearly 80% of the total.

The record-setting Ether ETF inflows came as Ether (ETH) approached its all-time high of $4,700, according to CoinGecko data. Analysts say the surge signals shifting investor preference toward Ethereum over Bitcoin, despite Bitcoin reaching a fresh high above $124,000 last week.

“Ether ETF inflows have been nothing short of historic, showing that institutional demand for Ethereum exposure is accelerating,” — Eric Balchunas, ETF analyst, Bloomberg.

Bitcoin lags behind Ether despite record prices

While Bitcoin ETFs did benefit from bullish market momentum, their inflows remained modest compared to Ethereum products. Bitcoin ETFs attracted $552 million, or roughly 15% of the week’s total inflows, despite BTC crossing the $124,000 threshold on Wednesday.

By contrast, Ether ETF inflows surged to $2.9 billion, confirming Ethereum’s strengthening role in institutional portfolios. Other altcoins also drew attention: Solana (SOL) recorded $176.5 million in inflows, while XRP drew $125.9 million. Litecoin (LTC) and Toncoin (TON), however, posted small outflows of $0.4 million and $1 million, respectively.

“Ether ETF inflows demonstrate that investors see Ethereum as more than just a Bitcoin alternative — it’s now viewed as a core crypto asset in its own right,” — Nate Geraci, President, ETF Store.

Record-breaking trading volumes for crypto ETF

The surge in Ether ETF inflows coincided with unprecedented trading activity across crypto ETFs. According to Bloomberg’s Balchunas, spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs combined for $40 billion in trading volume in just four days — the highest on record.

Of that figure, Ether ETFs contributed approximately $17 billion in weekly volume, setting a new industry benchmark. The sharp rise in demand further challenges earlier skepticism about investor appetite for Ethereum-based investment vehicles.

“Wonder if there are any ‘no demand’ naysayers still out there,” Geraci added, pointing to the “obliteration” of previous Ether ETF trading records.

Outlook: Ethereum’s institutional momentum grows

The data suggest that Ether ETF inflows are reshaping the balance of crypto fund investments, with Ethereum gaining traction as a long-term institutional play. Market observers argue that the record-setting week underscores a fundamental shift in investor sentiment, positioning Ethereum alongside — if not ahead of — Bitcoin in terms of inflows and demand.

Although investor sentiment cooled slightly by Friday, with both Bitcoin and Ether ETFs experiencing outflows, the week as a whole cemented Ethereum’s rising dominance in global crypto markets.

For crypto investors, the message is clear: Ether ETF inflows are becoming a central driver of overall market momentum, and the scale of recent demand suggests Ethereum’s role in institutional portfolios is only set to expand.