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Ethereum (ETH) has reached its highest price in nearly three years, peaking at $4,089 on Thursday, December 6, fuelled by unprecedented ETH ETF inflows. Institutional enthusiasm for Ethereum Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) hit a fever pitch, recording a monumental $752.9 million in weekly net inflows, the largest since the introduction of these funds in July.
The record-breaking ETH ETF inflows were spearheaded by BlackRock’s ETHA fund, followed closely by Fidelity’s FETH offering. Notably, December 5 alone saw a staggering $428.4 million flood into US Ethereum ETFs, marking the single-largest daily inflow to date.
“This milestone signals a profound shift in institutional confidence towards Ethereum and the broader crypto ecosystem,” noted Michael Sonnenshein, CEO of Grayscale, during an interview with Bloomberg. “Ethereum’s diverse applications in DeFi, gaming, and NFTs are solidifying its status as a cornerstone asset for serious investors.”
Such robust inflows have also propelled Ethereum’s Fear and Greed Index into “greed” territory, currently at 65, reflecting a surge in market optimism.
US Ethereum ETFs had a tepid start compared to their Bitcoin counterparts. In their initial months, the funds experienced more outflows than inflows. However, the tide began turning in November, with monthly inflows surpassing $1 billion—a testament to growing institutional interest.
“ETH ETF inflows have catalysed Ethereum’s resurgence, solidifying its role as a preferred choice for institutional investors diversifying into digital assets,” commented Katherine Wu, a crypto analyst at Notation Capital.
As of December, nine Ethereum ETFs collectively hold $12.5 billion in assets under management, representing approximately 2.7% of Ethereum’s circulating supply.
Institutional adoption reached a significant milestone as the State of Michigan Retirement System (SMRS) became the first US state pension fund to invest in an Ethereum ETF. The pension fund now holds 460,000 Grayscale Ethereum shares and 110,000 ARK Bitcoin ETF shares, reflecting a diversified crypto investment strategy.
“Public pension funds are embracing digital assets as part of long-term portfolio diversification,” said Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, in a recent webcast. “The arrival of ETH ETF inflows from state-level institutions underscores Ethereum’s maturing appeal as an investable asset.”
The success of ETH ETF inflows is not just a win for Ethereum but also signals the maturing of the broader cryptocurrency ETF market. Rival altcoins are now entering the race, with firms like VanEck, Grayscale, and 21Shares filing for Solana ETFs. Meanwhile, Bitwise and WisdomTree are seeking approval for XRP ETFs, a move indicative of growing regulatory openness.
“The evolution of crypto ETFs, especially with the rise in ETH ETF inflows, could set the stage for mainstream adoption of digital assets,” opined Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest. “Regulators seem more inclined towards supporting innovation, which bodes well for the entire crypto ecosystem.”
Ethereum’s recent performance, bolstered by record-breaking ETH ETF inflows, demonstrates the asset’s resilience and institutional appeal. As regulatory landscapes shift to accommodate the growing demand for crypto ETFs, experts anticipate further expansion in the sector.
Moreover, with leading firms such as BlackRock and Fidelity driving the ETH ETF inflows, the future appears bright for Ethereum and its role within the digital asset investment landscape. As the year draws to a close, Ethereum’s bullish momentum continues to shape the narrative of crypto’s mainstream adoption.
