Bitcoin News Today: Ethereum ETFs Surge 250% in Inflows Outpacing Bitcoin Amid Dencun Upgrades Optimism

Ether ETFs closed the week with a record $453 million in net inflows on July 26, extending Ethereum’s streak of positive flows to 16 consecutive sessions, according to reports. This outpaced Bitcoin ETFs, which added $131 million during the same period. The surge underscores growing institutional and retail confidence in Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, as investors shift focus toward blockchain applications beyond traditional store-of-value speculation [1][2].

BlackRock’s ETHA led the inflow with $440.10 million, overshadowing a $23.49 million outflow from Grayscale’s ETHE. Other Ethereum ETFs, including Grayscale’s Ether Mini Trust ($18.87 million) and Bitwise’s ETHW ($9.95 million), also contributed to the momentum. The total traded value reached $1.50 billion, pushing Ethereum ETFs’ net assets to $20.66 billion [1].

Bitcoin ETFs saw mixed results. BlackRock’s IBIT led inflows with $92.83 million, followed by Ark 21Shares’ ARKB ($30.27 million) and Bitwise’s BITB ($20.96 million). However, a $50.50 million outflow from Grayscale’s GBTC partially offset gains. Total trading activity hit $4.45 billion, with Bitcoin ETF net assets remaining steady at $151.45 billion [1].

The disparity in performance highlights diverging investor preferences. Ethereum’s inflows surged 250% compared to Bitcoin’s previous week, driven by anticipation of upgrades like the Dencun network improvements, which aim to reduce gas fees and enhance scalability. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s dominance index dropped below 45%, a level not seen since late 2023, as Ethereum’s utility-driven narrative gains traction [1][2].

Institutional adoption is accelerating, with pension funds and hedge funds increasingly treating Ethereum as a tactical asset. This shift aligns with Ethereum’s EIP-4844 upgrade, scheduled for late 2025, expected to cut transaction costs by up to 90% [2]. Retail and speculative selling pressure in July was partially absorbed by ETF inflows, helping Ethereum outperform Bitcoin during a market correction [1].

Analysts caution that while Ethereum’s ETF outperformance signals short-term optimism, Bitcoin’s long-term dominance remains uncertain. Regulatory risks, including the SEC’s July probe into ETF compliance, and macroeconomic factors like August’s U.S. nonfarm payroll report could influence investor behavior [1].

The $453 million surge marks the largest single-day inflow for Ethereum ETFs since their launch, drawing comparisons to 2021’s bull run. However, the current regulatory environment is more structured, with the SEC approving Ethereum ETFs under a revised framework [2].

Sources: [1] [Ether ETFs Close Week With $453 Million Surge as Bitcoin ETFs Add $131 Million] (https://news.bitcoin.com/ether-etfs-close-week-with-453-million-surge-as-bitcoin-etfs-add-131-million/)

[2] [Is Altcoin Season Here? Index Breaks 45 As BTC Dominance Falls] (https://themarketperiodical.com/2025/07/27/is-altcoin-season-here-index-breaks-45-as-btc-dominance-falls/)

[3] [Ethereum ETFs Massively Outpace Bitcoin Funds—Why ETH Demand Is Surging] (https://www.google.com/finance/quote/BTC-PLN?hl=pl)