Ethereum News Today: BlackRock’s ETHA hits $10B AUM, third-fastest U.S. ETF driven by Ethereum demand

BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) has crossed $10 billion in assets under management (AUM) within a year of its launch, marking a pivotal milestone in the cryptocurrency ETF market. This achievement positions ETHA as the third-fastest ETF in U.S. history to reach the $10 billion threshold, trailing only two Bitcoin-focused funds, and underscores the growing institutional and retail appetite for Ethereum-based products [1]. The fund’s rapid ascent has been fueled by sustained inflows, with Ethereum ETFs collectively recording $4.7 billion in monthly inflows, including a notable $602 million net inflow on July 17, 2025—surpassing Bitcoin ETFs’ $523 million on the same day [3].

The pace of growth has been extraordinary, with Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noting that ETHA doubled its AUM from $5 billion to $10 billion in just 10 days, driven by strong institutional demand and inflow momentum [3]. This momentum aligns with Ethereum’s strategic shift to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism and its expanding role in decentralized finance (DeFi), which have enhanced its utility beyond Bitcoin’s traditional store-of-value narrative. The fund’s performance highlights Ethereum’s appeal as a scalable, energy-efficient asset, addressing growing investor interest in ESG-aligned crypto exposure [4].

BlackRock’s decision to file for ETHA in November 2023 and partner with Coinbase Prime as custodian has positioned the ETF for continued growth. The fund charges a 0.25% sponsor fee and tracks Ether’s market price minus expenses, offering a cost-effective entry point for institutional investors. Regulatory developments have further bolstered its attractiveness: the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s recent clarification that staking rewards constitute income rather than securities has paved the way for potential staking applications within ETHA. BlackRock has already submitted filings to enable staking, a feature that could generate yield for investors and differentiate the fund from Bitcoin ETFs, which currently lack such capabilities [5].

While Bitcoin ETFs remain dominant in cumulative inflows, Ethereum ETFs have outperformed them in daily flows on multiple occasions, signaling a diversification trend in crypto portfolios. The proof-of-stake model’s reduced energy consumption and the potential for staking rewards present a compelling value proposition for investors seeking alternative income streams. This dynamic has accelerated Ethereum ETF adoption, particularly among investors allocating portions of their portfolios to regulated crypto vehicles [6].

The fund’s trajectory, however, raises questions about sustainability amid macroeconomic volatility. Ethereum’s price has experienced fluctuations in recent weeks, reflecting broader market uncertainties. Analysts caution that ETHA’s continued success will depend on regulatory clarity, Ethereum’s fundamental performance, and macroeconomic conditions. Despite these challenges, the fund’s rapid growth underscores the maturation of crypto investing and the increasing integration of digital assets into traditional financial infrastructure [7].

Sources:

[1] [BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF Rockets to $10B, Third-Fastest](https://decrypt.co/331582/blackrocks-ethereum-etf-rockets-10b-third-fastest-history)

[2] [Dow Jones Declines, Tesla Stock Plummets Post Earnings](https://m.economictimes.com/crypto-news-today-live-24-jul-2025/liveblog/122865756.cms)

[3] [Crypto Market Retreats Amid Record Liquidity and Signs of...](https://decrypt.co/331773/crypto-market-retreats-amid-record-liquidity-froth)

[4] [BitKE – Reporting on Fintech, Crypto, and Blockchain Activity...](https://bitcoinke.io/)

[5] [BlackRock’s ETH ETF becomes third-fastest ETF to hit $10B](https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-985237-20250725)

[6] [Dow Jones Rises 400 Points After Trade Deal](https://m.economictimes.com/crypto-news-today-live-23-jul-2025/liveblog/122843865.cms)

[7] [BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) has surged to $10 billion in AUM](https://en.coinotag.com/blackrocks-ishares-ethereum-trust-could-reach-10-billion-aum-amid-rapid-etf-inflows-and-growing-investor-interest/)