Ethereum News Today: BlackRock's ETHA Surges to $10B in 251 Days, Third-Fastest ETF

BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) has become the third-fastest exchange-traded fund (ETF) in U.S. history to amass $10 billion in assets under management (AUM), a feat achieved just 251 days after its launch in early 2024. The milestone underscores the rapid adoption of Ethereum-backed products, with ETHA outpacing nearly all traditional ETF categories and solidifying its place alongside two Bitcoin-focused funds—the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC)—as the fastest-growing ETFs ever recorded [1]. The surge from $5 billion to $10 billion occurred in a mere 10 days, a pace Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas described as “the ETF equivalent of a God candle,” highlighting its unprecedented inflow momentum [2]. ETHA’s performance also placed it among the top five in ETF inflows for both one-week and one-month periods.

The growth trajectory of ETHA reflects a broader shift in investor preferences toward Ethereum products. While Bitcoin ETFs dominated early 2025 with a 12-day inflow streak, Ethereum ETFs have since outpaced their Bitcoin counterparts, recording $4.7 billion in monthly inflows. On July 17 alone, Ethereum ETFs saw $602 million in net inflows, exceeding Bitcoin ETFs’ $523 million on the same day [4]. Analysts attribute this trend to Ethereum’s proof-of-stake architecture and its role in decentralized finance (DeFi), which are increasingly viewed as long-term value drivers [5]. BlackRock’s ETHA, with a 0.25% fee structure, has also benefited from institutional demand and the firm’s market credibility, though it remains behind Bitcoin ETFs in cumulative inflows [6].

The rapid approval and adoption of ETHA—launched alongside seven other spot Ethereum ETFs after SEC clearance—highlight the maturing regulatory and market infrastructure for digital assets. BlackRock’s application to enable staking within ETHA, pending further regulatory clarity, could further enhance its appeal by generating yield from locked Ethereum holdings. A recent SEC ruling classifying staking rewards as income rather than securities has paved the way for such innovations, potentially unlocking new avenues for institutional capital [3].

While ETHA’s 251-day timeline is remarkable, it trails significantly behind the 34-day record set by Bitcoin ETFs, which continue to dominate the sector. JPMorgan’s Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPQ), the fourth-fastest ETF to hit $10 billion, took 444 days, underscoring the accelerated pace of crypto ETFs [3]. The contrast between Bitcoin’s explosive growth and Ethereum’s more gradual ascent reflects divergent investor perceptions: Bitcoin remains the anchor of the crypto market, while Ethereum’s potential for innovation and yield generation attracts a growing segment of institutional capital [6].

The success of ETHA adds to a narrative of crypto’s integration into mainstream finance. With Ethereum ETFs now serving as critical conduits for institutional investment, the sector’s growth is likely to remain closely tied to broader market dynamics. As of mid-2025, Ethereum ETFs have outperformed Bitcoin ETFs in recent inflow metrics, signaling a shift in investor sentiment toward altcoins with clear utility and yield potential. However, regulatory scrutiny and price volatility could temper future momentum, particularly as the market navigates the balance between innovation and oversight [7].

Source:

[1] [BlackRock's Spot Ethereum ETF Hits $10B, Third Fastest](https://cointelegraph.com/news/blackrock-spot-ether-etf-third-fastest-10-billion-assets)

[2] [BlackRock's Ethereum ETF Surges to $10.09B in 251 Days](https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-blackrock-ethereum-etf-surges-10-09b-251-days-fastest-history-2507/)

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

[4] [Record Ether ETF inflows as Bitcoin ETFs slow down](https://cointelegraph.com/news/blackrock-spot-ether-etf-third-fastest-10-billion-assets)

[5] [BlackRock's Ethereum ETF Roars to $10B, A Crypto First](https://www.tipranks.com/news/blackrocks-ethereum-etf-roars-to-10b-a-crypto-first)

[6] [BlackRock's Ethereum ETF Hits $10B in Assets](https://coincentral.com/blackrock-ethereum-etf-grows-rapidly-with-5b-inflows-in-10-days/)

[7] [BlackRock's Ethereum ETF Becomes Third-Fastest to Reach $10B](https://cryptonews.com/news/blackrocks-10b-etha-ethereum-etf-shatters-record-5b-to-10b-in-just-10-days/)