Ethereum News Today: BlackRock's Ethereum ETF Drives $3 Billion Inflows as Price Nears 2021 High

BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum ETF has seen a sharp surge in inflows, with over $857 million entering the fund in late July and early August 2025, according to Farside Investors data. Despite a net weekly outflow of $59 million across all crypto funds, the asset manager’s Ethereum exposure has grown significantly. The iShares Ethereum ETF alone recorded $519 million in inflows on August 14, followed by an additional $338 million on August 15. By the end of July, BlackRock had acquired $11.4 billion worth of ETH, indicating that institutional buyers may be taking a long-term position in the asset [1].

This buying activity has coincided with strong demand for Ethereum ETFs more broadly. Over the first half of August, Ethereum ETFs recorded total inflows exceeding $3 billion, with net inflows reaching $2.85 billion in the week of August 14. On that day alone, the funds attracted $1.01 billion in net inflows, the largest single-day figure on record. These figures suggest growing mainstream acceptance of Ethereum as a financial asset, with traditional investors seeking exposure to the cryptocurrency through regulated and liquid investment vehicles [2].

Ethereum’s price has responded to the increased institutional demand, trading near its 2021 all-time high of $4,891. As of late July 2025, ETH was trading above $4,414, with gains of 1% at press time. The price has come within 3% of its peak, having briefly dipped earlier in the week after a large Ethereum holder sold a portion of their holdings. However, continued ETF inflows and corporate buying have since offset that pressure and pushed the price higher [3].

Standard Chartered Bank has raised its Ethereum price target to $7,500 for year-end 2025, doubling from its previous $4,000 forecast. The bank has also increased its long-term price target for 2028 from $7,500 to $25,000. This upward revision is largely attributed to growing corporate accumulation of Ethereum, with firms collectively planning to add $30.4 billion in ETH reserves. Bitmine is expected to lead these purchases, with $22 billion allocated—nearly 5% of the total supply—indicating a structural shift in market dynamics [4].

BlackRock’s actions reflect a broader trend of institutional adoption in the crypto market. As one of the largest asset managers globally, its increased Ethereum exposure signals a level of confidence in the asset’s utility and long-term value. This move could encourage other institutional investors to follow suit, potentially increasing liquidity and reducing volatility, which have historically deterred traditional investors.

The ongoing momentum in Ethereum ETFs and price action underscores the cryptocurrency’s evolving role in the financial ecosystem. With strong demand from both retail and institutional investors, Ethereum appears to be gaining recognition as a legitimate asset class, capable of coexisting with traditional financial instruments. If this trend continues, Ethereum could soon test its previous all-time high and potentially establish a new price ceiling in the coming months [1].

[1] Farside Investors. (2025). BlackRock Ramps Up Ethereum Exposure, Price Nears 2021 High. https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68a0dd36f0e5e9519e5e0d75/

[2] Eric Balchunas. (2025). Ethereum ETFs Record Historic Demand. https://twitter.com/EricBalchunas/status/1956468562035450100

[4] DeItaone. (2025). Standard Chartered Raises Ethereum Target to $7,500. https://twitter.com/DeItaone/status/1955558294271270973