Ethereum News Today: Coinbase Unites Tech Giants and Crypto in One Bold Futures Contract

Coinbase Derivatives is set to launch Mag7 + Crypto Equity Index Futures on September 22, offering investors a novel financial instrument that combines exposure to major U.S. technology stocks and cryptocurrency ETFs in a single product. This derivative will mark the first U.S.-listed futures contract to integrate traditional equities and digital assets, aligning with the company’s strategy to expand into multi-asset derivatives [1]. The index will be composed of ten equally weighted components, including the so-called "Magnificent 7" stocks—Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, Meta, and Tesla—Coinbase’s own stock, and two crypto ETFs: iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) [2].

The index will be managed by MarketVector, which has a history of creating crypto and thematic indexes, and will undergo quarterly rebalancing to maintain equal weighting across all components [2]. Each futures contract will represent $1 multiplied by the index level, with a notional value of $3,000 for an index level of $3,000 [1]. The product is intended to provide investors with a diversified, capital-efficient tool that enables thematic exposure to innovation and growth sectors while offering a framework for managing multi-asset risk [1].

Coinbase Derivatives highlights the growing demand for products that bridge traditional finance and the crypto markets, with the new futures contract designed to meet that need [2]. The launch comes as investor interest in crossover assets is on the rise, and the company plans to expand availability of the contracts to retail users in the near future [2]. This move is expected to enhance access to both sides of the innovation economy, offering exposure to both Silicon Valley tech leaders and blockchain-native assets [1].

Meanwhile, Ethereum's active addresses reached 19.45 million in August 2025, the highest level since 2021 [3]. This uptick in user activity coincided with a resurgence in non-fungible token (NFT) transactions, with sales reaching $285.6 million last month and over 1.5 million transactions [3]. Ethereum has also surpassed Solana in NFT user count since June, potentially due to the presence of projects like Pudgy Penguins on Ethereum-based Layer-2 networks [3]. The growth in Ethereum activity indicates increasing engagement with decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi, and NFTs, signaling broader adoption and utility beyond speculative trading [3].

The renewed interest in Ethereum also coincides with the platform’s decision to decommission its Holesky testnet following technical issues and the introduction of the new Hoodi testnet in March 2025 [4]. This transition reflects Ethereum’s ongoing commitment to improving its infrastructure and supporting future upgrades [4].

In other financial news, UK long-term borrowing costs hit a 27-year high as the yield on 30-year gilts rose to 5.72%, fueled by concerns over public finances and speculation that new tax measures will be introduced in the autumn budget [5]. The pound also weakened, falling more than one and a half cents against the U.S. dollar to $1.338, marking one of its worst days since early April [5]. Analysts attributed the bond market selloff to uncertainty around the government’s economic strategy and the potential for increased fiscal pressure [5]. The UK managed to sell over £14 billion in new debt, but at the highest cost since 2008 [5].

Source:

[1] Coming September 22: Mag7 + Crypto Equity Index Futures (https://www.coinbase.com/blog/coming-september-22-mag7-crypto-equity-index-futures)

[2] Coinbase Equity Futures to Blend Mag 7 Tech Stocks with Crypto ETFs (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/09/02/new-coinbase-futures-blend-mag-7-tech-stocks-with-crypto-etfs)

[3] Ethereum reaches 19.45M active addresses in August (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1089283-20250902)

[4] Ethereum Prepares Holesky Shutdown as Active Addresses Reach 2021 Levels (https://coingape.com/ethereum-prepares-holesky-shutdown-as-active-addresses-reach-2021-levels/)

[5] UK Long-Term Borrowing Costs Hit 27-Year High, and Pound Slides (https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2025/sep/02/uk-long-term-borrowing-costs-27-year-high-gold-silver-inflation-business-live-news-updates)