Ethereum News Today: Ethereum Surges Past $4,000 on ETF Inflows and Staking Yields XRP Rises 11.4% After SEC Legal Case Ends

Ethereum (ETH) has recently surged beyond $4,000, reaching its highest level since December 2024, driven by strong ETF inflows, corporate adoption, and robust market momentum [1]. The coin has benefited from a net inflow of $461 million in its spot ETFs over four consecutive days, with BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF (ETHA) leading the inflow with $255 million [2]. This suggests growing institutional confidence in the asset, particularly as Ethereum’s staking capabilities offer an annual yield of 4–5%, making it an attractive option for investors seeking both growth and passive returns [1].

On the XRP front, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially ended its legal battle with Ripple, leading to a renewed wave of investor interest and a 11.4% price increase in a single day [4]. This legal clarity has sparked speculation about potential XRP ETF approval, with some analysts noting that such a move could help close the current “ETF gap” between XRP and Ethereum [5]. Grayscale has already filed a spot XRP Trust with the SEC, reigniting debate over the possibility of regulatory approval. If granted, this could significantly boost demand for XRP, especially as it remains one of the top-10 cryptocurrencies that has not yet retested its previous highs [1].

Both cryptocurrencies are in a race to reach new all-time highs (ATHs) in the wake of recent ETF launches. While Ethereum has shown strong institutional support and broader awareness, XRP’s potential lies in its ability to gain rapid exposure once legal and regulatory hurdles are cleared [1]. Ethereum is currently approaching key resistance levels, while XRP demonstrates short-term volatility, indicating that the competition between the two could intensify in the coming months.

Institutional investment further supports Ethereum’s momentum. Harvard University’s endowment fund, for example, invested approximately $116 million in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF, surpassing its investment in Alphabet, while Ethereum spot ETFs have seen significant cumulative inflows [2]. BlackRock has not yet filed an XRP ETF application, although others, including ProShares and 21Shares, are reportedly in the process of submitting their proposals to the SEC [7].

Analysts remain divided on which asset will reach its ATH first. Some point to XRP’s legal clarity as a unique advantage, particularly for investors seeking an alternative to Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs [5]. However, Ethereum’s broader institutional adoption and well-established staking ecosystem give it a structural edge. The outcome of the race may ultimately depend on regulatory timing, with both XRP and Ethereum positioned to benefit from ETF-related catalysts in Q3 or Q4 [1].

As the market continues to evolve, both XRP and Ethereum face competition from other altcoins, including Dogecoin and Solana, which have also seen significant price gains [3]. Nevertheless, the focus remains on Ethereum and XRP, with investors closely monitoring key price levels and regulatory developments for potential breakthroughs [6].

[1] Ethereum hits $4000, its highest level since December 2024, Crypto (https://cryptobriefing.com/ethereum-price-surge-institutional-inflows/)

[2] Ethereum Price, ETH Price, Live Charts, and Marketcap, Coinbase (https://www.coinbase.com/price/ethereum)

[3] Best Crypto to Buy Now as Altcoin Prices Soar: XRP, ..., CoinCentral (https://coincentral.com/best-crypto-to-buy-now-as-altcoin-prices-soar-xrp-dogecoin-snorter/)

[5] Original cast joins Johnny Vegas for Ideal play, AOL.com (https://www.aol.com/original-cast-joins-johnny-vegas-083047220.html)

[6] Northwest Regional: Bandits continue to roll with an 11-2 ..., AOL.com (https://www.aol.com/northwest-regional-bandits-continue-roll-053156995.html)

[7] BlackRock: No plans to submit XRP or SOL ETF at this time, Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/119537788704696/posts/172****684777357/)