Ethereum News Today: Ethereum Surpasses Bitcoin as Investors Bet on Programmable Blockchain Future

Ethereum’s native cryptocurrency, ether (ETH), reached a new all-time high of $4,945.60 on August 24, 2025, surpassing its previous record of $4,878, which had stood since November 2021. The surge came as institutional investors and digital asset treasury companies increasingly turned to ether, with several firms mirroring the investment strategy of Michael Saylor’s company, which has been buying ether and bitcoin aggressively over the past several years. Companies like SharpLink Gaming (SBET), BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR), and EthZilla (ETHZ) have added ether to their portfolios, helping to push demand higher [1].

The price increase has also been supported by the rising interest in ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which have drawn attention from investors seeking exposure to the broader crypto market. This shift has been coupled with a general sense of bullish sentiment in the market, with analysts noting an improvement in investor confidence. James Butterfill, head of research at CoinShares, highlighted that the growing adoption of Ethereum in stablecoin transactions—potentially accelerated by the proposed GENIUS Act—could further boost the network’s utility and value [1].

Ethereum’s economic design is also contributing to its performance, as the network has traditionally seen neutral or even negative net issuance of new coins. This helps to constrain supply while demand continues to rise, supporting upward price pressure. Unlike Bitcoin, which functions primarily as a digital store of value, Ethereum is designed as a programmable blockchain with a focus on smart contracts. These self-executing contracts have made Ethereum a preferred platform for decentralized finance (DeFi) and other blockchain-based services, particularly in high-value applications such as financial transactions where trust and transparency are paramount [1].

The platform, launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a team of collaborators, was built to redefine the internet through decentralized systems. Ethereum operates differently from traditional online platforms in that users pay the network to execute computations, making it well-suited for services requiring strong alignment between user and provider interests. Butterfill noted that Ethereum’s complexity and versatility set it apart from Bitcoin, which reimagines money, whereas Ethereum reimagines the internet itself [1].

Looking ahead, market sentiment remains optimistic. Butterfill stated that there is significant potential for further upside in ether’s price. Additionally, prediction markets indicate that Ethereum could still reach $5,000 despite a recent 10% pullback, according to market data. Analysts believe the combination of growing institutional demand, regulatory developments, and Ethereum’s expanding role in the digital economy could continue to drive long-term value [1].

Source: [1] Ether, the cryptocurrency that powers the world's second-most valuable blockchain, Ethereum, has broken its previous all-time high from late 2021 (https://www.axios.com/2025/08/24/ether-all-time-high)