Ethereum News Today: Institutional Buying Drives Ether 8.5% Higher Toward Record High

Ether surged close to its all-time high of $4,861 on Wednesday amid a wave of corporate buying, driven by strategic purchases from major institutional investors. The price climbed as much as 8.5% to reach $4,683, bringing it within striking distance of the November 2021 peak [1]. This renewed interest in Ether mirrors a Bitcoin buying strategy popularized by MicroStrategy, which has been one of the most aggressive corporate buyers in the crypto space over the past two years [1].

Several U.S.-listed companies have followed suit, announcing plans to expand their Ether holdings. Bitmine Immersion Technologies Inc (NYSE: BMNR), the world's largest corporate Ether holder, disclosed it holds over 1.15 million tokens valued at $4.9 billion [1]. The company also revealed plans to raise $24.5 billion, most of which will be used to purchase Bitcoin, indicating a strategic shift toward digital asset reserves [1].

Sharplink Gaming Ltd (NASDAQ: SBET), an Ether treasury firm, announced it had raised $400 million to acquire more Ether and disclosed a holding of approximately 598,800 tokens [1]. In another high-profile move, billionaire investor Peter Thiel disclosed a 7.5% stake in 180 Life Sciences Corp (NASDAQ: ATNF), which is rebranding as ETHZilla. Thiel’s investment and the company’s Ether holdings of around 82,186 tokens sparked a more than threefold jump in the firm’s stock price [1].

The corporate buying spree has significantly boosted Ethereum’s price performance. In 2025 alone, Ether has gained 39.4%, outpacing Bitcoin’s 27.9% gain [1]. This outperformance is attributed to a combination of macroeconomic factors and structural developments in Ethereum’s network, including ongoing improvements in scalability and increased use in DeFi and smart contract applications [1].

Market analysts highlight the growing legitimacy of digital assets, as more institutional investors adopt crypto as part of their diversified portfolios. The buying activity has also led to higher trading volumes and increased demand for Ethereum-based products and services [1]. While Bitcoin has remained relatively stable near $119,300, the broader crypto market has benefited from the renewed confidence and capital inflows [1].

The shift in institutional sentiment is evident, with many large financial entities reducing selling pressure and expressing bullish expectations. Analysts suggest that if the trend continues and regulatory clarity improves, Ether could potentially surpass its previous high [1]. However, they caution that external factors, such as regulatory changes or macroeconomic shifts, could impact the market’s trajectory [1].

Overall, the buying frenzy and Ether’s near record high reflect a maturing crypto market where institutional players are playing a more prominent role. The sustained demand underscores Ethereum’s position not just as a speculative asset, but as a foundational element of the decentralized financial ecosystem [1].

Source:

[1] Ether price near $4861 record high amid flurry of corporate buying – (https://www.investing.com/news/cryptocurrency-news/ether-price-near-4861-record-high-amid-flurry-of-corporate-buying-4187165)

[2] Ethereum Price | Ethereum (ETH) Coin Value – (https://www.investing.com/crypto/ethereum)