Ethereum News Today: Spot Ether ETFs hit $16.5B AUM after 1-year surge driven by $8.7B inflows

Spot Ether ETFs have reached a significant milestone one year after their launch in the U.S. market, with cumulative net inflows of nearly $8.7 billion and assets under management (AUM) surpassing $16.5 billion. This growth underscores persistent investor demand for Ethereum-based products despite the cryptocurrency’s price volatility, which saw Ether fluctuate between $1,500 and $4,000 over the past year. The inflow momentum has been particularly pronounced in recent weeks, with 14 consecutive days of positive flows—the longest streak on record—culminating in a $726.6 million single-day inflow on July 16, 2025 [1].

BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) has dominated the sector, securing $8.9 billion in net inflows and counterbalancing the $4.3 billion outflows from Grayscale’s Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE) [2]. Industry experts attribute ETHA’s success to BlackRock’s institutional credibility and its ability to maintain pricing closer to net asset value compared to competitors. Nate Geraci of NovaDius Wealth Management noted that the fund’s performance highlights a broader shift in investor preference toward ETFs with transparent structures and strong liquidity [3].

Recent inflow trends further reinforce Ethereum’s growing appeal as a regulated investment vehicle. Over the past month, U.S. spot Ether ETFs recorded cumulative inflows exceeding $4 billion, with a notable $332.81 million net inflow on July 23, coinciding with the anniversary [4]. These figures reflect a strategic embrace of Ethereum by institutional and retail investors seeking exposure to its decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem without the complexities of direct asset custody. Bitwise Asset Management’s Chief Investment Officer emphasized that the rally was driven by “classic institutional demand,” citing Ethereum’s role as a collateral asset and its foundational position in Web3 infrastructure [5].

Looking ahead, the potential integration of staking rewards into Ether ETFs has emerged as a key area of innovation. Industry players are closely monitoring developments from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which is reportedly evaluating approvals for staking-enabled ETFs. Such products would allow investors to earn passive income by participating in Ethereum’s network validation process, a feature currently absent in most spot offerings [6]. This shift mirrors the success of Solana’s first staking-enabled ETF and aligns with growing demand for yield-generating crypto assets. Analysts suggest that regulatory clarity on staking mechanisms could further broaden the investor base for Ether ETFs [7].

The expanding ETF landscape also includes new filings for Solana and XRP-based products, signaling a broader acceptance of crypto assets as viable investment vehicles. However, Ether ETFs have set a benchmark, with inflows exceeding $7 billion since mid-2024 [8]. Regulators are reportedly reviewing the implications of these funds on market stability and investor protection, adding another layer of scrutiny to future product developments [9].

The resilience of Ether ETFs underscores Ethereum’s dual role as both a store of value and a platform for innovation. As the network undergoes technical upgrades, including proposed adjustments to gas limits, stakeholders are monitoring whether the recent inflow trends will stabilize or accelerate. For now, the data reflects a maturing market where institutional-grade crypto products are increasingly viewed as complements to traditional asset classes.

Sources:

[1] [Spot Ether ETFs See $533M Inflows, Extend Streak to 13 Sessions](https://coincentral.com/spot-ether-etfs-see-533m-inflows-extend-streak-to-13-sessions/)

[2] [Spot Ether ETFs Mark One Year With Strong Inflows and Potential for Staking Integration July 24, 2025](https://en.coinotag.com/spot-ether-etfs-mark-one-year-with-strong-inflows-and-potential-for-staking-integration/)

[3] [Bitwise CIO: Ethereum Rally Fueled by Classic Institutional Demand](https://coincentral.com/bitwise-cio-ethereum-rally-fueled-by-classic-institutional-demand/)

[4] [Spot Ether ETFs: A Staggering $332.81M Inflow Surge](https://bitcoinworld.co.in/spot-ethereum-etfs-inflows-3/)

[5] [The Protocol: Ethereum Validator Exit Queue Backs Up](https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/protocol-ethereum-validator-exit-queue-182336889.html)

[6] [Why Ethereum Is the Most Valuable Asset in Web3 Right Now](https://medium.com/@evercodelabteam/why-ethereum-is-the-most-valuable-asset-in-web3-right-now-a764cdc7de40)

[7] [The Impact of Bitcoin ETFs on BTC Price – Real Data Analysis](https://nftevening.com/the-impact-of-bitcoin-etfs-on-btc-price-real-data-analysis/?utm_campaign=the-impact-of-bitcoin-etfs-on-btc-price-real-data-analysis&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss)

[8] [Crypto Markets Slide Amid Trump Trade Shocks](https://thedefiant.io/news/markets/crypto-markets-slide-amid-trump-trade-shocks)

[9] [Bitcoin Sees Spike in Coin Days Destroyed Ratio](https://m.economictimes.com/crypto-news-today-live-24-jul-2025/liveblog/122865756.cms)