Ethereum value approaches $3k amidst spot ETF anticipation, Dencun improve

The value of Ethereum (ETH) approached $3,000 on Feb. 19 amidst anticipation regarding developments which might be anticipated to happen within the coming months.

As of 8:35 pm UTC, ETH was priced at $2,937 with a market capitalization of $352.96 billion. That change represents 4.12% development over 24 hours — considerably larger than Bitcoin’s 0.4% positive aspects over the identical interval and likewise larger than the crypto market’s total 1.2% positive aspects.

Lido Staked Ether (STETH) noticed comparable positive aspects of three.88% over 24 hours. Ethereum 2.0 staking tokens as a class noticed positive aspects of 5.4%, based on information from CoinGecko.

Ethereum was accountable for a comparatively small portion of 24-hour liquidations. The asset accounted for $35.48 million of liquidations, together with $8.43 million in lengthy liquidations and $27.05 in brief liquidations.

Progress could also be as a result of ETF anticipation, Dencun improve

Ethereum’s newest positive aspects could also be linked to the chance that the US Securities and Trade Fee (SEC) will approve a spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF).

Although no vital regulatory developments round spot Ethereum ETFs occurred immediately, a related report from the brokerage agency Bernstein obtained widespread protection. Analysts on the firm predicted a 50% likelihood {that a} spot Ethereum ETF can be authorised by Might and a near-certain likelihood that such a fund can be authorised inside one yr. Mixed with different related predictions in previous months, this report might have affected investor sentiment and market exercise.

Some backlash has additionally emerged round Ethereum’s ETF prospects. Apollo co-founder Thomas Fahrer instructed that Coinbase’s main function as an ETF custodian might compromise Ethereum’s proof-of-stake mannequin by permitting the agency to “management the whole community.”

Information from Dune Analytics means that Coinbase is presently accountable for about 15% of all ETH staking, whereas one other staking platform, Lido, is accountable for greater than 31%. As a result of it’s unknown how a lot crypto is likely to be held in spot ETH ETFs, it’s unclear whether or not Coinbase might achieve dominance by holding funds on behalf of these ETFs. Moreover, it’s unclear whether or not the SEC will allow staking of ETH held in spot Ethereum ETFs, although some candidates goal to take action.

Aside from these ETF prospects, there may be additionally vital anticipation round Ethereum’s Dencun improve, which is ready to happen on March 13. That improve will notably embrace proto-danksharding, a function anticipated to enhance ETH transaction prices and scalability.