Ethereum Faces Mounting Pressure as ETF Outflows Spike

Ethereum Faces Mounting Pressure as ETF Outflows Spike

Ethereum is feeling the heat.

In just one week, ETH-related ETFs witnessed a staggering 39% surge in outflows, signaling growing unease among investors. The sell-off — totaling $82.47 million — marks the sharpest weekly decline in recent months, echoing Ethereum’s slide to $1,500 and a continued erosion of short-term confidence.

Since peaking above $12 billion in late 2024, total net assets in Ethereum ETFs have dwindled to just $5.24 billion, highlighting a significant retreat from retail and institutional participants alike.

Yet amid the turbulence, a powerful vote of confidence emerged from none other than BlackRock.

BlackRock Goes All In: $1.8 Billion ETH Position

Contrary to the wave of outflows, BlackRock has doubled down on Ethereum, now holding a substantial $1.8 billion stake. Their steady accumulation throughout 2024 suggests a resolute belief in ETH’s long-term potential, despite short-term market jitters.

This divergence underscores a key shift in the ETH narrative — while retail sentiment falters, institutional conviction appears unshaken.

But the crypto landscape is evolving, and Ethereum’s dominance is no longer guaranteed.

XRP on the Rise: Could It Dethrone Ethereum?

Adding to the intrigue, Standard Chartered has projected a bold future for Ripple (XRP). In a recent report, Geoffrey Kendrick, Head of Digital Assets Research, claimed that XRP could overtake Ethereum in market capitalization by 2028, becoming the second-largest crypto asset after Bitcoin.

This bold forecast throws fuel on an already volatile fire — positioning XRP as a serious contender in the battle for crypto supremacy.

The result? A fascinating standoff: BlackRock’s unwavering belief in Ethereum versus Standard Chartered’s bullish XRP outlook. It’s a clash of titans that could reshape the top ranks of the crypto world.

Technical Snapshot: Ethereum’s Struggles Continue

At the time of writing, ETH was trading at $1,603 — down 2.47% on the day. The broader trend remains bearish, with ETH having lost nearly half its value since early 2025.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits near 39, indicating oversold conditions, while the MACD line lingers just below the signal line — a subtle hint of potential bullish divergence, though momentum still favors the bears.

A short-term rally could meet resistance around $1,800, while a drop below $1,550 may open the door to further downside pressure.