$ETH $ETH, or Ether, is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain, which is a decentralized platform that enables developers to build and deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a team of co-founders, Ethereum has become one of the leading blockchain networks due to its versatility and robust ecosystem.

Ether serves multiple purposes within the Ethereum network. It's used primarily as a means of transaction for executing smart contracts, paying for transaction fees (known as "gas"), and as a store of value. The transition to Ethereum 2.0, which aims to improve scalability and energy efficiency through a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, has further increased interest and investment in $ETH.

As a significant player in the cryptocurrency market, $ETH is often seen as a key indicator of the overall health of the blockchain and crypto space, influencing trends and developments across the industry.