$ETH

Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform enabling smart contracts and dApps. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, it’s the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap. ETH is its native currency, used for transactions, gas fees, and staking. Key features:

- **Smart Contracts**: Self-executing code for trustless agreements.

- **EVM**: Ethereum Virtual Machine runs dApps across DeFi, NFTs, gaming, etc.

- **Proof-of-Stake**: Switched in 2022 (The Merge), reducing energy use; validators stake ETH.

- **Scalability**: Layer-2 solutions (e.g., Arbitrum, Optimism) and sharding aim to boost throughput.

- **Market**: As of May 2025, ETH’s price fluctuates ~$2,500-$3,500 (check real-time data). Market cap ~$300B-$400B.

- **Upgrades**: Post-Merge, Ethereum focuses on scaling (Dencun, future sharding).

- **Use Cases**: Powers DeFi (Uniswap), NFTs (OpenSea), and Web3 ecosystems.

Risks: Volatility, regulatory scrutiny, competition (Solana, Cardano). Check X or web for sentiment and price updates.