Over the past month, Ethereum reserves in major Layer 2 networks (L2) have decreased by about 25%, while on Optimism, there has been a decline of 54% since March.

📉 Reasons for outflow:

  • The decline in the prices of native L2 tokens (OP — -38%, ARB -21%) makes them less attractive.

  • Investors are returning ETH to the main network level — it is considered safer.

  • An increase in the volume of ETH in staking and the number of long-term holders indicates a strengthening interest in preserving value

💡 Additionally:

  • Active capital directions — large wallets and addresses that have never sold ETH (so-called 'accumulation addresses') are currently holding a record 22.8 million ETH, and since the beginning of June, more than 500,000 ETH have been directed to staking, bringing the total volume to 35 million ETH.

What does this mean for Ethereum and you?

  1. Increase in the reliability of the main chain

    The reduction in liquidity on Layer 2 means reduced pressure on the main Ethereum, strengthening its role as the key network.

  2. Shift of investors towards staking

    However, a large portion of ETH is going into long-term holding, which limits selling pressure and may support price growth.

  3. L2 faces challenges

    Without restoring trust, the stability and attractiveness of Optimism, Arbitrum, and especially Base are in question. The main Ethereum network benefits from security and liquidity.

Intriguing conclusion:

As trust grows and ETH flows out from the 'second tier,' the main Ethereum blockchain is coming to the forefront, transforming not just into a platform, but into a reliable asset for long-term storage.

$ETH

$OP

$ARB