Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has recently experienced notable developments. As of February 12, 2025, #ETH is trading at approximately $2,631.63, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.0312% from the previous close.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Goldman Sachs significantly increased its exposure to Ethereum by boosting its spot Ether ETF holdings by over 2,000%, reaching $476 million. This move underscores the growing institutional interest in Ethereum-based financial products.
Despite a challenging start to 2025, with ETH underperforming Bitcoin by about 25% and declining approximately 22% since the year's onset, Citi Research analysts highlight positive indicators. They point to rising total value locked (TVL) in decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, increasing ETF inflows, and renewed search interest as potential signs of a forthcoming rebound.
Additionally, the number of Ethereum "whales"—addresses holding over 10,000 ETH—has risen by 2.3% since February 1, suggesting that large-scale investors are accumulating ETH during this period of consolidation.
However, the market remains volatile. On February 10, Ethereum ETFs experienced significant outflows, notably a $22.5 million reduction from Grayscale's ETHE, ending a seven-day streak of inflows and indicating potential shifts in investor sentiment.
In regulatory news, Hong Kong now permits immigrants to use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum to prove their net worth for investment visa applications, reflecting the increasing acceptance of digital assets in traditional financial and governmental frameworks.
These developments highlight the dynamic nature of Ethereum's market and its evolving role in the broader financial ecosystem.