$ETH
Ethereum (ETH) is a cryptocurrency and open-source blockchain platform used to create decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts. It was founded in 2015 by **Vitalik Buterin**, and is considered the second largest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin in terms of market capitalization.
### Features of Ethereum:
- **Decentralized Applications (DApps)**: Allow developers to build applications that operate without intermediaries.
- **Smart Contracts**: Automated protocols that execute the terms of agreements without the need for a third party.
- **Ether (ETH)**: Used to pay transaction fees and run applications on the network.
- **Continuous Updates**: Such as the transition to Ethereum 2.0 with a **Proof of Stake (PoS)** system to improve efficiency.
ETH is used in decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other technological innovations.
(ETH price is variable and can be affected by market fluctuations).