$ETH Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, has established itself as a core pillar of the blockchain world. Unlike Bitcoin’s "digital gold" narrative, Ethereum powers smart contracts and dApps, driving real-world utility. Priced near $1,784.68, Ethereum shows resilience amid market volatility. Key developments like the transition to Proof-of-Stake (Ethereum 2.0) have drastically cut energy use and improved scalability. Layer 2 solutions like Optimism and Arbitrum boost transaction efficiency, encouraging broader adoption. Ethereum also dominates the DeFi sector, attracting traditional financial institutions. Future upgrades like "Danksharding" promise greater scalability, aiming to support millions of users and maintain Ethereum’s leadership in blockchain innovation.