#AltcoinETFsPostponed **Ethereum (ETH)**

Ethereum (ETH) is the second largest digital currency after Bitcoin, and it is characterized by being more than just a payment method. It relies on **blockchain** technology that supports **smart contracts** and decentralized applications (DApps). It was launched in 2015 by **Vitalik Buterin**, and ETH is used to execute operations within the Ethereum network, such as transferring funds or activating smart contracts.

ETH has seen significant development, especially after the **The Merge** update in 2022 that transitioned it to a **proof of stake (PoS)** system to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption. ETH is considered the backbone of decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), making it a vital component in the future of the digital economy.