The Ethereum network has seen a significant increase in staking activity, with nearly one-third of all Ether (ETH) now staked. According to onchain data provider IntoTheBlock, as of October 8, 28.9% of all Ether has been staked. This marks a noticeable rise from 23.8% in January 2024, highlighting a 5.1% increase in just 10 months. This surge suggests that more token holders are showing long-term confidence in Ethereum, driven by staking rewards and the future potential of the network.
One key statistic stands out: 15.3% of the staked ETH has been locked for over three years. IntoTheBlock considers this a strong signal of long-term trust in Ethereum. Despite price fluctuations, this growing portion of long-term stakers demonstrates that many ETH holders believe in the asset’s value over the long haul, undeterred by short-term market volatility. The promise of earning staking rewards provides further incentive for many to continue locking their tokens in the network.
Despite the increase in staking, Ether’s price has faced challenges. The token, which reached a yearly high of over $4,000 in March 2024, has since dropped by nearly 40%, trading around $2,400 in October. Analysts suggest that sell pressure from early investors and the lack of demand for spot Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are contributing to the current price decline.
Between October 1 and October 3, Ether’s price fell by 12%, struggling to surpass the $2,650 mark. This decline erased the gains ETH made in the previous two weeks, showcasing the volatile nature of the market, even in the face of increased staking activity.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has recently voiced support for lowering the requirements for solo staking. Currently, individuals need 32 ETH (about $80,000) to stake on their own, which is a barrier for smaller investors. Buterin acknowledged that lowering the minimum threshold could encourage broader participation in staking. While staking pools offer an alternative for those with fewer funds, many users may prefer to stake independently if the entry cost is reduced.
The rise in ETH staking demonstrates growing faith in Ethereum’s future, but challenges remain. While long-term holders are locking in their tokens, the token’s price struggles due to market conditions. Lowering staking requirements could bring more participants into the ecosystem, further boosting Ethereum’s staking network and long-term potential.
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