Overview

• Ethereum traded between $4,600 and $4,700 on August 13, putting it within 4–8% of its November 2021 peak.
• Spot ETH funds have attracted billions of dollars in net inflows since July, reinforcing direct spot demand from institutional buyers.
• July’s global futures volume for ETH topped $2 trillion and open interest has climbed to near-record levels, reflecting heightened leverage and liquidity.
• The SEC’s clarification that liquid staking services are not securities has removed a major regulatory hurdle for institutional Ethereum products.
• Analysts warn that concentrated short positions and elevated derivatives activity could trigger sharp price swings if positions unwind abruptly.