Ethereum Gains Institutional Momentum with ETF Staking Innovation
Table of contents
A major breakthrough came when CBOE BZX Exchange registered, on behalf of asset manager 21Shares, a proposal to add staking features to its Ethereum ETF. If approved, 21Shares would become the first to offer Ether staking within a spot ETF product, potentially transforming how institutions gain exposure to ETH. According to a February 12 SEC filing, the plan includes periodically staking portions of the Trust’s Ether through reputable suppliers while ensuring sufficient liquidity for redemptions. This development recently triggered a 5.65% price surge, momentarily pushing ETH to $2,776 before settling back near current levels.
Whale Accumulation and Technical Outlook
Amid recent volatility, deep-pocketed investors have continued to accumulate ETH, with over 600,000 ETH reportedly purchased in the last week. This whale activity stands in stark contrast to cautious retail behavior and signals strong institutional confidence in the asset's long-term prospects.
Technical indicators show ETH fighting key resistance levels above $2,800. Analysts highlight that a sustained breakout past the $3,000 mark—aligned with the 200-day moving average—could trigger a robust bullish reversal. However, for now, the market remains in a consolidation phase, and sustained momentum will be crucial for a long-term recovery.