25.07.2025 14:04
BlackRock's iShares Ethereum ETF (ETHA) has achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the third-fastest exchange-traded fund (ETF) in history to amass $10 billion in assets under management (AUM). This milestone underscores the rapidly growing institutional interest in Ethereum and the broader crypto market.
Remarkably, ETHA achieved this unprecedented growth in just 251 days since its launch, significantly outpacing established players in traditional finance. This rapid expansion, described by Bloomberg ETF expert Eric Balchunas as a "God candle" moment, showcases the explosive demand for Ethereum-based investment vehicles. The fund's AUM doubled from $5 billion to $10 billion in a mere 10 days, highlighting the intense investor enthusiasm.
Even more strikingly, all three of the fastest-growing ETFs are crypto-focused, a testament to the sector's remarkable ascent. BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) remains the fastest, reaching $10 billion in a blistering 34 days, while Fidelity's FBTC achieved the same milestone in 54 days. This dominance within the 4,400+ ETF market, boasting over 30 years of history, signifies a paradigm shift in the financial landscape. NovaDius Wealth Management's Nate Geraci aptly summarized the situation: crypto ETFs are rewriting the record books.
While BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF maintains a leading position, ETHA's performance demonstrates Ethereum's growing prominence. The recent surge in Ether ETFs, experiencing a 14-day inflow streak totaling $4.4 billion, further underscores this trend. This momentum contrasts with a recent slowdown in Bitcoin ETF inflows, indicating a shift in investor preference towards Ethereum. A single-day inflow of $726.7 million—the highest since ETHA's launch—highlights the intensity of this recent market movement.
This surge in Ethereum ETF popularity can be attributed to several factors. The growing institutional appetite for Ethereum, driven by its versatility in decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and smart contracts, plays a significant role. The confidence instilled by spot ETFs, which track physical Ether held by custodians, further contributes to this increased investment. Finally, for investors already invested in Bitcoin ETFs, Ethereum represents a logical next step for diversification within the crypto asset class.
The rapid growth of crypto ETFs, particularly ETHA's remarkable performance, suggests a significant shift in the perception of crypto assets. The mainstream adoption of digital assets is evident, urging even those currently skeptical of ETFs to reassess their strategies. The future of finance increasingly includes crypto, a sector that's rapidly moving beyond its "Wild West" image and into the mainstream of Wall Street. The undeniable dominance of crypto-based ETFs in these historical records serves as a powerful indicator of this transformation.
