Overview
Ethereum (ETH) is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, widely recognized for pioneering smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015, Ethereum introduced programmability to blockchain, enabling developers to build decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and Web3 applications on its network.
As of the latest data, Ethereum is trading at $4,358.82, down 2.82% (-$126.59) on the session. Its circulating supply stands at 120.7 million ETH, with 24-hour trading volumes exceeding $32.5 billion across more than 10,000 active markets.
Market Data
-
Price: $4,358.82
-
24H Change: -2.82%
-
Circulating Supply: 120,706,552 ETH
-
24H Volume: $32.54 billion
-
Exchanges Listed: 10,499
-
Start Date: August 7, 2015
Network & Technology
Ethereum’s blockchain underpins a robust ecosystem of decentralized applications. Its native cryptocurrency, ETH, is used for transaction fees (“gas”), network security, and as collateral across decentralized finance protocols.
In September 2022, Ethereum completed “The Merge”, transitioning from energy-intensive proof-of-work (PoW) to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, reducing network energy usage by over 99%. This upgrade set the foundation for future scalability improvements, including sharding and layer-2 rollups, aimed at boosting throughput and reducing transaction costs.
Market Position
Ethereum dominates the smart contract platform category, hosting the majority of DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and Web3 projects. While competitors such as Solana, Avalanche, and Cardano aim to capture developer and user adoption, Ethereum maintains a significant first-mover advantage supported by its large developer community, liquidity, and institutional adoption.
Risks & Challenges
Ethereum continues to face challenges with high gas fees and network congestion, which can limit accessibility for smaller users. Layer-2 solutions have partially alleviated this, but scalability remains a long-term concern until further upgrades are fully implemented. Additionally, regulatory scrutiny around staking, DeFi activity, and token classifications poses ongoing risks for the broader Ethereum ecosystem.
Outlook
With its established ecosystem, institutional acceptance, and ongoing roadmap for scalability, Ethereum remains a cornerstone of the digital asset economy. Its success will depend on continued network upgrades, the adoption of scaling solutions, and its ability to sustain developer innovation in an increasingly competitive smart contract landscape.
-
Official Website: ethereum.org
-
Twitter: @ethereum
