What is expected in the development of ETH?
Ethereum’s development is moving forward with these key updates:
- Fusaka Upgrade (Nov 2025) – Improves Layer 2 (L2) efficiency and optimizes validator performance.
- Lean Ethereum Plan (2026) – Aims for quantum-resistant security and 10,000 transactions per second (TPS) on the main Ethereum network (Layer 1 or L1).
- Native zkEVM Integration (2026) – Adds zero-knowledge proof technology directly into Ethereum to speed up transactions and improve security.
- The Verge: Stateless Clients (2026+) – Cuts hardware needs for network validators by about 90%.
- The Purge: EIP-4444 (2026) – Limits how long historical data is stored to reduce storage demands on nodes.
Deep Dive
1. Fusaka Upgrade (November 2025)
Overview: This upcoming upgrade focuses on making Ethereum validators more efficient and lowering costs for Layer 2 solutions, which help scale the network. It includes improvements like PeerDAS, a method to ensure data availability for rollups (a type of L2), and increases the number of data blobs per block from 6 to 8. This builds on the May 2025 Pectra upgrade, which introduced smarter wallet features.
What this means: This is good news for Layer 2 adoption because it lowers fees and encourages more people to become validators by raising staking limits. However, if testing finds issues, there could be short-term setbacks (source).
2. Lean Ethereum Plan (2026)
Overview: This plan aims to make Ethereum faster and more secure against future threats like quantum computers. The goal is to reach 10,000 TPS on the main network and maintain 100% uptime ("Fort Mode"). It also looks ahead to "Beast Mode," which could push throughput beyond 1 million TPS using Layer 2 solutions.
What this means: This is a positive long-term development. Quantum resistance is important for protecting Ethereum’s security, but it depends on advances in cryptography happening on schedule (source).
3. Native zkEVM Integration (2026)
Overview: Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) will be built directly into Ethereum’s core, reducing verification costs by about 80% and enabling block finalization in under 10 seconds. This will help scale decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and attract institutional users.
What this means: This upgrade is promising for making Ethereum more scalable and appealing to big players. However, there’s a risk that specialized hardware needed for ZK proofs could lead to centralization (source).
4. The Verge: Stateless Clients (2026+)
Overview: Using technologies like Verkle trees, Ethereum will allow validators to confirm transactions without storing the entire network history. This reduces the hardware requirements for running a node by about 90%.
What this means: This is great for decentralization because it lowers the barrier to participation. However, the transition needs to be carefully managed to avoid network disruptions (source).
5. The Purge: EIP-4444 (2026)
Overview: This proposal limits how long Ethereum nodes must keep historical data to just one year, cutting storage needs by roughly 80%. It follows the success of earlier data-sharding improvements.
What this means: This change makes it easier for more people to run nodes but means that long-term data will be handled by third parties, which could introduce new risks (source).
Conclusion
Ethereum’s roadmap focuses on improving scalability (Fusaka, zkEVM), security (Lean Ethereum Plan), and decentralization (Stateless Clients). While challenges remain—especially around quantum security and specialized hardware—the emphasis on Layer 2 solutions and more efficient nodes shows a commitment to sustainable growth. Keep an eye on validator participation and Layer 2 fees after the Fusaka upgrade as key signs of network health.
What updates are there in the ETH code base?
Ethereum’s software updates are focused on making the network faster, more secure, and easier to use.
- Fusaka Upgrade Prep (August 2025) – Testing PeerDAS to lower Layer 2 data costs and increase transaction speed.
- Erigon Gas Limit Increase (June 2025) – Raising the default gas limit to 60 million to handle more transactions per block.
- zkEVM Roadmap (July 2025) – Gradually adding zero-knowledge proof technology to improve security and privacy.
- Blob Limit Adjustments (June 2025) – Testing emergency protocols to keep the network stable under stress.
Deep Dive
1. Fusaka Upgrade Prep (August 2025)
Overview: The Fusaka upgrade, planned for November 2025, focuses on backend improvements like PeerDAS (EIP-7594), which helps rollups (Layer 2 solutions) access data more cheaply and reliably. It also plans to increase the gas limit to about 150 million (EIP-7935), allowing more transactions per block.
Developers launched Devnet-3 in July 2025 to test new features like running multiple Ethereum Virtual Machines (EVMs) in parallel and separating block proposers from builders. A Sepolia testnet is expected in late August, with the mainnet upgrade targeted for early November. These changes aim to stabilize transaction fees, improve node reliability, and prepare for the next big upgrade in 2026 called Glamsterdam.
What this means: This is good news for Ethereum users and developers. Lower Layer 2 fees and higher transaction capacity could attract more decentralized apps (dApps) and users. However, running a node may require better hardware. Overall, it strengthens Ethereum’s position in the blockchain space.
(Source)
2. Erigon Gas Limit Increase (June 2025)
Overview: The Erigon client update in June 2025 raised the default gas limit from 45 million to 60 million. This change follows community agreement to make better use of block space and aligns with similar updates from other clients like Geth and Nethermind. The gas limit controls how many transactions fit into each block without changing the fee market system (EIP-1559).
What this means: This update is neutral overall. It helps reduce network congestion by allowing more transactions per block, but validators (those who confirm transactions) may need to handle slightly more computing work. Users benefit from faster transaction processing during busy times.
(Source)
3. zkEVM Roadmap (July 2025)
Overview: Ethereum developers shared a three-phase plan to add zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) proofs directly into the main Ethereum network. Starting in late 2025, zk proofs will be optional, with full integration expected by 2027–2028.
The plan uses STARK and SNARK proof systems, avoiding Groth16 proofs due to concerns about future quantum computer attacks. This approach aims to improve security and privacy while keeping the network scalable.
What this means: This is a positive development for Ethereum. Integrating zero-knowledge proofs natively could make the network more secure and private, reduce dependence on Layer 2 solutions, and keep Ethereum at the forefront of blockchain innovation.
(Source)
4. Blob Limit Adjustments (June 2025)
Overview: As part of Fusaka testing, developers experimented with changing the “blob” data limits—raising them from 12 to 18 and then simulating emergency drops to test how well the network recovers. This follows a previous upgrade in May 2025 that doubled blob capacity. These tests help balance data availability for rollups with overall network stability.
What this means: This is a neutral update. Stress testing improves Ethereum’s resilience, but frequent changes can be challenging for node operators to keep up with as the network evolves.
(Source)
Conclusion
Ethereum is evolving to become more scalable, secure, and efficient through upgrades like Fusaka and zkEVM integration. These improvements aim to support more users and applications while maintaining network security. However, as the network grows, validators will need better hardware, and the community must carefully balance decentralization with performance. How Ethereum manages this balance will shape its future as a leading blockchain platform.
Why did the price of ETH go up?
Ethereum (ETH) increased by 1.19% in the last 24 hours, reaching $4,350.64, slightly behind the overall crypto market’s 1.55% gain. The main factors driving this include:
- Institutional buying – Companies like BitMine added 14,665 ETH (worth about $65.3 million) in early September.
- Technical recovery – ETH bounced back above important moving averages after a period of price stability.
- ETF outflows balanced – Although spot ETH ETFs saw $447 million in withdrawals on September 5, prices stayed steady thanks to strong retail demand.
1. Institutional Buying (Positive for ETH)
Summary:
BitMine Immersion Tech boosted its ETH holdings by 124% over the past month, now holding 1.87 million ETH (valued at $8 billion). SharpLink Gaming also increased its ETH by 60%, totaling 837,000 ETH ($3.59 billion). More publicly traded companies are treating ETH like a treasury asset because of its staking rewards and built-in token burn mechanisms (like EIP-1559).
Why it matters:
When big players accumulate ETH, it reduces the amount available for trading on exchanges — currently only 28.9 million ETH (24% of total supply) is on exchanges as of September 2025. These companies also help secure the Ethereum network by running validators, earning passive income in the process. Institutional ETH holdings have grown 34% so far this year.
Keep an eye on:
The ETH validator queue, which has 860,000 ETH ($3.7 billion) waiting to be staked as of September 7 (source).
2. Technical Recovery (Mixed Signals)
Summary:
ETH bounced off the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level at $4,369, showing:
- A neutral Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 49.99
- Improving MACD histogram (-50.58 compared to -54 last week)
- Price staying above the 7-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at $4,325
What this means:
Traders are defending the $4,200 to $4,369 support zone, but the 30-day SMA at $4,423 is still a resistance level. For a clear bullish trend, ETH needs to close above $4,500.
3. ETF Outflows Balanced by Buyers (Neutral Effect)
Summary:
U.S.-based ETH ETFs experienced $447 million in outflows on September 5, the second-largest ever, mainly due to BlackRock pulling out $310 million. Despite this, ETH’s price rose 1% that day.
Why it matters:
Retail investors and buyers outside the U.S. helped absorb the selling pressure. Data from derivatives markets shows that funding rates for perpetual contracts turned positive (+0.0083%) after three weeks of negative rates, indicating renewed interest from leveraged buyers.
Conclusion
Ethereum’s recent price gains are driven by strong institutional buying that offsets ETF withdrawals, along with solid technical support. Although short-term large trades (like Hyperliquid’s $12.8 million ETH short) add some volatility, the overall 60-day rally of 56.63% points to sustained demand.
Watch closely: Can ETH maintain support at $4,480 (the volume-weighted average price from August) through the upcoming U.S. payroll report? Breaking above $4,500 could push ETH toward the next resistance at the 78.6% Fibonacci level of $4,730.
What could affect the price of ETH?
Ethereum’s price is caught between positive tech upgrades and potential regulatory challenges.
- Upcoming Upgrades – The Fusaka upgrade, expected in November 2025, aims to improve scalability and reduce transaction costs.
- Tokenization Growth – $6.2 billion in tokenized treasuries on Ethereum shows strong interest from institutions.
- Big Investors’ Moves – One entity has accumulated $500 million worth of ETH, while short positions total $12.8 million.
Deep Dive
1. Protocol Upgrades (Positive Outlook)
Overview: The Fusaka upgrade, planned for November 2025, will introduce PeerDAS, a new system to improve data availability, and increase gas limits to lower fees for Layer 2 solutions. This follows the May Pectra upgrade, which raised validator limits to 2,048 ETH.
What this means: Better scalability can encourage more use in decentralized finance (DeFi) and real-world assets (RWAs), which could increase demand for ETH. Past upgrades like Dencun in 2024 led to ETH price gains of over 30% (ETH Roadmap).
2. Tokenization & Corporate Adoption (Mixed Effects)
Overview: Large institutions such as BitMine Immersion hold 1.87 million ETH (about $8 billion), and tokenized assets on Ethereum have reached $270 billion in assets under management. However, spot ETH ETFs experienced $447 million in outflows in September.
What this means: In the long run, growth in real-world assets supports ETH’s role as a settlement layer. But short-term ETF outflows may put downward pressure on prices. Corporate staking, like SharpLink’s 837,000 ETH, reduces the available supply, which can create deflationary effects (OKX Research).
3. Regulatory Sentiment (Potential Risks)
Overview: The SEC’s ongoing trial involving Tornado Cash could influence how decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms are regulated. Meanwhile, the GENIUS Act, which supports crypto-friendly policies, faces political uncertainty.
What this means: A negative ruling could slow developer activity, but recent SEC statements clarifying that ETH is not considered a security have already encouraged institutional investments (SEC Chair Speech).
Conclusion
Ethereum’s price will depend on how well network improvements like Fusaka and tokenization balance against risks from ETF flows and regulation. Keep an eye on the Fusaka testnet launch in late September and any changes in ETH ETF inflows. Will Ethereum’s burn rate be enough to counteract price swings caused by large investors as staking locks up supply?
What are people saying about ETH?
Talk around Ethereum (ETH) is swinging between excitement over all-time highs (ATH) and cautious technical analysis, influenced by recent upgrades and large investors. Here’s what’s trending:
- Price targets around $6,000 are driving bullish predictions
- Market behavior is shifting from steady growth to phases of accumulation
- The Pectra upgrade is encouraging institutional investors to buy
- The $4,900 resistance level is a key test for ETH’s momentum
Deep Dive
1. @johnmorganFL: ETH Eyes $6K After Testing ATH — Bullish
"ETH is less than 4% away from its all-time high... Breaking above $4,900–$5,000 could spark a move toward $6,000"
– @johnmorganFL (189K followers · 42K impressions · 2025-08-15 10:18 UTC)
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What this means: This is positive news for Ethereum. If ETH breaks past its previous high of $4,868, it could trigger a buying frenzy driven by fear of missing out (FOMO), with $6,000 seen as the next major milestone.
2. @CryptoPatel: Market Cycle Shift Calls for Caution — Bearish
"ETH is now moving in clear cycles of accumulation and distribution instead of steady growth — 2024 tops formed in March, May, and December"
– @CryptoPatel (327K followers · 88K impressions · 2025-09-08 07:15 UTC)
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What this means: This signals caution in the short term. Traders appear to be taking profits at resistance points, which could limit ETH’s price gains until new positive developments occur.
3. @ethereum: Pectra Upgrade Spurs Institutional Buying — Bullish
"SharpLink Gaming holds 360,807 ETH — the largest corporate treasury position, ahead of BitMine and Coinbase"
– @ethereum (4.2M followers · 1.1M impressions · 2025-07-30 12:06 UTC)
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What this means: This is a strong positive sign. Public companies now hold over 1.6 million ETH (worth about $6.9 billion), showing growing confidence from large investors following the Pectra upgrade.
4. @RealAllinCrypto: $4,900 Resistance Test — Mixed Outlook
"ETH is testing the $4,900 resistance level — failure to hold could lead to a 12% drop to $4,300 support"
– @RealAllinCrypto (91K followers · 23K impressions · 2025-08-30 11:30 UTC)
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What this means: This is a mixed signal. Whether ETH can turn $4,900 from a resistance point into a support level will determine if it continues upward or faces a pullback.
Conclusion
The overall outlook for Ethereum is optimistic but cautious. While excitement around all-time highs and strong corporate buying points to growth, traders are watching the $4,900 level closely as a critical point. Keep an eye on the Pectra upgrade’s adoption, including more validators joining and increased Layer 2 transaction activity, as these could confirm the positive trend among institutional investors.
What is the latest news about ETH?
Ethereum is navigating legal challenges while big companies keep buying more ETH. Here’s what’s happening:
- Tornado Cash Trial Moves Forward (Sept 8, 2025) – Prosecutors say changes to the code could have stopped illegal money transfers.
- Companies Increasing ETH Holdings (Sept 7, 2025) – BitMine now owns $8 billion worth of ETH, a 124% increase in one month.
- ETH ETF Withdrawals Show Caution (Sept 5, 2025) – Investors pulled $447 million from ETH ETFs, even though ETH’s price stayed strong.
In-Depth Look
1. Tornado Cash Trial Moves Forward (September 8, 2025)
What’s going on:
The U.S. Department of Justice is continuing its case against Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, a service that mixes cryptocurrency to increase privacy. Prosecutors argue that Storm could have changed the software to block transactions involving sanctioned parties. Experts testified that technical fixes, like keeping a list of users, were possible but never used.
Why it matters:
This case could change how developers are held responsible for how their software is used, especially in decentralized finance (DeFi). If Storm is found guilty, projects might have to add compliance features, which could reduce Ethereum’s appeal as a censorship-resistant platform. Despite this, ETH’s price stayed steady at about $4,308, showing investors aren’t too worried yet. (Weex)
2. Companies Increasing ETH Holdings (September 7, 2025)
What’s going on:
BitMine Immersion Tech revealed it increased its ETH holdings by 124% in one month, now owning 1.87 million ETH worth $8 billion. Another company, SharpLink Gaming, also boosted its ETH by over 60%. Together, public companies now hold about 3.38% of all ETH available.
Why it matters:
When big companies buy a lot of ETH, it reduces how much is available for trading, which can support the price. Currently, only about 860,000 ETH ($3.7 billion) is left on exchanges. This strong demand from institutions might balance out the $726 million that investors withdrew from ETH ETFs in September, creating a push-and-pull effect on supply and demand. (BlockBeats)
3. ETH ETF Withdrawals Show Caution (September 5, 2025)
What’s going on:
Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) saw $447 million in withdrawals, the second-largest outflow recorded. BlackRock’s ETHA ETF led with $310 million pulled out. Interestingly, ETH’s price still rose by 1% that day, indicating that individual buyers stepped in to buy the selling pressure.
Why it matters:
This shows a split between institutional investors pulling back and retail investors buying in. ETH is seen both as a risky investment and a key technology platform. With ETH’s price swings higher than Bitcoin’s recently, traders seem to be preparing for big changes expected in November’s Fusaka upgrade. (Bitrue)
Conclusion
Ethereum is facing legal challenges with the Tornado Cash case but continues to attract big investors buying ETH for their corporate treasuries and staking. While ETF withdrawals suggest some short-term caution, the upcoming Fusaka upgrade, which aims to speed up transaction times, could boost developer interest and activity. The big question is whether company buying will outweigh regulatory risks as ETH tests gains of over 55% in the past 60 days.