The large-scale influx of institutional funds is rewriting the script of this market.

At the beginning of 2026, Ethereum's performance is particularly eye-catching. The price surged past the $3,100 mark, reaching $3,152 on January 5th, with a year-to-date increase of 6.2%. This achievement not only outpaces many other cryptocurrencies but also stands out among mainstream coins. Compared to Bitcoin's performance, Ethereum is significantly stronger.

What is behind this? Simply put, money. Major institutions in Europe and America have re-entered the market after the holidays, instantly improving market liquidity and pushing prices higher. Both Bitcoin and Ethereum have shaken off over two weeks of volatility, ushering in a clear upward trend.

Looking at the data from Ethereum spot ETFs reveals the true attitude of institutions. On January 2nd alone, net inflows reached $174 million. Among them, Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF saw a single-day net inflow of $53.68 million, and Grayscale Mini Trust also had net inflows of $50.02 million. These are real funds entering the market.

So far, the total net asset value of Ethereum spot ETFs has exceeded $19 billion. The cumulative net inflow in history has reached $12.5 billion, accounting for 5.06% of Ethereum's total market capitalization. While this percentage may seem small, its implications are clear — institutional investors are massively positioning themselves in the Ethereum market.

Actions from traditional financial institutions are also accelerating. From Singapore to Europe and America, major banks and institutions are increasing their involvement in this field. This is not a retail frenzy but a redefinition of the entire capital landscape.