Ethereum (ETH) Bulls Might Struggle for Momentum, But Staking Data Shows Interesting Developments

Ethereum switched the proof-of-work consensus algorithm in September 2022, officially transitioning to a proof-of-stake network like Cardano.

Ethereum (ETH) price might be trading in a narrow range above $2,400, but other on-chain data points to interesting developments.

While ETH sellers are capping gains at press time, IntoTheBlock data shows that nearly 30% of all circulating ETH has been staked.

Specifically, IntoTheBlock analysts noted on October 8 that 28.9% of all ETH has been staked. At this level, more holders are committing to tie their stash. The figure is up from 23.8% recorded in January 2024. Of this amount, over 15.3% of ETH has been staked for more than three years.

As a quick background, Ethereum transitioned from a proof-of-work consensus algorithm in September 2022, officially becoming a proof-of-stake network like Cardano. The migration did away with energy-intensive miners who were replaced by validators on the platform.

Parallel data from Etherscan shows that over 1 million network validators have cumulatively locked in more than 34.4 million ETH. Each validator earns an APR of 3.3%, a non-compounding annual yield that falls depending on the amount locked.

To become a validator on the Ethereum network, users must lock at least 32 ETH and operate a node that ensures the network operates every day of the week without downtime. There are penalties for validators who collude to, for example, confirm invalid transactions or attempt to take over the chain in a majority attack.

That Ethereum Is Attracting More Validators Despite Prices Dropping Is An Endorsement Of The Platform’S Long-Term Prospects

It’s worth noting that Ethereum is attracting more validators despite prices contracting from Q1 2024 highs of around $4,100 to as low as $2,100 in early August. This development can be seen as an endorsement of the platform’s long-term prospects.

Presently, Ethereum remains the second largest platform after Bitcoin and the only other crypto project after Bitcoin to get the node for a spot ETF from the United States SEC. However, ETH remains under pressure below $2,800, dashing hope.

EIP 7781 Seeks To Boost Ethereum Scalability

Meanwhile, Ethereum developers continue to build, looking to enhance user experience and improve scalability. Following the Dencun upgrade in March 2024, a new Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 7781 was recently introduced.

The proposer aims to further boost Ethereum’s processing speeds by reducing slot times and increasing the blob capacity. Specifically, the goal is to eventually reduce the slot time from around 12 seconds to 8 seconds, which could increase the transaction throughput by over 30%.

If this proposal is implemented, decentralized exchanges like Curve or Uniswap will stand to benefit. Of note is that users will also see the cost of mainnet transactions decrease due to the higher throughput. While the proposal is generally welcomed, solo stakers will need to acquire new gear and strengthen their internet connections.