Ethereum News

Ethereum (ETH) was launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a team of co-founders as the world's first programmable blockchain, enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) that extend far beyond simple peer-to-peer transactions. After transitioning from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus through "The Merge" in 2022, Ethereum now processes transactions more efficiently while maintaining its position as the foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 innovation.

The Ethereum ecosystem encompasses thousands of decentralized applications, from DeFi protocols like Uniswap and Aave to NFT marketplaces, gaming platforms, and layer-2 scaling solutions like Arbitrum and Polygon. Developers, validators, and users interact within this programmable economy where ETH serves as both a digital currency and the fuel powering smart contract execution through gas fees.

CoinDesk covers all aspects of Etherum, from protocol upgrades and scaling developments to DeFi innovation and regulatory implications. Our reporters track everything from Ethereum's roadmap milestones and staking developments to the broader implications of programmable money and decentralized autonomous organizations.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person.

Videos

Ether Crosses $2K After Shanghai Upgrade

Ether (ETH) surpassed $2,000 on Thursday, reaching the highest point since August after a successful network upgrade called Shanghai, or Shapella. Besu Protocol Engineer Justin Florentine discusses the upgrade after Vitalik Buterin said, "we're in a stage where the hardest and fastest parts of the Ethereum protocol's transition are basically over.”

Apr 13, 2023

Markets

Binance to Support Ether Staking Withdrawals From April 19

Ethereum implemented the Shanghai upgrade early Thursday, opening withdrawals of more than 18 million ETH staked in the blockchain since late 2020.

By Omkar GodboleApr 13, 2023

Markets

Kraken Leads Ether Unstaking Parade, Makes up 62% of Exit Queue

Crypto exchange Kraken agreed to shut down its U.S. crypto staking service in February as part of a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

By Sam ReynoldsApr 13, 2023

Shanghai's Nanjing Road (Benjamin Pattin/Unsplash)

Finance

Ether Trades Flat After Ethereum Shanghai Upgrade

Analysts had been divided on how prices might react.

By Oliver Knight, Sage D. Young, Jocelyn YangApr 12, 2023

ETH price chart (CoinDesk and highcharts.com)

Tech

Ethereum’s Shanghai Upgrade Is Complete, Starting New Era of Staking Withdrawals

The upgrade on the blockchain, also known as "Shapella," was triggered at 22:27 UTC, and the network is now processing withdrawal requests.

By Margaux NijkerkApr 12, 2023

Tech

Ethereum Shanghai Upgrade Will Be a ‘Game Changer’ for ETH Token Holders, RockX CEO Says

The growing prevalence of staking could help establish benchmark interest rates for blockchain-based money markets, Zhuling Chen said.

By Fran VelasquezApr 12, 2023

Tech

Only a Tiny Amount of ETH Is Poised to Be Withdrawn After Ethereum Shanghai Upgrade, Nansen Says

Less than 1% of previously staked ETH is in the queue waiting to be withdrawn.

By Sage D. YoungApr 12, 2023

Opinion

Everything You Need to Know About Ethereum's Big Upgrade

A rundown of CoinDesk's coverage of the biggest crypto update since the Merge.

By Daniel KuhnApr 12, 2023

(Milad Fakurian/Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Tech

LIVE BLOG: Ethereum's Shanghai Upgrade

CoinDesk reporters and editors chronicle the first-ever activation of withdrawals from the Ethereum staking mechanism, set for Wednesday at 6:27 p.m. ET (22:27 UTC). We've got the play-by-play on Shanghai – also known as "Shapella" – from what we're seeing on the blockchain and at the watch parties.

By Bradley Keoun, Margaux Nijkerk, Sage D. YoungApr 12, 2023

Crowds walk below neon signs on Nanjing Road, Shanghai, China. (Getty Images)

Videos

Institutional Investors Eye Ethereum's Shanghai Upgrade

RockX co-founder and CEO Zhuling Chen discusses institutional interest in Ethereum's "Shapella" upgrade, scheduled to take place April 12. "A lot of institutions are taking this event as a trust vote," he said. BTCS Inc. CEO Charles Allen also joins the conversation.

Apr 12, 2023