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.

Markets

Deflationary Ether Is Underperforming Bitcoin, Here Are 3 Reasons Why

While bitcoin has gained nearly 43% this month, ether has appreciated by 36%.

By Omkar GodboleJan 30, 2023

Markets

Decentralized Exchange Vela’s DXP Token Surges Ahead of Beta Release on Arbitrum

The utility token has rallied 50% in the past 24 hours and more than doubled since Wednesday ahead of the release of its widely anticipated beta version next week.

By Krisztian SandorJan 27, 2023

Traders are betting Vela, which means sail in Spanish, can take a share of the growing decentralized exchange activity on Arbitrum. (Johannes Plenio/Unsplash)

Opinion

Tech’s Money Woes: Beginning of the End for Web2?

Gloomy forecasts, mass layoffs and antitrust lawsuits have bruised "Big Tech" over the past year. But that doesn't automatically portend the end of Web2. For Web3 to emerge, we have to address key questions about AI and decentralization.

By Michael J. CaseyJan 27, 2023

Finance

DeFi Lender Aave Deploys Version 3 on Ethereum Network

Aave v3 allows users to benefit from the highest borrowing power out of their collateral.

By Oliver KnightJan 27, 2023

Finance

Crypto Custodian Aegis to Add Coverage of Lido's Staked Token Derivatives

Aegis’ end-to-end custody now includes liquid staking services through Lido for its institutional users wary of regulation.

By Sage D. YoungJan 26, 2023

Markets

Optimism’s OP Token Hits All-Time High as Layer 2 Adoption Interests Grow

The OP token has surged 140% this year, surpassing bitcoin and ether.

By Jocelyn YangJan 26, 2023

Bitcoin jumped to $23,500 Wednesday shortly after the release of the U.S. CPI for July. (Denny Luan/Unsplash)

Videos

Polygon Q4 Transaction Volatility Linked to FTX Collapse, ZK Rollup Testing: Nansen

According to Nansen, the Ethereum scaling tool Polygon saw wide swings in daily transactions and active addresses during the fourth quarter as users scrambled to move funds during the epic meltdown of Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX crypto exchange. The tremendous addition of daily addresses was also partly due to Polygon’s zero-knowledge EVM public testnet launch. "The Hash" panel discusses the report and the outlook for Polygon.

Jan 26, 2023

Tech

Polygon Q4 Transaction Volatility Fueled by FTX Collapse, ZK Rollup Testing, Nansen Says

A surge in daily addresses was partially due to the launch of Polygon’s zero-knowledge EVM public testnet. There were also new partnership deals with Starbucks and Instagram.

By Margaux NijkerkJan 26, 2023

Videos

Latest ‘Shadow Fork’ Brings Ethereum a Step Closer to Its Shanghai Upgrade

Ethereum developers said they successfully created a copy of the blockchain to provide a testing environment ahead of the much anticipated Shanghai upgrade. CoinDesk Ethereum Protocol Reporter Margaux Nijkerk discusses the significance of this "shadow fork" and what the new upgrade could mean for the protocol and ETH staking firms.

Jan 25, 2023