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.

Tech

What the Merge Could Mean for Ethereum and Its Developers

Protocol developer Preston VanLoon joined CoinDesk TV’s “First Mover” to discuss how the long-awaited upgrade will prompt a massive move to the blockchain.

By Fran VelasquezSep 6, 2022

Preston Van Loon, Prysmatic Labs, at Consensus 2022 (Morgan Brown/Shutterstock/CoinDesk)

Finance

Large Ethereum Miners Look to Cloud Computing, AI Ahead of The Merge

The network's upgrade will do away with the need for bulky and expensive data centers, which the miners are looking to repurpose.

By Eliza GkritsiSep 6, 2022

Crypto mining stocks have lost roughly half of their value in the past month. (Sandali Handagama for CoinDesk)

Finance

7 Trends That Could Reignite Crypto Growth

Bernstein, an investment firm, lists its ideas, starting with the Ethereum blockchain's Merge.

By Will CannySep 6, 2022

Bernstein spells out what it believes could be catalysts for the next bull market in crypto. (Kameleon007/Getty Images)

Markets

Ethereum Classic's Hashrate, Prices Surge as Miners Prepare for Post-Merge Reality

Futures tracking the tokens logged $27 million in liquidations in the past 24 hours – second only to ethereum and ahead of bitcoin futures.

By Shaurya MalwaSep 6, 2022

The Merge has pushed focus back to the lesser-used Ethereum Classic chain. (Donald Giannatti/Unsplash)

Tech

The Final Countdown to the Ethereum Merge Has Officially Begun

The activation of the Bellatrix upgrade on the Ethereum blockchain triggers the beginning of the Merge, which will likely be completed sometime around Sept. 13-16.

By Margaux NijkerkSep 6, 2022

Markets

DeFi Giant Aave Stops Loaning Ether Ahead of the Merge

The Aave community is worried that users may increasingly borrow ether ahead of the Merge, exposing the protocol to liquidity issues and injecting volatility into Lido's staked ether market.

By Omkar GodboleSep 6, 2022

DeFi giant Aave stops ether borrowing. (Broesis/Pixabay)

Markets

Citi: Ether Extends Rally Ahead of the Merge Despite Bitcoin Weakness

There are key differences between previous upgrades to the Ethereum blockchain and now because, for the first time, digital assets are facing tightening financial conditions, the bank said.

By Will CannySep 5, 2022

Activist investor reported to have been pushing Riot to move into HPC. (Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Tech

Bitcoin's Price May Crash After Ethereum's 'Merge,' Researcher Says

Kyle McDonald told CoinDesk TV’s “First Mover" the Bitcoin network may be regulated away because of its energy consumption.

By Fran VelasquezSep 2, 2022

Learn

What Is MEV, aka Maximal Extractable Value?

Miners and validators have found ways to profit off of pending transactions by including, excluding or reordering transactions in any block they mine.

By Ekin GençSep 2, 2022