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

The Ethereum Merge Is Done, Opening a New Era for the Second-Biggest Blockchain

The historic upgrade casts aside the miners who had previously driven the blockchain, with promises of massive environmental benefits.

By Sam KesslerSep 15, 2022

Opinion

Ethereum Mainstay Hudson Jameson on What Makes the Merge Monumental

The network’s transition to proof-of-stake is like changing the engine of a moving car.

By Hudson JamesonSep 14, 2022

Tech

Bitcoin After the Ethereum Merge: Experts Weigh In

The immediate impact of the Merge on Bitcoin will probably be minimal.

By Frederick MunawaSep 14, 2022

How will the Ethereum Merge affect Bitcoin? (MirageC/Getty Images)

Markets

Crypto Traders in Wait-and-See Mode in Countdown to Ethereum Merge

Ether was trading around the $1,500 level as the Merge approaches in less than 12 hours. Bitcoin was back below $20,000.

By Jocelyn YangSep 14, 2022

Crypto markets were choppy ahead of the Ethereum Merge. (Creative Commons, modified by CoinDesk)

Tech

Ethereum Merge Could Shine Light on Chinese Mining Influence, Says VC

Matthew Graham, CEO of venture capital firm Sino Global Capital, weighs in on Ethereum’s upcoming Merge and what the seminal moment may reveal about Chinese miners on CoinDesk TV’s “First Mover.”

By Fran VelasquezSep 14, 2022

“It will be telling about how much market power Chinese OG miners still have,” Matthew Graham, CEO of venture capital firm Sino Global Capital, said during an appearance on CoinDesk TV’s “First Mover” on Wednesday. (CoinDesk TV)

Opinion

3 Big Things the Merge Will Change About Ethereum

The network's shift to proof-of-stake has implications for the environment, fees and Ethereum as a "network state." But it won't change everything.

By David Z. MorrisSep 14, 2022

Videos

How Will Bitcoin Dominance Be Impacted by the Merge?

"You'd have to expect Ethereum to continue to take ... the global total crypto market share," Eaglebrook’s Director of Research Joe Orsini says. He explains how Ethereum's improvements post-Merge could impact bitcoin.

Sep 14, 2022

Finance

Here's How Equity Investors Can Play Ethereum’s Merge

It's slim pickings for equity investors looking to trade one of the biggest events in the crypto industry, but there are a few options, including Coinbase and some smaller Canadian companies.

By Aoyon AshrafSep 14, 2022