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

First Mover: Ethereum’s Transition to Staking Could Push More Traders to Use Derivatives

As Ethereum starts its multiyear transition to a "staking" network, analysts say a reduction in token liquidity may push traders to derivatives markets.

By Omkar Godbole, Sebastian SinclairAug 5, 2020

Finance

Decentralized Exchange dYdX Debuts Ether Perpetual Swaps

Perpetual swaps that track the price of ether are coming to dYdX, the company announced Tuesday.

By Brady DaleAug 4, 2020

Finance

There’s Now an Accelerator Exclusively for DeFi Startups

The Chicago DeFi Alliance (CDA) just launched one of the first accelerator programs devoted entirely to DeFi crypto startups.

By Leigh CuenAug 4, 2020

The Chicago "bean" (Hari Nandakumar/Unsplash)

Tech

Ethereum 2.0 Testnet Medalla Goes Live With 20,000 Validators

Medalla, the final testnet before the anticipated launch of Ethereum 2.0 later this year, is now live, the Ethereum Foundation announced Tuesday.

By William FoxleyAug 4, 2020

Ethereum Foundation Executive Director Aya Miyaguchi (CoinDesk archives)

Markets

DeFi-Focused Derivatives Platform Hedget Raises $500K in Seed Funding

The round was led by FBG Capital and NGC Ventures, both Asia-based venture firms.

By Sebastian SinclairAug 4, 2020

Markets

Matic Pledges $5M in Tokens to Entice DeFi Projects Into Building on Its Network

Matic wants its incubator fund to incentivize promising DeFi projects to build on its scalable sidechain, rather than directly onto Ethereum itself.

By Paddy BakerAug 3, 2020

Videos

CoinDesk Live Eth at 5: Peace, Love and Unicorns: The Culture of Ethereum

CoinDesk Senior Reporter, Leigh Cuen shares memories of the first Devcon and thoughts on the culture of Ethereum in this special Eth at 5 edition of CoinDesk Live.

Aug 3, 2020

Videos

Ethereum's Bankless Bankers

Aug 3, 2020

Markets

Crypto Long & Short: Does Decentralization Create Value or Destroy It?

This week, bitcoin rallied past $11,000 and value in DeFi climbed toward $4 billion. But what's the point of crypto if regular markets are just as volatile?

By Galen MooreAug 2, 2020