- Grayscale’s Ethereum ETFs staked 32,000 ETH on debut, but both ETHE and ETH attracted modest inflows compared to BlackRock’s ETHA.
- Despite limited capital movement, Ethereum’s price surged past $4,707, signaling optimism for future growth and staking adoption.
Grayscale made headlines on Monday, October 6, with the debut of staking capabilities for its Ethereum ETFs, ETHE and ETH. The firm staked a total of 32,000 ETH, worth approximately $150 million.
Despite this significant move, the ETFs’ inflows fell short of expectations, raising questions about investor appetite for Grayscale’s latest offering.
Staking Comes to Grayscale Ethereum ETFs
The new staking feature allows investors to earn rewards directly through Grayscale’s ETFs. For the Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE), staking payouts will be distributed in cash, providing investors with regular income.
Meanwhile, the Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust (ETH) will reinvest staking returns into its net asset value (NAV), enabling compound growth over time.
According to Arkham Intelligence, the 32,000 ETH staked across the two ETFs demonstrates Grayscale’s operational capability and commitment to enhancing fund returns. By introducing staking, Grayscale aims to make Ethereum exposure more attractive to institutional investors seeking yield in addition to capital appreciation.
Grayscale(ETHE and ETH ETF) staked 32,000 $ETH($150.56M) today.https://t.co/OcQGQe8US6 pic.twitter.com/lQLIWl8yQX
— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) October 7, 2025
Limited Inflows Despite Staking Upgrade
Even with the milestone staking launch, ETHE and ETH attracted only modest inflows, $14.8 million and $18.7 million, respectively. This contrasts sharply with other major Ethereum ETFs in the U.S., highlighting the competitive landscape.
BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) led the pack with $92 million in net inflows and a trading volume of $2 billion on the same day. Bitwise ETHW followed with $27 million in inflows.
Market observers suggest several factors may explain Grayscale’s subdued inflows. BlackRock has built strong brand recognition and trust among institutional investors, which may give ETHA a first-mover advantage in net asset accumulation.
Additionally, investors may be comparing staking yield strategies across funds before committing capital, while smaller inflows into Grayscale’s products indicate a cautious, wait-and-see approach.
Ethereum Price Surges Amid ETF Developments
The broader Ethereum market reacted positively to the news, with ETH’s price rising over 4% to $4,707, as analysts anticipate fresh all-time highs. ETHA shares surged 4.47% to $35.79, and the fund has gained nearly 200% since April lows, now managing over $18.5 billion in assets under management.
The price momentum suggests growing optimism for Ethereum as both a staking and investment vehicle, even as Grayscale’s ETF inflows remain modest.
Grayscale’s introduction of staking to ETHE and ETH represents a significant innovation for the U.S. crypto ETF market. While initial inflows have disappointed, the move positions Grayscale to compete with BlackRock, Bitwise, and other ETF issuers as staking demand grows.
Investors will likely monitor whether these ETFs can attract greater institutional participation in the coming weeks, especially if Ethereum maintains its upward trajectory toward new all-time highs.