3 Key Reasons Ethereum Is Struggling Today—Why?

Ethereum’s recent performance isn’t what you expected...

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I’ve been watching Ethereum closely since the Ether ETF launch, expecting a dip followed by a surge.

While the dip did happen, the surge we were all waiting for never came.

If you’ve been holding onto ETH, you’re probably asking the same question I did: What’s going on? 

Ethereum’s recent performance isn’t what most of us expected, and today, I’ll break down 3 critical reasons behind its struggle—and more importantly, what you can do about it.

1. Low Network Activity = Weaker Demand

One of the biggest issues Ethereum is facing is declining network activity.

In the last week of August, Ethereum’s network fees hit a low of $3.1 million—the lowest in more than four years, according to DefiLlama.

That’s an 88% drop over just 4 weeks!

Ethereum price (in pink) vs revenue (in yellow). Source: defillama

This sharp decline has led to weaker demand for ETH, and it’s no surprise that prices have stagnated.

Fewer transactions signal less interest in the network, and that’s a red flag for investors.

With lower fees comes less incentive for validators and stakers, creating a cycle where usage and income both dwindle.

2. Staking Isn’t As Attractive Anymore

Ethereum’s staking rewards are currently at 3.34%, but compared to alternatives like U.S. Treasury bonds—which are offering a safer return of 5.04%—staking ETH is becoming less appealing to risk-conscious investors.

Ethereum’s current staking reward. Source: Stakingrewards

US Treasury Yields. Source: Bloomberg

When you can earn a similar or higher return from a government-backed bond with much less risk, it’s easy to see why more people are pulling back from staking ETH.

This shift has taken away some of the momentum that Ethereum staking once had, leaving less buying pressure to support the price.

3. The ETF Hype That Wasn’t

When Ethereum ETFs launched, the expectation was that they would bring in huge institutional investments, pushing prices higher.

However, reality has fallen short. Instead of seeing a flood of capital, ether spot ETFs have recorded a $475 million outflow since their U.S. market debut on July 23.

Instead of new money entering the market, more is leaving.

Ethereum Spot ETF Net Inflow since launch date. Source: Coinglass

This outflow shows that institutional investors may not be as bullish on Ethereum as many hoped, leaving the price stagnant and causing disappointment among those expecting a surge.

My Take: What You Need To Do?

Ethereum’s struggles don’t mean it’s finished, but they do suggest that they are in a period of consolidation.

If you’re holding ETH, it’s important to be patient and aware of the bigger picture.

Watch for changes in network activity, staking rewards, and ETF inflows—these could signal a potential turnaround.

But for now, it’s clear that Ethereum is stuck in a rut, and rushing in without understanding these factors could hurt your investment.

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Conclusion: Stay Ahead of the Market

Ethereum’s performance has left many of us scratching our heads, but by understanding these key reasons, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions.

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