While Prices Chop, Ethereum ETFs Keep Buying

Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) quietly saw a meaningful rebound in demand last week, with investors adding 80,201 ETH, worth roughly $240 million, according to on-chain data.

The pickup comes after a brief pause in ETF activity and suggests institutional interest in Ethereum remains intact, even as prices consolidate and short-term sentiment stays mixed, per an analysis shared by popular cryptocurrency trading expert Ali Martinez in an X post on December 16.

Unlike sharp, hype-driven inflow spikes, last week’s accumulation unfolded steadily, hinting at strategic positioning rather than speculative chasing.

What the ETF Flow Data Is Really Saying

ETF flows are one of the clearest windows into institutional behavior, and Ethereum’s latest number stands out for one key reason: timing.

The inflows arrived during a period of sideways price action, not during a breakout or euphoric rally. Historically, that pattern has often preceded stronger directional moves rather than marked tops. 

In recent weeks, Ethereum ETFs briefly cooled after earlier inflows, selling pressure failed to accelerate meaningfully, and buyers stepped back in with size once volatility compressed.

This combination suggests patience, not panic, among larger investors.

Why $240 Million Still Matters

In isolation, $240 million may not sound dramatic compared to Bitcoin (BTC) headlines, but for Ethereum, ETF flows tend to be more selective and signal-driven.

Accumulating over 80,000 ETH in a single week removes a meaningful amount of supply from the market, especially when long-term holders are already reluctant sellers.

Rather than chasing upside momentum, ETF buyers appear to be building exposure during uncertainty, a behavior typically associated with longer investment horizons.

Familiar Accumulation Pattern

This isn’t the first time Ethereum ETF demand has re-emerged quietly. Previous inflow waves have often followed the same structure of strong inflows, a brief pause or mild outflows, and renewed accumulation as the price stabilizes.

That rhythm tends to reflect portfolio rebalancing, not a shift in conviction. If ETF demand continues to trend higher while price remains range-bound, it could gradually tighten supply conditions, increasing the odds of a sharper move once momentum returns.

What to Watch Next

Meanwhile, Ethereum was at press time changing hands at the price of $2,931.24, recording a decline of 6.85% in the last 24 hours, dropping 5.99% across the previous seven days, and accumulating a loss of 8.93% over the past month, according to the latest chart data.

Going forward, traders and investors will be watching whether ETF inflows continue above recent averages, if Ethereum holds key support zones during consolidation, and how ETH reacts if broader crypto risk appetite improves.

For now, the takeaway is simple. Ethereum ETF buyers are still active, even when the market isn’t exciting. And in crypto, that’s often when the most important positioning happens.

More Must-Reads:

• Bitcoin Balances on Support as $90K Decides Fate
• Peter Schiff Says Bitcoin Rally Beliefs Could Lead To Shock
• Dogecoin Flirts With Danger at Range Lows