Ether ETFs Surge to $13.7B in Assets
Ethereum ETFs in the U.S. have quickly become a success story since their launch in July 2024. According to SoSoValue, inflows jumped 44% in August, climbing from $9.5 billion at the start of the month to $13.7 billion by Aug. 28. Analysts say institutional appetite is driving the rally as firms diversify beyond Bitcoin.
Sygnum CIO Fabian Dori noted that Ethereum’s adoption curve is regaining momentum. Once criticized for lagging Bitcoin, ETH now benefits from staking yields, rising DeFi activity, and broader corporate treasury allocations. This institutional pivot could set the stage for Ethereum to reassert its position as the leading smart contract chain.
$4.5B in Tokens Set to Unlock in September
September could bring turbulence as nearly $4.5 billion in vested tokens are scheduled to be released, according to Tokenomist data. Of this, $1.17 billion will come from cliff unlocks, while $3.36 billion will be distributed through linear unlocks. Both mechanisms could create supply shocks, though cliff unlocks tend to be more disruptive.
Investors and traders are bracing for potential volatility across several high-profile projects. Token unlocks often trigger profit-taking or price dips, particularly in bear markets. However, gradual linear unlocks may ease some of the pressure, spreading out supply over time. Market participants will be closely watching for which projects can withstand the sell-side pressure.
Musk’s Lawyer Chairs $200M Dogecoin Treasury Effort
In another bold twist, Elon Musk’s lawyer Alex Spiro has been tapped to chair a Dogecoin treasury initiative. According to Fortune, the group aims to raise at least $200 million through a new public company that would hold DOGE on its balance sheet.
The treasury vehicle, linked to the House of Doge corporate entity, promises stock market exposure to DOGE without requiring direct token ownership. Still in the pitch phase, the proposal reflects Dogecoin’s enduring cultural cachet. Whether institutional investors are ready to treat DOGE as a treasury asset remains an open question.
Recommended Article: XRP ETF Approval Odds Soar as Expert Warns Demand Is Severely Underestimated
Strategy Bitcoin Lawsuit Dismissed
Crypto treasury giant Strategy scored a legal win as plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed their lawsuit. Lead plaintiffs Michelle Clarity, Mehmet Cihan Unlusoy, and shareholder representative Anas Hamza withdrew claims with prejudice, effectively ending the case.
The dismissal is a relief for Strategy, the largest corporate Bitcoin holder in the industry. It also offers reassurance for other companies considering treasury strategies involving BTC. With the lawsuit closed, Strategy can focus on expanding its influence as a benchmark for institutional Bitcoin adoption.
Trump’s Fed Chair Shortlist Includes Crypto-Friendly Names
As Jerome Powell’s term nears its May expiration, the Trump administration is weighing 11 candidates to succeed him as Federal Reserve chair. At least three contenders have taken favorable positions on digital assets, signaling potential for a more crypto-aligned Fed.
Candidates include Fed Governor Christopher Waller, Vice Chair Philip Jefferson, and former St. Louis Fed President James Bullard. The list also features figures like Lorie Logan, Michelle Bowman, and BlackRock’s Rick Rieder. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the candidates as “very strong,” with shortlisting to begin in September.
Winners and Losers of the Week
Bitcoin (BTC) closed the week at $108,309, Ethereum (ETH) at $4,374, and XRP at $2.82, pushing total crypto market capitalization to $3.77 trillion.
Among the top performers, Cronos (CRO) soared nearly 95%, Pyth Network (PYTH) gained 41%, and Pump.fun (PUMP) rose nearly 12%. On the losing side, SPX6900 (SPX) tumbled 22.7%, Aerodrome Finance (AERO) fell 21.7%, and Pendle (PENDLE) dropped 19%. These moves highlight both the volatility and opportunity in the altcoin market.
This Week’s Most Memorable Quotes
CertiK co-founder Ronghui Gu warned that as protocols grow more secure, attackers may target individuals holding private keys. Venture capitalist Tim Draper emphasized Bitcoin’s long-term dominance, saying, “Other currencies may come and go, but the trend is toward Bitcoin.”
Eric Trump criticized systemic bias, likening it to his family’s political battles. CoinGecko’s Bobby Ong urged resilience during liquidation events, while trader James Wynn signaled optimism with his call to “go max long.” Together, these voices underscore the tension between caution and conviction in crypto markets.
Top Prediction: XRP Still Targets $20
XRP ended the week near $2.82 after pulling back from July’s high of $3.66. The retracement of 22% has sparked debate over whether XRP’s rally has topped out. Analyst XForceGlobal argues that XRP remains in a “distribution phase” but still holds a bullish macro outlook.
The token is consolidating within a symmetrical triangle pattern on the daily chart. Despite resistance around the $4 level, the analyst maintains a cycle target of $20. If momentum returns, XRP could replicate past parabolic rallies that defined its historical cycles. For now, investors are watching closely as the market awaits a decisive breakout.
