Ethereum Nears Record High as Global Interest Surges

Google searches for “Ethereum” hit their highest point since 2021 as institutional buying, ETF inflows, and record network activity push ETH within 5% of its all-time high.

Ethereum’s recent rally has reignited global attention, with search interest for the second-largest cryptocurrency spiking to its highest level in over three years. Data from Google Trends shows that global searches for “Ethereum” have surged sharply in recent weeks, reaching levels last seen during the November 2021 bull market.

The surge in public curiosity comes as ETH trades just below its all-time high, propelled by record-breaking institutional inflows, corporate treasury purchases, and historic network activity. On August 13, Ether climbed above $4,700, putting it within striking distance of its November 2021 peak.

Global Curiosity and Diverse Interest

Google’s data highlights a broad geographic spread of Ethereum searches, led by North Macedonia, Switzerland, Singapore, Slovenia, and Austria.

In parallel, Ethereum’s daily transaction count has reached an all-time high of roughly 1.875 million, according to CryptoQuant—evidence of the network’s robust on-chain activity amid the rally.

Notably, interest began surging right after Ethereum’s 10th anniversary on July 30, with momentum further fueled by market gains and institutional participation

Institutional Demand Fuels Price Surge

Ether’s price saw a 10% single-day gain in mid-August, a move driven by aggressive buying from institutional investors and corporate treasuries. Figures from Strategic ETH Reserve show that Ethereum-focused treasuries now hold $16.8 billion in ETH, up sharply in recent weeks.

Jamie Elkaleh, CMO at Bitget Wallet, noted that companies are increasingly viewing Ethereum as a strategic financial asset rather than a speculative gamble. By staking ETH, he explained, firms can earn passive rewards while supporting the network’s security—a combination that appeals to businesses seeking both returns and alignment with blockchain infrastructure.

However, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has warned that excessive leverage on such holdings could pose risks, potentially triggering instability in the event of forced liquidations.

ETF Inflows Hit Record Levels

Institutional interest is also being driven by the explosive growth of spot Ethereum ETFs. On August 11, ETF net inflows topped $1 billion in a single day, with BlackRock’s ETHA and Fidelity’s FETH leading the charge.

Ryan Lee, chief analyst at Bitget, attributed the surge to Ethereum’s expanding role in DeFi and Web3, as well as improving macroeconomic sentiment following softer U.S. inflation data. He also highlighted the potential long-term impact of President Trump’s executive order permitting cryptocurrencies in 401(k) retirement plans, which could significantly broaden access to ETH for mainstream investors.

Ethereum Outpaces Bitcoin

Ethereum’s performance has far exceeded Bitcoin’s in recent weeks. Data from Delta Exchange shows ETH gained 25% in August, compared to Bitcoin’s 3% rise over the same period.

Piyush Walke, derivatives research analyst at Delta Exchange, linked the rally to institutional inflows, bullish technical breakouts, and ETF optimism. He pointed out that August 12 marked the highest daily net inflows ever recorded for spot Ether ETFs—$1.01 billion—coinciding with a 90% price increase over the past 40 days.

“Often seen as a bellwether for altcoins, Ethereum’s momentum could be an early signal of broader capital rotation into the wider altcoin market,” Walke said.

Corporate Purchases Strengthen Bullish Trend

Institutional buyers have been particularly aggressive in recent weeks. BitMine and SharpLink have both expanded their ETH holdings by several hundred percent, pushing prices through key resistance levels. BitMine has now become the largest known institutional Ethereum holder, surpassing both SharpLink and even the Ethereum Foundation in reported on-chain balances.

Such strategic accumulation has reinforced market sentiment, with many analysts suggesting it could set the stage for similar inflows into other altcoins if Ethereum’s rally holds.

What’s Driving the Broader Momentum?

Several factors are converging to propel Ethereum’s climb toward record territory:

• Record network usage: All-time highs in daily transactions signal sustained demand for Ethereum-based applications.
• Corporate treasury adoption: More firms are holding and staking ETH for strategic and yield-generating purposes.
• Spot ETF momentum: BlackRock and Fidelity’s products are attracting unprecedented capital inflows.
• Favorable policy shifts: U.S. retirement account access to crypto could open new demand channels.
• Altcoin leadership: Ethereum’s performance is strengthening its position as the market’s leading non-Bitcoin asset.

Eyes on the All-Time High

With ETH less than 5% away from its historical peak, market watchers are focused on whether the current surge in demand—both retail and institutional—can sustain enough momentum to break into uncharted price territory.

For now, the mix of record-breaking ETF inflows, rising corporate adoption, and peak network activity has created a bullish backdrop rarely seen in Ethereum’s history. Whether this will translate into a new all-time high depends on the market’s ability to maintain inflows and avoid sharp corrections that could shake investor confidence.

In a market often dominated by Bitcoin headlines, Ethereum’s rally stands out—not only as a price story but as an indicator of shifting capital flows in the crypto ecosystem. If momentum holds, ETH could soon redefine its role in both institutional portfolios and the broader blockchain economy.