- Ethereum futures open interest hits a record $20B, showing strong leverage growth and trader confidence in rising ETH price trends.
- ETH ETF inflows surge past $240M as institutional demand builds, fueling bullish sentiment and aligning with spot price recovery.
- Both futures and ETF metrics reflect coordinated growth, highlighting Ethereum’s strengthened market structure from retail and institutional sides.
Ethereum’s derivatives market just set a milestone. According to Glassnode, cash-margined ETH futures open interest surged past $20 billion. This new all-time high is an increase in leverage activity. Traders load up using stablecoins despite ETH’s slight retreat from the $2,800 level. The rise in futures exposure reflects growing confidence in Ethereum’s price and heightened speculative interest across derivative markets.
Source: Glassnode
Ethereum’s futures market has evolved drastically since early 2021. Back then, open interest levels hovered around zero. ETH traded near $1,000 during this early stage. By May 2021, the market saw its first major spike. Open interest climbed toward $4 billion while ETH approached $4,000. Consequently, a strong correlation between price action and derivatives growth emerged.
Leverage Builds as Price Recovers
Throughout August 2021, ETH maintained levels between $3,000 and $4,000. Futures interest ranged around $3-4 billion. The strongest momentum appeared in November 2021. ETH hit its all-time high above $4,800, and open interest crossed $4 billion. However, the 2022 correction disrupted this pattern. Both metrics dropped. ETH slid below $2,000 and open interest contracted to $2-3 billion.
The bounce-back began in late 2023. ETH recovered from $1,000 toward $2,000, while futures interest gradually expanded to the $4-6 billion range. By late 2024, the trend exploded. Open interest surged beyond prior peaks to hit $20 billion. ETH also rebounded into the $3,000–$4,000 price bracket. This sharp derivatives expansion highlights rising demand among leveraged traders.
ETF Inflows Fuel Bullish Sentiment
Simultaneously, Ethereum spot ETFs are gaining traction. Data from AltcoinGordon shows inflows since late April 2025. Despite a volatile start, the ETF market stabilized. Inflows now align with Ethereum’s spot price recovery. On June 11, ETH traded at $2,813.35, matching a strong green bar spike above $300 million.
Besides, total net inflows reached $240.29 million with total ETF assets topping $11.05 billion. The recent uptrend in ETF buying suggests renewed institutional interest. Moreover, green bars now consistently dominate. This positive momentum adds further strength to Ethereum’s market outlook.
