Key data reveals that Ethereum's total value locked (TVL) decreased by 17% from the previous month, bringing it down to 25.1 million ETH. Meanwhile, Solana's TVL rose by 2%, highlighting the competitive pressures Ethereum faces. Major players such as Sky and Curve Finance contributed to this decline, as their deposits fell significantly.
Despite the drop in TVL, network fees surged by 150% month-over-month, which may reinforce the strain on inflation for ETH. Furthermore, a boost in decentralized exchange (DEX) activity has been noted, led by platforms like Uniswap, yet Ethereum ranks third in overall DEX volume at present.
Futures markets also provide insight into market sentiment. The Ether futures premium reflects a slight decline in bullish positions, indicating traders may be cautious about immediate price increases. Nevertheless, continued institutional interest is evident, with US-based ETH exchange-traded funds attracting $700 million in inflows since late May.
As institutional backing helps establish a support level around $2,500, it appears that while demand for ETH remains steady, it might not be enough to push prices above the $3,000 mark in the near future. Investors should focus on ongoing trends and competition to gauge Ethereum's market outlook.