TL;DR
- Validator queues: More than 745,000 ETH is lined up to stake compared to just 360,000 ETH in exits, marking the first time in six months that deposits have surpassed withdrawals.
- Market signals: The exit queue has historically been a strong indicator of selling pressure. September’s Kiln unstaking released 5% of Ether.
- Institutional push: BlackRock’s filing for a staked Ethereum ETF, alongside treasury firms staking billions, highlights mainstream adoption.
Ethereum’s validator dynamics have shifted sharply as deposits now outweigh withdrawals for the first time in six months. Analysts highlight this reversal as a potential signal of renewed confidence in the network, with nearly twice as much ETH queued to stake compared to those preparing to exit.
Staking Queue Turns Positive
According to the Ethereum Validator Queue, approximately 745,000–746,000 ETH is waiting to enter the validator set, while only about 360,000 ETH remains in the exit line. This marks a decisive change after months of withdrawals dominating flows. Over the weekend, both queues hovered near 460,000 ETH, but the entry line accelerated, suggesting growing demand for staking. Analysts warn the exit queue could hit zero by early January, reducing selling pressure and stabilizing supply.
Exit Queue as Selling Indicator
Abdul, head of DeFi at Monad, emphasized that the exit queue has historically served as a leading indicator of selling pressure. In June, ETH traded near $2,800 before surging to a record high of $4,946 in August, only to settle around $3,000. He noted that since July, about 5% of Ether has circulated, largely due to Kiln’s September unstaking. BitMine absorbed nearly 70% of that ETH, securing a 3.4% share of total supply. Abdul expects 2026 to bring dramatic shifts if current patterns persist.
Treasury Firms Drive Demand
Dylan Grabowski, host of the Smart Economy Podcast, linked the surge in staking to rising demand from digital asset treasury firms. BitMine alone staked over 342,000 ETH, valued at roughly $1 billion, within two days. Ignas, co-founder of DeFi Creator Studio Pink Brains, added that Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade has simplified staking and expanded validator limits, attracting larger investors. Higher borrowing rates and unwinding leveraged staking strategies also contributed to shifting supply flows.
BlackRock Eyes Staked ETF
Institutional interest has intensified as BlackRock filed for a staked Ethereum ETF earlier this month. The SEC review is underway, with formal approval pending exchange filings. BlackRock had previously registered the iShares Ethereum Staking Trust (ETHB) in Delaware, signaling intent to broaden mainstream exposure. If approved, the ETF could mark a pivotal step in legitimizing staking as a financial instrument, reinforcing Ethereum’s evolving role in global markets.
