Despite Ethereum (ETH) dropping 2% amid a broader market correction, investor confidence appears to remain strong. In a surprising shift, Ethereum recorded a massive $274 million in inflows over the past 24 hours, signaling that major investors are preparing for a potential rebound.
This capital injection—one of the largest in recent weeks—suggests a bullish buildup ahead of Monday’s market open. With institutional interest through spot ETFs gaining momentum, some analysts believe Ethereum could be on the verge of a short-term recovery, even as it lags behind Bitcoin and traditional markets in year-to-date performance.
Whales Load Up on ETH Across Layer 2 Networks
Bridged Netflow data tracked by Artemis shows that Ethereum led all other cryptocurrencies in cross-chain liquidity inflows during the weekend. Large purchases were funneled through Layer 2 networks like Arbitrum and Base, highlighting how investors are increasingly using faster and more cost-efficient blockchains to gain exposure to ETH.
Alongside this activity, Ethereum’s on-chain stablecoin supply increased by $29.7 million—marking the second-largest single-day jump. This surge in stablecoin deposits often indicates rising user activity and hints at a broader demand for ETH-related services, particularly within DeFi and NFT ecosystems.
The uptick in capital movements across Ethereum’s ecosystem hints that some investors are positioning early, possibly in anticipation of favorable ETF-driven price action at the start of the new week.
Stablecoin Growth Reinforces Ethereum Network Activity
Stablecoins remain a key metric when evaluating Ethereum’s network health and user confidence. Over the past 24 hours, rising stablecoin deposits reflect renewed interest in using Ethereum’s infrastructure for various financial applications, including trading, lending, and staking.
This surge in deposits further aligns with patterns observed before previous Ethereum rallies, particularly when spot ETF interest drives inflows into major digital assets.
If the current buildup follows previous ETF-related inflows seen on Monday market opens, Ethereum could post a rebound, potentially breaking its recent downtrend.
But ETH Still Trails Behind Bitcoin and the S&P 500
While Ethereum has enjoyed strong on-chain activity, it continues to underperform when compared to both Bitcoin and the S&P 500 in 2025. According to Artemis, Ethereum is down 35% year-to-date. In contrast, Bitcoin has gained 58.1% over the same period, while the S&P 500 has risen 10.4%.
This gap in performance may cause some institutional investors to reallocate capital toward Bitcoin, which is increasingly being treated as a macro hedge or store of value—particularly in times of heightened global risk.
Ethereum’s underperformance may also be attributed to delays in key ecosystem upgrades and growing competition from faster Layer 1 chains. However, long-term believers argue that Ethereum’s flexibility and dominance in smart contract applications still make it a strong contender in any diversified crypto portfolio.
Is a New Week Rebound on the Horizon for ETH?
The $274 million inflow ahead of Monday’s session is noteworthy. Historically, Ethereum has shown signs of positive momentum following such weekend inflows, especially when driven by ETF-related speculation.
However, for this buying pressure to translate into a sustainable rally, ETH needs to reclaim key technical levels and maintain its on-chain strength. Traders will also be watching how Bitcoin moves in the short term, as its price direction continues to influence the broader crypto market.
If Ethereum can hold current support levels and ETF flows remain steady, it may be poised to challenge its immediate resistance zones and narrow the performance gap with Bitcoin.
Conclusion: Inflows Offer Hope, but ETH Must Deliver
Ethereum’s latest inflows offer a rare sign of optimism in a market otherwise characterized by uncertainty and correction. Whales and institutional investors appear to be accumulating ETH through efficient Layer 2 channels, and the rise in stablecoin supply supports the idea of growing engagement on the network.
Still, ETH’s path forward is far from guaranteed. Its underperformance compared to Bitcoin and the S&P 500 puts added pressure on bulls to prove that the recent accumulation is more than a temporary move.
As the week begins, Ethereum holders will be looking for signs of strength—not just in price, but in on-chain activity and broader market sentiment. The next few days could determine whether ETH’s recent inflows signal a true reversal—or just another pause before more downside.
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