Key Takeaways:
- ETH/BTC Futures Ratio nearly doubles in eight months, signaling a sharp rise in trader interest in Ethereum.
- Stable funding rates and rising Open Interest show that ETH’s growth is backed by steady, not speculative, leverage.
- Institutional inflows into Ethereum ETFs suggest traditional investors are starting to follow the futures market’s lead.
Ethereum [ETH] is rapidly catching up with Bitcoin [BTC] in the derivatives market, signaling a potential sentiment shift that could fuel a broader altcoin revival. The ETH/BTC Futures Volume Ratio jumped to 98% in June 2025, a significant climb from just 42% in October 2024, according to data from The Block.
While Bitcoin remains the dominant crypto asset, Ethereum’s resurgence in futures trading reflects rising confidence among traders and institutional investors.
ETH Futures Ratio Nears Parity With BTC
Once overshadowed by Bitcoin in the futures market, Ethereum is now reclaiming investor interest. The ETH/BTC Futures Volume Ratio nearing 100% is not just a statistical anomaly—it represents a fundamental change in trader behavior. This momentum has been fueled by multiple macro and regulatory developments, including the GENIUS Act, which has bolstered Ethereum’s role in the stablecoin and DeFi ecosystem.
MEXC Research emphasized that Ethereum is recovering well from earlier volatility, particularly due to geopolitical tensions, and is now riding on the back of renewed investor optimism.
Stable Funding Rates Signal Healthy Leverage
Unlike previous bull runs where aggressive leverage dominated ETH derivatives, this time the growth appears more sustainable. Coinalyze data shows Ethereum’s funding rates have stayed positive and steady over the past week, indicating a measured approach by traders.
Open Interest for Ethereum Futures has also climbed significantly—from under $20 billion in April to over $35 billion by the end of June—despite ETH prices remaining around $2,500. In contrast, Bitcoin’s Open Interest has stagnated, reflecting maturity but also reduced speculative growth.
ETF Inflows Reinforce Ethereum’s Comeback
Although Bitcoin ETFs continue to lead with over $134 billion in total net assets, Ethereum is beginning to see a revival in institutional interest. In June alone, Ethereum ETFs saw over $1.1 billion in net inflows, according to SoSoValue.
This institutional rebound aligns with Ethereum’s improving fundamentals, including increased Layer-2 activity, rising on-chain fees from apps like Uniswap and Tether, and a strengthening validator infrastructure.
While Bitcoin continues to dominate headlines and ETF flows, Ethereum is making quiet yet powerful strides in the derivatives and institutional space. The narrowing futures volume gap, improving market sentiment, and surging ETF inflows all point to a maturing investment narrative around ETH.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
Also Read: Ethereum ETF Inflows Hit $4.2B, But Whale Activity Keeps Price Below $2,500
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