Ethereum’s institutional momentum is heating 1 asset manager CI Global Asset Management just staked $130 million worth of ETH from its ETHX ETF, signaling renewed confidence among big funds, even as global markets remain 2 move, confirmed on-chain, represents around 21% of CI Global’s total $620.61 million ETH holdings, according to data from their Ethereum ETF portfolio. BREAKING: This Canadian ETF just staked $130M ETH CI Global Asset Management holds $620.61M of ETH in their ETHX ETF, and have just staked $130M. They still hold around $490.85M of unstaked ETH in their 3 they be staking this as well? 4 — Arkham (@arkham) October 16, 2025 CI Global’s Bold Move into Staking The ETHX ETF currently holds approximately $620.61 million in 5 that, $130 million is now staked, earning yield through network validation and 6 leaves $490.85 million of unstaked ETH still sitting idle in the 7 big question: Will CI Global stake the rest?
If they do, it would push total staked ETF-held Ethereum to one of the highest levels among traditional funds, potentially influencing yields across liquid staking protocols and 8 marks a significant shift, not just in ETF strategy but in institutional participation 9 funds are no longer holding ETH passively. They’re beginning to earn from the network itself Institutional Ethereum Demand Is Building CI Global’s move comes amid a wave of institutional ETH accumulation across exchanges. On-chain data shows large-scale withdrawals from centralized platforms, often the first sign of long-term holding or staking 10 the past 48 hours, roughly $415 million worth of ETH has moved off exchanges tied to institutional 11 Lee Reportedly Bought $415M in ETH The biggest headline of the week: Tom Lee, co-founder of Fundstrat Global Advisors, reportedly purchased $415 million worth of ETH through two separate entities.
On-chain trackers identified two addresses withdrawing $185 million from Kraken overnight, matching known purchase patterns associated with Bitmine’s institutional flow 12 comes just a day after another $231.5 million worth of ETH was withdrawn from BitGo wallets. Combined, that’s $415 million in ETH bought over a 48-hour 13 are not retail 14 mirror Bitmine’s historical accumulation strategy, large, timed withdrawals ahead of macro catalysts or liquidity 15 LEE BOUGHT $415M WORTH OF ETH Two addresses withdrew $185M ETH last night from 16 movements are in addition to the $231.5M withdrawn from Bitgo that we reported yesterday – bringing the total to $415M.
These withdrawals match known Bitmine purchase patterns. 0 17 — Arkham (@arkham) October 16, 2025 $6 Billion in Shorts on the Line Ethereum’s open interest is now sitting on a knife’s 18 estimate around $6 billion worth of ETH shorts could face liquidation if the price pumps just 10% from current 19 means a short squeeze could easily propel ETH into its next leg higher, especially with fresh inflows from ETFs and whale 20 in BlackRock’s latest ETH inflow and Bitmine’s ongoing purchases, and market pressure is clearly building on the short side. $6,000,000,000 in shorts will get liquidated if $ETH pumps 10%. BlackRock had an inflow yesterday, while BitMine is also 21 only uncertainty is around the US-China deal, which is dragging everything 22 signs of trade deal could push Ethereum 23 — Ted (@TedPillows) October 16, 2025 Macro Clouds, But Optimism Grows Despite the heavy buying, macro sentiment remains the biggest 24 ongoing uncertainty around the U.
S.–China trade deal has weighed on risk assets across the 25 are holding their breath for any sign of progress. “Any indication of a trade breakthrough could send Ethereum flying,” one analyst noted, pointing to the combination of institutional inflows, ETF staking activity, and short exposure as a “perfect storm” 26 now, the market remains cautious, but data points are stacking up in favor of a move higher. Ethereum’s Institutional Cycle Is Underway This latest wave of ETF staking and whale accumulation signals a clear shift in market 27 previous cycles, institutional interest often lagged behind 28 time, it’s 29 Global’s decision to actively stake ETH shows traditional finance is becoming more comfortable with on-chain yield, treating staking as a legitimate income stream rather than a speculative 30 development could have ripple effects across the broader ETF 31 other funds follow suit, billions in idle ETH could transition into active validator participation, effectively reducing circulating supply and strengthening the network’s economic base.
Ethereum’s On-Chain Story Strengthens Ethereum is now being treated less like a speculative token and more like an on-chain financial asset, one that yields, secures, and 32 staking inflows could amplify ETH’s long-term scarcity 33 more ETH is locked for yield, liquid supply tightens, making price reactions sharper during accumulation 34 that with short-side risk and upcoming macro catalysts, and Ethereum sits on a high-tension coil that could unwind dramatically in either 35 now, $415 million in new institutional ETH buys, $130 million staked by a major ETF, and $6 billion in shorts waiting to be squeezed are setting up one of the most asymmetric setups Ethereum has seen all 36 Bottom Line CI Global Asset Management staked $130M ETH, leaving $490.85M unstaked in their 37 Lee and Bitmine-linked addresses withdrew $415M ETH from centralized 38 continues to record ETH inflows. $6B in shorts could be liquidated on a 10% price jump.
A U. S.–China trade breakthrough remains the macro 39 capital is moving 40 is once again the asset of choice, not for speculation, but for yield, exposure, and network 41 if the next 10% move triggers the short cascade analysts expect, we may be watching the early phase of Ethereum’s next institutional leg. Disclosure: This is not trading or investment 42 do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any 43 us on Twitter @nulltxnews to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, Distributed Computing, and Metaverse news !
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