BlackRock Begins Acquiring Ethereum Ahead of Staking ETF Launch

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-02-18Last updated on 2026-02-18

Abstract

BlackRock has started acquiring Ethereum in preparation for its upcoming iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHB), as detailed in an amended SEC filing. The trust was seeded with $100,000, initiating the ETF creation process. The fund plans to stake 70–95% of its ETH holdings to generate yield, with the rest kept liquid for operations. Investors are expected to receive 82% of staking rewards, while BlackRock and Coinbase Prime share 18%. An annual sponsor fee of 0.25% will apply, temporarily reduced to 0.12% for the first $2.5 billion AUM. Meanwhile, ETH is trading around $1,995, below key moving averages, indicating continued bearish momentum. Support lies near $1,950, with resistance at $2,130 and $2,298. The market remains technically weak unless ETH reclaims short-term averages.

BlackRock Inc. has begun acquiring Ethereum ahead of the planned launch of its iShares Staked Ethereum Trust ETF (expected ticker: ETHB), according to an amended S-1 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

A BlackRock affiliate seeded the trust with 4,000 shares at $25 each — equivalent to $100,000 in initial capital — activating the ETF creation process and enabling the fund to begin building an ETH position. Under the updated filing, the ETF intends to stake between 70% and 95% of its total Ethereum holdings under normal market conditions, with the remainder held in unstaked form to support daily creations, redemptions, and operational liquidity.

Estimated staking rewards based on early 2026 network metrics are around 3% annualized, though BlackRock notes these figures are not fixed and could change with network participation. Of the gross staking rewards generated, investors are projected to receive 82%, with 18% combined going to BlackRock and its execution agent, Coinbase Prime, reflecting the agreed fee structure. On top of this, the ETF will charge an annual sponsor fee of 0.25%, temporarily reduced to 0.12% for the first $2.5 billion of assets under management in the first 12 months after launch.

The product aims to combine traditional price exposure with yield generation from Ethereum’s proof-of-stake ecosystem, providing regulated ETF access to both components. But, ETH price remain in a clear downtrend following a sharp sell-off from the 3,300 region to a recent low near 1,800.

Ethereum Trades Below Key Moving Averages as Momentum Remains Weak

According to CoinMarketCap data, ETH is trading near $1,995.50 at the time of writing. Intraday range shows a low around $1,941 with a high near $2,037 over the past 24 hours, and market cap above $240 billion. Trading volume and open interest have seen modest increases alongside ETF developments.

On the ETH/USTD chart ETH price trading below the 9-day moving average at $2,012.07 and the 21-day moving average at $2,198.45, indicating continued downward momentum. This shows ETH forming lower highs and lower lows, with recent trading consolidating just below the $2,000 level.

Zooming in, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 34.55, above the oversold threshold but still indicating weak momentum. If Ethereum continues to the downside, immediate support is found near $1,950.68, with a stronger support level around $1,800. If ETH gains momentum with new ETF inflows, resistance levels are seen at $2,130 and $2,298, with a more distant resistance near $3,136. Unless the price reclaims the short-term moving averages, the prevailing structure remains technically bearish.

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Related Questions

QWhat is the name and expected ticker of the Ethereum ETF that BlackRock is preparing to launch?

AThe ETF is called the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust, with an expected ticker of ETHB.

QHow much initial capital was used to seed the trust and how many shares were purchased?

AA BlackRock affiliate seeded the trust with 4,000 shares at $25 each, for a total initial capital of $100,000.

QWhat percentage of the fund's Ethereum holdings does BlackRock intend to stake under normal market conditions?

AThe ETF intends to stake between 70% and 95% of its total Ethereum holdings under normal market conditions.

QWhat is the breakdown of the staking rewards between investors and the service providers?

AInvestors are projected to receive 82% of the gross staking rewards, while 18% combined will go to BlackRock and its execution agent, Coinbase Prime.

QWhat is the current technical outlook for Ethereum's price according to the article?

AThe technical outlook is bearish, with ETH trading below key moving averages and forming lower highs and lower lows. Immediate support is near $1,950, with stronger support around $1,800.

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