tl;dr
Grayscale Investments launches staking-enabled ETPs for Ethereum and Solana, giving traditional investors a regulated way to earn blockchain rewards while tracking crypto prices—a move sparking both excitement and regulatory scrutiny.
**Grayscale Investments Launches First Staking-Enabled ETPs for Ethereum and Solana, Expanding Crypto Exposure**
Grayscale Investments has made a significant leap in the U.S. cryptocurrency market by introducing the first spot exchange-traded products (ETPs) that support staking. The firm’s latest offerings, the **Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE)** and the **Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust ETF (ETH)**, now allow investors to earn staking rewards while maintaining exposure to Ethereum’s price movements. Additionally, the **Grayscale Solana Trust (GSOL)** has activated staking capabilities, enabling traditional brokerage account holders to access Solana’s rewards. Pending regulatory approval, GSOL could become one of the first spot Solana ETPs with staking features in the U.S.
### Grayscale Expands Access to Staking Exposure
According to a press release, the new staking-enabled products aim to provide investors with a regulated pathway to earn rewards from blockchain networks without directly managing crypto assets. ETHE and ETH are designed to mirror Ethereum’s price, while GSOL tracks Solana’s performance. However, these ETPs are not registered under the *Investment Company Act of 1940*, meaning they lack the same investor protections as traditional ETFs.
Grayscale’s approach leverages institutional custodians and validator networks to facilitate staking, a process that secures blockchain networks and bolsters ecosystem resilience. The company plans to extend staking capabilities to additional digital asset funds in the future, signaling a broader push to bridge traditional finance with decentralized blockchain economics. This move aligns with growing institutional demand for regulated access to crypto yields.
### Analysts Weigh in on Solana’s Market Outlook
Solana’s price surged 1.11% over 24 hours, reaching approximately $234, following the staking announcement. The asset has seen a 13.18% gain over seven days, with a 24-hour trading volume of $6.2 billion and a market cap nearing $128 billion. Despite this momentum, analysts caution that short-term volatility remains a concern.
TedPillows, a crypto analyst, noted that treasury-linked entities have been reducing their Solana holdings. A major holder who purchased $1.5 billion worth of SOL has sold half of their position, raising red flags. However, a reversal in this selling trend could signal renewed bullish sentiment for Solana’s ecosystem.
### Technical Signals Suggest Possible Correction
Technical analysis by analyst Umair Crypto highlights a bearish divergence on Solana’s 8-hour chart. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is forming lower highs as the price approaches resistance near $236, indicating weakening momentum. A potential retracement to support levels at $219 and $205 is possible, with a drop below $205 risking further declines to $186.
While Solana’s performance against Bitcoin and Ethereum remains critical for altcoin stability, the interplay between institutional activity, technical indicators, and market sentiment will shape its near-term trajectory.
Grayscale’s innovation underscores the evolving landscape of crypto investing, offering traditional investors a novel way to engage with blockchain ecosystems. As regulatory and market dynamics continue to shift, the success of these ETPs could pave the way for broader adoption of staking-based financial instruments in the U.S. market.