NEW YORK — BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, sold 63,280.42 Ether (ETH), valued at approximately $271.9 million, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, through its iShares Ethereum Trust, according to Cointelegraph. The transaction, tracked via blockchain data on Etherscan, marks a significant reduction in BlackRock’s Ethereum holdings, which still total over 600,000 ETH worth $2.5 billion, as the firm prioritizes its $87 billion Bitcoin ETF.
The sale aligns with a broader trend of institutional rebalancing, with Ethereum’s exit queue holding 910,461 ETH ($3.9 billion) amid a rush to unstake. “BlackRock’s move reflects a strategic pivot toward Bitcoin, which has outperformed ETH this year,” blockchain analyst David Kim told Cointelegraph. With Ethereum trading at $4,300, down from a July peak of $4,900, the sale capitalizes on a 20% price rally since June. BlackRock’s Bitcoin Trust, holding 3% of BTC’s total supply, has drawn $12 billion in net inflows since January 2024, dwarfing its Ethereum fund’s $600 million.
Key drivers of BlackRock’s strategy include:
- Bitcoin Preference: Institutional investors favor BTC’s 60% year-to-date gain over ETH’s 25%.
- Regulatory Clarity: The GENIUS Act stabilizes crypto markets, boosting confidence in Bitcoin ETFs.
- Liquidity Needs: Sale frees capital for potential new crypto or traditional asset investments.
The move follows Fidelity’s $150.8 million ETH sale earlier this week, signaling a cautious approach to Ethereum amid concerns over staking yield declines. Posts on X, including from @CryptoMarketNow suggest BlackRock may be hedging against ETH price volatility, with some users warning of a potential drop below $4,000. Despite the sale, BlackRock remains a crypto heavyweight, with its iShares funds shaping market trends. As institutional adoption grows, the firm’s actions underscore the dynamic interplay between Bitcoin and Ethereum in portfolio strategies.
