2026: The Year of Ethereum According to Standard Chartered
Ethereum is experiencing an unprecedented turning point. The network usage is indeed reaching historic heights at the start of 2026. Upstream, fees are dropping and activity is exploding. A structural change that could redefine the future of blockchain!
In Brief
- Ethereum reaches 2.5 million transactions per day with historically low fees.
- Staking explodes, strengthening validators’ confidence and adoption of the crypto network.
Ethereum Announces Transaction Records and Historically Low Fees
With an average of 2.5 million transactions per day, Ethereum network activity reaches an unprecedented level. At the same time, gas fees plunge to only $0.15 (sometimes even down to $0.04 according to Etherscan).
Crypto analysts agree on one point: this combination of low cost and high activity is no coincidence. Since the Fusaka update, the Ethereum network has introduced major innovations such as PeerDAS and increased blob capacity from EIP-4844.
Result: rollups can publish their data more efficiently, which improves scalability without burdening the mainnet.
Ethereum adoption is also strengthened by intensive use of stablecoins. These now account for 35% to 40% of transactions, according to Standard Chartered. Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC) lead the charge.
Staking Explodes, Proof of Confidence in the Ethereum Ecosystem
Now, over 36 million ETH are locked in staking contracts. This represents about 30% of the total circulating supply. And the trend continues: more than 2.5 million ETH await entry while the validators’ exit queue falls to zero. This positive imbalance demonstrates strong confidence among Ethereum network participants.
Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum co-founder, calls on the community to stay true to its values.
His message resonates at the moment Ethereum is transitioning from a technical network to a blockchain designed for daily use. Between stable payments, reduced fees, and technical innovations, the crypto network seems ready for mass adoption.
In any case, Ethereum has never been so performant, so used, and so affordable. If this trend continues, it could establish itself as the foundation of a stable, accessible, and decentralized digital finance.
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My name is Ariela, and I am 31 years old. I have been working in the field of web writing for 7 years now. I only discovered trading and cryptocurrency a few years ago, but it is a universe that greatly interests me. The topics covered on the platform allow me to learn more. A singer in my spare time, I also cultivate a great passion for music and reading (and animals!)
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.