Definition ∞ Ethereum funds are investment vehicles providing exposure to the cryptocurrency Ether (ETH). These products allow investors to gain price exposure to Ether, the native asset of the Ethereum blockchain, without direct ownership or self-custody. They typically operate as trusts, exchange-traded products (ETPs), or private funds, structured to meet specific investor needs and regulatory requirements. Such funds facilitate participation in the Ethereum ecosystem for both retail and institutional capital.
Context ∞ The ongoing discussions surrounding Ethereum funds frequently involve regulatory developments, especially regarding the potential approval of spot Ethereum ETFs in various jurisdictions. The transition of Ethereum to a Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism also impacts these funds, introducing staking yields as a new consideration for product structures. Monitoring capital flows into these instruments provides insights into market sentiment and institutional interest in the broader decentralized finance sector.