Definition ∞ Ethereum trading involves buying and selling the cryptocurrency Ether, the native asset of the Ethereum blockchain. This activity occurs on centralized exchanges, decentralized exchanges, and peer-to-peer platforms, allowing participants to speculate on Ether’s price movements or use it to access decentralized applications. Ether is a foundational digital asset, serving as gas for transaction fees and collateral within the Ethereum ecosystem. Its value is closely tied to the utility and development of the network.
Context ∞ The state of Ethereum trading is significantly influenced by network upgrades, such as the transition to Proof of Stake, and the growth of its decentralized application ecosystem. Key discussions involve the network’s scalability, transaction costs, and its position as a platform for various digital assets and protocols. Future developments include further scaling solutions and continued protocol improvements, which could impact Ether’s utility and market valuation.