Crypto: Ethereum Reserves Drop to 14.88 Million ETH

According to data published by CryptoQuant, Ethereum reserves on crypto exchanges hit a multi-year low on September 8, 2026. These platforms now hold only 14.88 million ETH. This tightening coincides with a record staking rate of 35.91% and sustained ETF inflows, fueling hopes for a price increase! Analysis.

In brief

• Crypto platform reserves have dropped to 14.88 million ETH, a multi-year low.
• Approximately 6.42 million ETH have left exchanges since July 2025.
• Staking now locks up 43.1 million ETH, or 35.91% of the supply.
• However, sales from intermediate wallets are hindering the scenario of a supply shock.

Why are Ethereum reserves on crypto exchanges hitting a multi-year low? {#h-why-are-ethereum-reserves-on-crypto-exchanges-hitting-a-multi-year-low}

After a nine-year low reported in February 2025, the amount of Ethereum held directly in the wallets of crypto platforms peaked at 21,301,177.2 ETH on July 1, 2025. In fourteen months, nearly 6.42 million ETH have thus left exchanges. These have been withdrawn to:

• personal wallets;
• institutional custody solutions;
• staking contracts.

On Binance, the trend is clearly confirmed. ETH reserves have fallen back to around 3.74 million tokens. This is their lowest level in three months.
Chart showing ETH reserves on Binance dropped to about 3.74 million, their lowest level in three months. Source: CryptoQuant

Historical data also confirms the scale of the phenomenon:

• At the peak recorded in 2021, crypto exchanges held over 33 million Ethereum. The available supply on platforms has thus been reduced by more than half in five years.
• In January 2026, reserves stood at nearly 16.2 million ETH before falling below 15 million by the end of April.
• On July 23, 2026, Ethereum reserves on CEX amounted to 15.1 million ETH.

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Crypto: Ethereum staking hits a record at 35.91% of circulating supply {#h-crypto-ethereum-staking-hits-a-record-at-35-91-of-circulating-supply}

According to CryptoQuant, approximately 43.1 million ETH were staked on September 8, 2026. This represents about 35.91% of the total circulating supply. This level constitutes an absolute record for the crypto network. The fact is that it far exceeds the 32% threshold reached at the end of May 2026, which was already a historical peak at that time. This proves that the long-term accumulation dynamic has never really reversed since the launch of staking on Ethereum.

This data is particularly important as the staking rate progression has been sporadic since 2021 with significant milestones:

• approximately 30% at the turn of 2026;
• 32% in May;
• now nearly 36% in September.

Each milestone crossed mechanically removes an increasing share of the supply from liquid circulation. This strengthens the thesis of a structurally scarcer digital asset in the crypto market.

The flows of Ethereum ETFs add another piece to the puzzle

According to SoSoValue metrics, US spot Ethereum ETFs have recorded approximately $2.345 billion in net inflows since July 1, 2026. This brings their assets under management to $15.57 billion.

Last week, net inflows into Ethereum ETFs fell to $218.4 million (down from $824 million the previous week). This reflects a significant slowdown in short-term institutional demand. Chart showing net flows of US spot Ethereum ETFs. Source: SoSoValue

The behavior of different on-chain investor profiles confirms this contrasting climate.

• Crypto whales continue to accumulate, but at a slowed pace: +82,000 ETH over the week.
• Conversely, retail investors are taking profits: wallets holding 1,000 to 10,000 ETH distributed 214,000 ETH, and those holding 100 to 1,000 ETH relinquished an additional 93,000 ETH.

These last ones represent a combined retail distribution of 307,000 ETH over the week, according to CryptoQuant data.

Towards a supply squeeze for ETH crypto? Scenarios and key levels to watch

On Tuesday, September 8, the ETH price hovers around $2,470. This crypto asset shows a decrease of about 1% over the last 24 hours, but an increase of 1.96% over a seven-day period.

Technically, Ethereum is trading above its 20, 50, 100, and 200-period exponential moving averages. Crypto experts generally interpret this signal as bullish in the medium term. Immediate resistance is at $2,544, followed by $2,626 and then $2,786. As for support, the first level is at $2,431, reinforced by the 20 EMA at $2,385, followed by the 50 EMA at $2,192 and the 200 EMA at $2,183.

Crypto analyst Ali Martinez offers an interesting prediction based on the URPD (UTXO Realized Price Distribution). This on-chain indicator identifies areas where investors' acquisition costs are concentrated. According to him, Ethereum is resting on a major support zone around $2,475. Approximately 2.86 million ETH have previously changed hands there. The real resistance lies between $2,723 and $2,822. This corresponds to a zone where over 10 million ETH have been traded. As long as the support holds, the scenario of a return to $2,723 remains relevant.

In any case, Ethereum is entering a decisive phase. Will the decrease in available supply truly be enough to confirm bullish pressure on the price of ETH? The answer will come in the coming months. Stay tuned...