For the first time in six months, Ethereum’s staking queue has overtaken its exit queue, signaling a significant shift in the state of the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. This development has captured the attention of investors and analysts, hinting at potential bullish momentum for Ether (ETH).
The Current State of Ethereum Staking
According to the Ethereum Validator Queue, the entry queue now holds approximately 745,619 Ether, with a wait time of nearly 13 days. Meanwhile, the exit line has dwindled to around 360,518 ETH, with an estimated wait of eight days. This flip, which took place on December 28, 2025, represents a critical demand shift in Ethereum’s staking ecosystem.
Notably, the last time such a flip occurred was in June, after which Ether’s price doubled. Abdul, the head of DeFi at layer 1 blockchain Monad, observed a similar pattern this time and speculated, “2026 going to be a movie,” suggesting significant developments could be underway for Ethereum.
Why Are Validators Entering the Network?
Ethereum’s Proof-of-Stake (PoS) framework requires validators to stake their holdings to help secure the network. A surge in staking could indicate rising confidence among investors and institutions in Ethereum’s long-term potential. Data reveals that 342,560 Ether, valued at around $1 billion, was staked in just two days by BitMine, a prominent digital asset treasury company. BitMine now holds an impressive 3.4% of Ethereum’s total supply.
Such institutional activity mirrors accumulation patterns seen with Bitcoin in the past. By absorbing unstaked ETH and committing it to long-term staking, companies like BitMine reduce the circulating supply, potentially driving up prices.
Market Implications for Ether
Unstaking events are often viewed as a precursor to sell-pressure because validators may free up ETH for sale. However, the reduction in the exit queue suggests this sell pressure could subside, removing a major supply factor that has troubled ETH markets since mid-2025.
The decrease in sell pressure is complemented by other bullish signs. Ethereum ETFs have shown sustained outflows throughout late December, indicating that investors are shifting toward directly staking ETH rather than trading ETF shares. For example, the second half of December 2025 saw an impressive $643.97 million stake inflow into Ethereum.
What Investors Should Watch In 2026
Experts predict that as the exit queue trends toward zero in January 2026, reduced sell pressure could create favorable market conditions for Ethereum. Historical data also suggests that such shifts have previously coincided with Ether price surges. With major players like BitMine acquiring significant positions and staking assets for the long term, retail investors may find this a promising time to explore ETH investments.
If you’re considering entering the Ethereum market or staking your holdings, finding a trusted platform is essential. One reliable option is Kraken’s Ethereum Staking Services, ideal for beginners and experienced investors alike.
Key Takeaways
- The Ethereum staking queue has exceeded the exit queue for the first time in six months, signaling a growing demand for staking participation.
- Institutional entities like BitMine are accumulating significant amounts of Ether, reducing circulating supply and supporting bullish projections.
- Reduced sell pressure in early 2026 could create a favorable environment for Ethereum’s price growth.
With Ethereum surpassing past adoption and staking milestones, staying informed about these trends can help investors capitalize on opportunities in the evolving crypto market of 2026.
