Ethereum and Solana Staking Grows as Yields Fall

| blocktempo.com
Ethereum staking hit a record 43.8 million ETH in Q3 2026, or 35.9% of supply, with net inflows of 1.99 million ETH for a sixth consecutive quarter. Yet the average gross annualized Ethereum staking yield fell to 2.63% from 2.81%. Solana staking also expanded, reaching 440.5 million SOL, while its gross yield declined from 6.38% to about 6%. New token issuance accounted for more than 96% of Ethereum staking rewards and nearly 90% of Solana rewards; reported yields exclude provider fees. The later report adds that Ethereum transaction activity rose 35.3% year on year, but daily fee and transaction-ordering revenue fell 40.2% quarter on quarter to 198 ETH. Institutional interest is growing, including through staking ETFs and digital-asset treasuries. However, Ethereum’s potentially weeks-long unstaking period can conflict with funds’ need to meet redemptions quickly. European products reportedly stake 50% to 60% of their holdings on average. Liquid staking tokens and tradable products may help address liquidity needs, but fees, market liquidity and token prices remain risks for traders.
Neutral
The figures point in opposing directions for ETH and SOL prices. Record Ethereum staking and sustained net inflows may reduce the readily available token supply and signal long-term holder confidence. Growing institutional access could also support demand over time. However, yields are declining, most rewards come from new issuance, and Ethereum’s fee and transaction-ordering revenue fell sharply quarter on quarter despite higher transaction activity. These factors limit the bullish signal and may temper expectations for staking-driven demand. For SOL, expanding stake indicates participation, but the lower yield and issuance-heavy rewards likewise provide no clear near-term price catalyst. In the short term, traders may focus more on broader market conditions and token-specific flows than on staking totals alone. Longer term, continued adoption could support both networks, but lower returns and withdrawal or redemption constraints may restrict further inflows. Overall, the news is best viewed as neutral for ETH and SOL prices.