Ethereum Validator Exit Queue Hits Zero As Staking Demand Climbs Fast

TLDR

• Ethereum validator exit queue drops from 2.67M ETH in 2025 to 0 ETH now
• Entry queue for staking rises fivefold to 2.6M ETH in past month
• Over 46.5 percent of ETH supply is locked in the staking deposit contract
• ETH staking yield stands at about 2.8%  APR attracting institutions

The Ethereum validator exit queue has dropped to zero, indicating reduced selling pressure from stakers. This development has aligned with a steep rise in demand for staking Ether (ETH), which is contributing to increased interest from both individual and institutional participants.

According to data from Ethereum Validator Queue, the exit queue decreased from a peak of 2.67 million ETH in September 2025 to zero. In contrast, the entry queue has surged to 2.6 million ETH, the highest level recorded since July 2023. The current wait time for new validators to enter the network is approximately 45 days, while exits are being processed within minutes.

ETH Staking Demand Hits New Highs

The current surge in the entry queue shows rising demand for Ethereum staking. This reflects a broader trend of long-term confidence in the Ethereum network and its ability to deliver consistent staking yields.

The entry queue has increased over fivefold in the last 30 days. Analysts suggest that this change may improve ETH’s supply dynamics, which could influence future market behavior. Leon Waitmann, Head of Research at Onchain Foundation, said, “Once the entry queue converts into active validators, the staking rate moves higher and pushes toward new all-time highs.”

Institutions Fueling ETH Staking Growth

Institutional players are contributing a large share of the staking inflow. BitMine Immersion Technologies has staked over 1.25 million ETH, which is over one-third of its ETH holdings. This level of participation reflects growing institutional trust in Ethereum as a yield-bearing asset.

At present, the annual staking yield is around 2.8 percent. This return, while moderate, has proven attractive for investors seeking stable on-chain yields in decentralized finance. The current trend also reduces the circulating supply of ETH, which may influence long-term price trends.

Over 46 Percent of ETH Supply Locked in Deposit Contract

According to data from crypto analytics firm Santiment, over 46.5 percent of Ethereum’s total supply is now locked in the proof-of-stake (PoS) deposit contract. This amounts to 77.85 million ETH, which is worth around $256 billion at today’s prices.

Additionally, Beaconcha.in reports that the total amount of ETH actively staked is about 36.1 million ETH, which accounts for nearly 29 percent of the total supply. This level of network participation suggests that more holders are choosing to secure their assets within the network rather than sell.

Price Still Below All-Time High

Despite the increased staking activity and institutional demand, the current price of Ether remains at $3,300, which is still below its all-time high of $4,946 recorded in August 2025. However, many in the market are watching whether continued staking demand and reduced selling pressure might shift future price behavior.

The latest developments in the validator queue and staking participation are likely to remain key metrics for tracking Ethereum’s progress as it continues to mature in the proof-of-stake era.

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