Ethereum (ETH) Circulating Supply Climbs to 2024 Peak, Inflation Concerns Grow

Over the past 30 days, 62,699 ETH, valued at $172 million at current market prices, have been added to the leading altcoins circulating supply.

The circulating supply now stands at 120.30 million ETH, marking its highest level since the year began.

EthereumSees Decline in Activity and Burn Rate

According to data from Ultrasound.money, ETHs circulating supply has steadily risen since April 14.

An asset‘s circulating supply refers to the number of coins or tokens available to the public. It increases when more tokens become available for trading. In Ethereum’s case, this supply growth happens when the network witnesses a demand drop, reducing the burn rate.

Ethereum Circulating Supply. Source: Ultrasound.money

Typically, as more users transact and engage with Ethereum, the burn rate — measuring ETH tokens permanently removed from circulation — increases, driving Ethereums deflationary supply dynamic. However, when user activity drops, the burn rate also declines, leaving more coins in circulation and expanding the circulating supply.

User activity on Ethereum has been trending downward in recent months. Data from Artemis reveals that since daily active addresses peaked at 611,000 on June 22, the number of users on Ethereum has decreased by 37%.

Ethereum Network Activity. Source: Artemis

As a result, the number of daily transactions completed on the network has also plunged. Per Artemis, since climbing to a high of 1.3 million on June 22, the daily count of unique on-chain interactions with Ethereum has decreased by 15%.

ETH Price Prediction: Buyers and Sellers Take Some Time Off

When more ETH tokens enter circulation, the overall supply available for purchase generally increases. This can lead to a price decline if supply outpaces demand. This scenario has unfolded as ETH struggles to break above the $3,000 price mark since the beginning of the month.

At press time, ETH trades at $2,742, reflecting a 15% drop over the past 30 days due to the broader market downturn. However, in recent days, the market has stabilized, showing a relative balance between buying and selling pressures. This is evidenced by the flat Relative Strength Index (RSI).

Ethereum Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

When an assets RSI is flat, it indicates that it is neither overbought nor oversold, suggesting a period of market indecision or consolidation. When this happens, traders are waiting for a catalyst to trigger either a buying or selling spree.

A surge in accumulation could push ETH toward a price target of $2,867. On the flip side, increased distribution might drive it down to $2,535.