Ethereum (ETH) has surged past the $4,000 mark for the first time since March, buoyed by record-breaking ETF inflows, rising institutional interest, and a growing shift in investor sentiment favoring Ethereum over Bitcoin (BTC).
The cryptocurrency’s recent rally has reignited discussions of an impending “altcoin season” as bullish sentiment gains momentum.
Starting the year at just $2,356, Ethereum has rallied over 74% year-to-date, positioning itself as a standout performer in the digital asset space. As of press time, ETH is trading at $4,001, with a 24-hour drop of 0.78%.
Ethereum outshines Bitcoin post-elections
Since the U.S. elections, Ethereum has gained momentum over Bitcoin (BTC), further fueled by SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s announcement of his retirement on January 20. Bybit’s December 5 “Volatility Review” highlights a marked shift in trader sentiment, with ETH/BTC ratio climbing to over 0.4.
“After Gary Gensler’s resignation, ETH gained significant traction against BTC, as reflected by the sharp drop in the ratio between their spot prices on 5 Nov and 21 Nov.”- the report stated
This shift comes as traders increasingly favor Ethereum in options markets. According to Bybit, ETH options pricing skews indicate stronger bullish sentiment compared to Bitcoin, further supporting Ethereum’s sustained climb above $4,000.
ETF inflows signal strong institutional appetite
Ethereum spot ETFs recorded their highest-ever single-day net inflows of $83.76 million on December 6, according to SosoValue.
These inflows, led by Fidelity and BlackRock (NYSE: BLK), have sustained a ten-day streak, with cumulative net inflows exceeding $1 billion. This surge reflects heightened institutional confidence in Ethereum’s long-term potential.
Ethereum’s bullish sentiment is further validated by significant whale activity. Spot On Chain data highlights a major whale transferring 60,079 ETH, valued at $234 million, to Bitfinex after holding the tokens for nearly six years.
Notably, the whale initially acquired ETH at an average price of $153 and has now realized a profit of approximately $274.8 million—a stunning 20.7x return.
The whale’s strategic moves, holding through market fluctuations and cashing out during periods of strong price momentum, indicate long-term confidence in Ethereum’s upward trajectory. Such activity from large holders often serves as a bellwether for market sentiment, reinforcing bullish expectations among retail and institutional investors alike.
DeFi activity and ecosystem expansion drive adoption
Ethereum’s ecosystem experienced substantial growth in 2024, supported by increased activity in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector.
According to DefiLlama, Ethereum’s total value locked (TVL) surged from $30 billion to $78 billion during the year. Daily active addresses (DAAs) also rose significantly, climbing from 377,065 in late October to 412,655 at press time.
Sentiment data mirrors this growth, with institutional sentiment scoring a bullish 1.74 (on a scale of -5 to 5) compared to a mildly positive sentiment of 1.07 among retail investors.
This disparity highlights stronger confidence among institutional players while indicating optimism from retail participants, further reinforcing Ethereum’s bullish trajectory.
Technical analysis points to a $10,000 target in 2025
On December 7, a cryptocurrency analyst Captain Faibik highlightedthat Ethereum has broken out of a significant triangle pattern on the weekly chart. This breakout, following an extended consolidation period, is seen as a potential catalyst for a 2025 bull run.
The analyst emphasized that if Ethereum can maintain this momentum, it could set its sights on a midterm price target of $10,000, marking a substantial upside from current levels.
Another prominent analyst, Ted, echoed this sentiment, stating that ETH is finally approaching its moment. According to Ted, Ethereum is on the verge of a massive breakout that could propel it to a new all-time high.
He further noted that once Ethereum crosses the critical $5,000 threshold, it will likely experience a rapid surge, much like Bitcoin’s historic runs.
Both analysts agree that if Ethereum sustains its current momentum, a midterm price target of $10,000 is well within reach, supported by strong technical indicators and growing market optimism.
These projections underline Ethereum’s potential for a transformative bull run in 2025.
Ethereum’s performance in 2024 has solidified its leadership in the cryptocurrency space. With growing institutional confidence, record ETF inflows, and a thriving ecosystem, ETH is poised to spearhead innovation in the digital asset sector.
Featured image via Shutterstock
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