The recent momentum in the cryptocurrency market may be cooling off, but Ethereum (ETH) is showing signs of rejecting lower lows, particularly against Bitcoin (BTC). According to insights shared by decentralized finance (DeFi) researcher DefiIgnas, Ethereum could be on the brink of a rally that could potentially lead it to usurp BTC’s current position as the best-performing asset.
While ETH has experienced a 24% decline versus BTC in 2023, various fundamental indicators suggest that this trend is about to change. DefiIgnas points out that crypto investors are increasingly attracted to the discounted Grayscale Ethereum Trust (GETH), which has been rallying in recent months, outperforming Ethereum spot prices. In fact, GETH surged by 298% during this period, whereas ETH only rose by around 100%. The increasing share prices of GETH have resulted in a decrease in its discount with spot ETH, indirectly driving more capital into Ethereum and generating higher demand.
Additionally, Ethereum’s bullish prospects are reinforced by the approval of the first spot Bitcoin ETF, which has recently gained traction. With the expectation of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) authorizing various products, including those proposed by Fidelity and BlackRock, once the spot Bitcoin ETF goes live, the attention, narrative, and speculation will likely shift toward the approval of the first spot Ethereum ETF. In fact, BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has already submitted an application to the SEC for the issuance of the first spot Ethereum ETF.
The anticipated activation of the Cancun upgrade in the first half of 2024 will also play a significant role in supporting Ethereum prices. Over the years, Ethereum has undergone multiple upgrades, such as the transition from proof-of-work (PoW) to proof-of-stake (PoS) and the introduction of ETH burning through an overhauled fee auction mechanism. The Cancun upgrade aims to further enhance the main net’s capabilities by activating several proposals, including EIP-4844 proto-dank sharding. This proposal aims to reduce gas fees associated with rollups, ultimately strengthening Ethereum’s on-chain scalability and reducing gas fees over time.
Evaluating Ethereum’s Current Position
Taking a closer look at the candlestick arrangement in the daily chart, Ethereum appears to be holding firm against BTC at spot rates. However, it remains to be seen how prices will react in the coming days. If there is confirmation of the gains seen on December 7, ETH might extend its upward trajectory. In such a scenario, it has the potential to break above the current consolidation as bulls strive to surpass the November 2023 highs of approximately 0.058 BTC.
The Road to Ethereum’s Potential Victory
While Ethereum’s recent performance against BTC may have been underwhelming, the existing and upcoming developments in the cryptocurrency landscape suggest a potential turnaround. The increasing interest in the discounted Grayscale Ethereum Trust reflects growing investor confidence in Ethereum’s future prospects. Furthermore, the approval of the first spot Bitcoin ETF and the anticipated approval of the first spot Ethereum ETF indicate a shifting focus towards Ethereum as a promising investment opportunity.
In addition, the Cancun upgrade, set to be activated in H1 2024, will provide a significant boost to Ethereum’s scalability and reduce gas fees, enhancing its appeal to both users and developers. These combined factors create a favorable environment for Ethereum to regain its upward momentum and potentially surpass Bitcoin as the best-performing asset.
As the cryptocurrency market evolves, Ethereum’s ability to adapt and implement necessary upgrades positions it as a strong contender in the digital asset space. While there are no guarantees in the volatile world of cryptocurrencies, the signs suggest that Ethereum is ready to stake its claim for dominance and emerge as a leading force in the market. Investors and enthusiasts alike will be closely watching as this battle for supremacy between Ethereum and Bitcoin unfolds.