Ethereum has recently been underperforming, raising concerns among investors. While both traditional markets and the crypto space face challenges, Ethereum’s price movements have caught the attention of analysts. What is driving this decline, and what will it take for Ethereum to bounce back?
Ethereum’s Recent Underperformance
Compared to Bitcoin, Ethereum has been displaying relatively weak performance. Analysts suggest that Ethereum lacks the fresh narratives seen with other smart contract platforms, causing it to come under increased scrutiny. The cryptocurrency has now fallen 1.6 standard deviations below its average, signaling a continued underperformance across the broader market.
Ethereum’s Total Value Locked (TVL) Decrease
Ethereum’s Total Value Locked (TVL) has seen a sharp decline, dropping from $67 billion in June to $44 billion in recent months. This reduction has put Ethereum’s position in the market under pressure. Experts note that for Ethereum to reverse this trend, a strong catalyst is needed. However, both traditional and crypto markets appear to be in a quiet phase, offering little support at present.
The Role of Spot ETFs and Institutional Interest
As reported by The Bit Journal, Ethereum-based spot ETFs have the potential to positively influence its price. Yet, many analysts emphasize that institutional interest remains predominantly focused on Bitcoin. Coinbase analyst Duong points out that many traditional investors still don’t fully understand Ethereum’s supply mechanism or the potential of its smart contract technology. This knowledge gap is preventing institutional support for Ethereum’s price growth, with Bitcoin continuing to attract the lion’s share of attention. Nonetheless, the introduction of spot ETFs and renewed investor interest could serve as a catalyst for future price movements.
2024 Drop and 2025 Rally: What Analysts Predict
Analyst Benjamin Cowen projects that Ethereum may experience a significant drop in 2024 before staging a comeback in 2025. According to Cowen, Ethereum could dip below $2,000 by the end of 2024, but recover strongly at the beginning of 2025. He also cautions that a potential recession could push Ethereum’s price down to $1,200, aligning with similar price patterns from previous years.
Conclusion: A Catalyst for Ethereum’s Recovery?
Ethereum’s short-term price action is likely to remain volatile without a significant catalyst. Increased institutional interest and the positive impact of spot ETFs could be the driving forces needed to boost Ethereum’s price. However, in the short term, the market may continue to face challenges.