Ethereum (ETH) is staging what analysts are calling a “market rebirth”, with fresh on-chain data suggesting the second-largest cryptocurrency may have bottomed out against Bitcoin (BTC). A new CryptoQuant report is fueling optimism across the altcoin space, hinting that Ethereum could outperform Bitcoin in the coming months.
With ETH rebounding and institutional demand growing, is this the altseason catalyst investors have been waiting for?
Ethereum vs Bitcoin: Latest Price Data
Asset | Price (USD) | 24h Change | Market Cap |
---|---|---|---|
Ethereum | $3,075.82 | +3.62% | $369 Billion |
Bitcoin | $102,948.11 | +1.24% | $2.03 Trillion |
Source: CoinMarketCap, Santiment
ETH/BTC Ratio Hits Historic Lows — Is the Bottom In?
According to a CryptoQuant analysis released on May 18, the ETH/BTC trading pair is currently hovering around multi-year lows, signaling a potential reversal. Historically, such low ratios have been followed by a significant ETH price rebound versus BTC.
“Ethereum’s undervaluation relative to Bitcoin is now at an extreme not seen since early 2020,” said Ki Young Ju, CEO of CryptoQuant. “It’s a textbook setup for an altcoin-led rally.”
This aligns with technical analysts pointing to ETH/BTC chart structure mimicking pre-2021 breakout patterns.
Catalysts Behind Ethereum’s Revival
1. Ethereum ETF Momentum
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reportedly resumed active discussions with applicants for a spot Ethereum ETF. A potential approval could mirror Bitcoin’s ETF-driven rally, opening ETH to trillions in institutional capital.
“A spot Ethereum ETF is not a question of if, but when,” noted Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart.
2. Staking Growth Surges
Ethereum’s staking ecosystem continues to grow. More than 31 million ETH is now locked, representing over 25% of the total supply, signaling reduced circulating liquidity and long-term holder confidence.
3. DeFi Resurgence
The Total Value Locked (TVL) on Ethereum-based DeFi protocols has surpassed $110 billion, recovering from 2022–2023 lows. DApps like Aave, Lido, and EigenLayer are seeing daily active user surges.
Ethereum Dominance May Be Reawakening
ETH’s market dominance currently stands at 15.7%, but if current momentum continues, it may rise sharply.
Key indicators suggesting this include:
Higher Ethereum network fees, signaling demand resurgence.
Growing ETH whale accumulation, particularly from addresses holding 10K+ ETH.
Uptick in DEX volume versus centralized exchange volume, a bullish sign for Ethereum-native assets.
Ethereum vs Bitcoin: Analyst Viewpoints
Many crypto strategists now believe ETH could outperform BTC short to mid-term as rotation begins from large caps into layer-1 and DeFi tokens.
“Bitcoin dominance is peaking, and Ethereum typically lags before exploding,” said Michaël van de Poppe, founder of MN Trading. “We may see ETH at $4,000+ before July.”
“ETH/BTC looks like a spring coil ready to unwind,” added technical analyst Rekt Capital.
While Bitcoin remains king, Ethereum’s growing utility, smart contract dominance, and staking appeal make it a prime candidate for the next wave of altcoin growth.
Ethereum Price Chart Snapshot (Last 30 Days)
Date | ETH Price (USD) |
---|---|
Apr 19 | $2,543.11 |
Apr 25 | $2,894.09 |
May 1 | $2,781.45 |
May 10 | $2,956.78 |
May 19 | $3,075.82 |
Trend: +20.9% in the last 30 days
Ethereum’s Expanding Utility Reinforces Long-Term Value
Beyond price action and technical ratios, Ethereum’s growing real-world use cases are a key reason why investors are taking notice. From powering decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and NFT marketplaces to enabling next-generation gaming and identity solutions, Ethereum remains the backbone of Web3 infrastructure.
According to Electric Capital’s 2025 report, over 70% of active blockchain developers continue to build on Ethereum. This expanding ecosystem reinforces ETH’s intrinsic value, making it not just a speculative asset but a cornerstone of the decentralized internet. For long-term investors, Ethereum’s widespread adoption could serve as a strong tailwind even beyond the current market cycle.
Risk Factors to Watch
Despite the bullish tone, some risks remain:
SEC denial or delay of the Ethereum ETF
Macro uncertainty from U.S. interest rates and inflation
Bitcoin dominance may suppress altcoin capital inflows if BTC surges alone
Conclusion: Ethereum Could Be Poised for Takeoff
Ethereum appears to be regaining its edge in the market. With staking metrics rising, DeFi activity surging, and analysts eyeing a bounce in the ETH/BTC ratio, the signs are stacking up for a potential Ethereum-led rally.
If the trend continues, Ethereum may finally reclaim dominance and prove once again that it’s not just “digital silver”, but the heart of crypto innovation.
FAQs
Why is Ethereum rising in May 2025?
Ethereum is rising due to strong on-chain signals, ETF optimism, and increased staking.
What is the ETH/BTC ratio?
It measures Ethereum’s value relative to Bitcoin. A low ratio often signals ETH is undervalued.
Could Ethereum outperform Bitcoin in 2025?
Yes, several analysts and on-chain metrics suggest ETH may outperform BTC in the short term.
Glossary of Key Terms
ETH/BTC Ratio: A trading pair showing the price of Ethereum in terms of Bitcoin.
TVL (Total Value Locked): The total capital locked in DeFi protocols.
Staking: Locking up crypto to earn passive rewards while helping secure the network.
Dominance: The market share of a coin in the entire crypto market.