Ethereum (ETH) may be on the verge of a major breakout, as new on-chain data reveals it is historically undervalued compared to Bitcoin (BTC) — a trend not seen since 2019, according to a recent CryptoQuant report.
ETH/BTC MVRV Ratio Hits Rare Lows
The spotlight is on Ethereum’s Market Value to Realized Value (MVRV) ratio when measured against Bitcoin — a key indicator of relative asset valuation. This metric, which gauges market sentiment and price dislocation from historical norms, has dipped into rarely seen territory. Historically, these low levels have preceded strong outperformance from ETH over BTC, with significant gains often following.
Institutional Interest Surging in Ethereum ETFs
Supporting this bullish thesis, institutional appetite for ETH is rising. The ETH/BTC ETF holdings ratio has sharply climbed since late April, suggesting that large investors are reallocating toward Ethereum with the expectation it will outperform Bitcoin in the near future.
Analysts believe this could be fueled by Ethereum’s recent Pectra upgrade, easing macroeconomic conditions, or a broader shift toward "altcoin season" — a phase where alternative cryptocurrencies outperform Bitcoin.
ETH/BTC Ratio Rebounds 38% from 2020 Lows
The ETH/BTC trading ratio has already rebounded 38% from its lowest level since January 2020. This recovery signals growing confidence among traders that the worst may be over for ETH's relative performance — and that a new uptrend could be taking shape.
ETH Spot Volume Nears BTC, On-Chain Data Shows Confidence
Further boosting sentiment is a rise in ETH’s spot trading volume relative to BTC, which surged to 0.89 last week — its highest since August 2024. A similar spike occurred in 2019–2021, preceding a period where ETH outperformed BTC by over 4x.
In parallel, Ethereum exchange deposits — often a proxy for selling pressure — have dropped to their lowest relative level since 2020, hinting that investors are holding, not selling, in anticipation of higher prices.
Will Ethereum Trigger the Next Altcoin Rally?
March Zheng, General Partner at Bizantine Capital, recently told CoinDesk that ETH often serves as the on-chain indicator for broader altcoin rallies, historically leading the pack during risk-on cycles in crypto.
However, Ethereum’s network activity remains one area of concern. CryptoQuant notes that despite bullish signals, user engagement and transaction activity on the Ethereum blockchain must rise to sustain any long-term rally.
Conclusion: ETH May Be Poised for Breakout — But Needs Network Growth
With its deep undervaluation, rising institutional interest, and diminishing selling pressure, Ethereum looks poised for potential upside against Bitcoin. But the sustainability of this move will depend on increased on-chain usage and network demand.
As traders and investors keep an eye on ETH’s next move — particularly a decisive break above its 365-day moving average against BTC — the coming months may prove pivotal for Ethereum’s price action and its influence across the altcoin market.
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