The recent approval of the first Bitcoin spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reverberated across the cryptocurrency landscape, triggering a significant surge in various altcoins, with Ethereum Classic (ETC) taking the spotlight.
Often overshadowed by its more well-known sibling, Ethereum, ETC has emerged as the clear winner in the aftermath of the groundbreaking news, experiencing an impressive surge of over 31% in the past seven days.
Ethereum Classic Trading Volume Up
Since the SEC’s approval of the Grayscale Bitcoin ETF on January 10th, Ethereum Classic has skyrocketed by a staggering 30%, currently maintaining a trading value around $26. This meteoric rise has been accompanied by a remarkable 270% increase in trading volume, soaring to a substantial $1.8 billion.
Such robust figures underscore a palpable surge in investor confidence, suggesting the potential for further gains in the near future.
While Bitcoin itself witnessed a modest price increase, briefly touching $47,000, Ethereum stole the limelight by breaking a 20-month barrier and surpassing $2,600.
Ethereum Classic currently trading at $26.36 on the daily chart: TradingView.com
This remarkable 10% surge within a mere 24 hours has positioned Ethereum at its highest value since May 2022. Analysts attribute this impressive performance to Ethereum’s robust underlying technology and recent network upgrades, cementing its status as a favorable option for investors after Bitcoin.
The approval of the Bitcoin spot ETF is not the sole catalyst for this altcoin rally; the much-anticipated Bitcoin halving event, scheduled for later in the year, is also playing a pivotal role in bolstering bullish sentiment.
ETC price action in the weekly timeframe. Source: Coingecko
This event, occurring approximately every four years, involves a reduction in the number of newly minted Bitcoins and has historically coincided with price appreciation in the cryptocurrency market.
The confluence of these factors has created a perfect storm for Ethereum Classic, propelling it towards the coveted $30 mark.
ETC Strong Performance
Industry experts anticipate that this milestone may be achieved soon, fueled by Ethereum Classic’s impressive trading volume and market capitalization, which has surged by 34% to cross the $4 billion mark since the ETF news broke.
However, amidst the euphoria surrounding this surge, it remains crucial to acknowledge the inherent volatility of the cryptocurrency market. While the approval of the Bitcoin spot ETF and the impending halving event offer promising prospects, unforeseen factors can swiftly alter market dynamics.
The recent ascent of Ethereum Classic serves as a compelling testament to the interconnectedness of the cryptocurrency market and the substantial impact of major regulatory decisions.
As the industry continues to evolve, it will be intriguing to observe how other altcoins respond to these developments and whether Ethereum Classic can sustain its lead in this post-ETF era.
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