Cryptocurrency
Ethereum Surges 6% as Bitcoin Rises Modestly in Crypto Market
2024-11-28
Ethereum (ETH-USD) emerged as a leader in the cryptocurrency arena on Thursday, witnessing a remarkable surge of over 6%. This significant growth contrasted with bitcoin (BTC-USD), which saw a more modest increase of 1.5%. According to CoinGecko data, the global cryptocurrency market capitalisation climbed by 2%, reaching an impressive $1.34tn (£1.06tn). Ethereum's performance over the past week was equally outstanding, climbing 15% compared to bitcoin's 1.7% decline during the same period.
Bitcoin's Post-Election Rally and Subsequent Setback
Bitcoin had a record-setting rally following the US election, driven by market optimism surrounding president-elect Donald Trump's anticipated pro-crypto policies. However, it lost momentum in the subsequent weeks. This volatility in bitcoin's price showcases the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market.ETH/BTC Trading Pair: A Sign of Investor InterestThe ETH/BTC trading pair demonstrated strong momentum on Thursday, rising from 0.035 to 0.038. This recovery from its post-election low indicates the heightened interest of investors in ethereum. It highlights the potential of ethereum as a viable alternative to bitcoin in certain trading scenarios.Total Value Locked in Ethereum-based DeFiIn the past week, total value locked (TVL) in ethereum-based decentralised finance (DeFi) projects grew by 7%, reaching an impressive $69.3bn. This surge suggests a growing confidence in ethereum as a platform for financial innovation. It showcases the potential of DeFi to drive significant value within the ethereum ecosystem.Altcoins' Performance: Cardano and SolanaAltcoins such as Cardano (ADA-USD) and Solana (SOL-USD) also posted gains, with Cardano increasing by 1% and Solana by 1.5%. According to CoinGecko data, Cardano has seen a remarkable 26% increase in value over the past week. Market analysts attribute this optimism to a combination of improving investor sentiment and the growing use cases in DeFi. These altcoins play a crucial role in diversifying the cryptocurrency market and offer alternative investment opportunities.Stablecoin Supply and Ethereum's RoleTotal stablecoin supply has exceeded the previous all-time high of $188bn. Stablecoins like USDT (USDT-USD) and USDC (USDC-USD), which primarily operate on the ethereum blockchain, have been driving this growth. Presto Research's recent report highlights the significance of stablecoins and ethereum's position as a platform of choice for builders exploring real-world applications. Despite some skepticism from market participants, ethereum continues to play a vital role in the stablecoin ecosystem.Ethereum's Growth and Smart Contract CapabilitiesEthereum, with a market cap of over $434bn, has experienced robust growth. Its price has risen to around the $3,600 mark, representing a 79% increase over the past year. Developers are drawn to its smart contract capabilities, which enable the creation of complex financial applications. Additionally, upgrades like the transition to proof-of-stake have enhanced scalability and energy efficiency, further solidifying ethereum's position in the cryptocurrency market.Impact of Traditional Finance on Cryptocurrency MarketThe cryptocurrency market's performance is also influenced by developments in traditional finance. US equity markets rallied earlier this week after president-elect Trump nominated Scott Bessent as Treasury secretary. Investors responded positively to Bessent's proposed "3 Arrows" strategy, which aims for 3% GDP growth, a 3% budget deficit by 2028, and a daily oil production increase of 3 million barrels. However, Wall Street's main indices closed lower on Wednesday, with the Nasdaq leading the declines. Technology stocks slumped on Thanksgiving eve due to concerns about the Federal Reserve's stance on rate cuts in the face of stubbornly strong US inflation data. This shows the interconnectedness between traditional and cryptocurrency markets and how events in one can impact the other.