Ether Surges Past $4K as Altcoin Momentum Builds on Regulatory and Macro Tailwinds
Ethereum (ETH) crossed the $4,000 threshold for the first time since December, rising 3.5% over the past 24 hours as investor interest shifts toward altcoins. The rally comes amid optimism around U.S. interest rate cuts, renewed momentum from crypto treasury firms, and fresh regulatory clarity following the SEC’s decision to drop its lawsuit against Ripple.
While Bitcoin (BTC) remains flat near $116,800, Ether’s gains have pushed the ETH/BTC ratio up 3% in the last hour alone, bringing the monthly increase to 42%. Still, over a longer time frame, the ratio is down 4% year-to-date and 20% compared to the same period last year, underscoring BTC’s broader market dominance.
Other major altcoins have joined the rally:
- XRP is up 9%
- Solana (SOL) has gained 3.5%
- Dogecoin (DOGE) is up 5.3%
The surge has also lifted Ether-related equities. Bitmine Immersion (BMNR) rose 13% on the day, while Sharplink Gaming (SBET) added 4%.
Ether is now up 25% in 2026 and 112% year-over-year, signaling growing investor confidence in the asset as broader market conditions improve and alternative crypto plays regain traction.
