**"Ethereum Classic (ETC): The Immutable Proof-of-Work Titan"**
Ethereum Classic (ETC) is the **original Ethereum chain** preserved after the 2016 DAO hack, adhering strictly to "**code is law**" principles. It maintains **proof-of-work (PoW)** consensus while Ethereum shifted to PoS, positioning itself as a **decentralized, attack-resistant blockchain** for immutable smart contracts. Recent developments include:
- **Hashrate Surge**: All-time high security (145 TH/s) post-ETH Merge.
- **ETF Speculation**: Grayscale’s trust relisting fueled 2025 price targets up to **$120**.
- **Supply Cap**: Fixed at **210.7M ETC** (vs. ETH’s infinite issuance).
- **Adoption**: Supported by **Antpool** and traditional finance explorers.
Trading at **$24.38** (July 2025), ETC offers a unique **POW hedge** in a staking-dominated landscape, with +3% monthly gains amid rising institutional interest.
