Altseason will start before Q4 💥🚀

Key Takeaways:Ethereum’s price surge and ETH/BTC strength signal renewed risk-on sentiment.Trader Michaël van de Poppe expects 200%–500% gains in altcoins by October.ETH/BTC ratio has climbed 38.5% in 30 days; Ether trades near $3,854.Caution remains over historically weak Q3 performance for ETH.Some analysts predict ETH could reach $16,000 amid declining supply and growing institutional interest.Ethereum's recent price strength is reigniting bullish sentiment across the crypto market, with analysts suggesting the move could kick off a major altcoin rally in the coming months.According to Michaël van de Poppe, co-founder of MN Trading Capital, Ether's breakout is a key trigger signaling growing risk-on appetite among crypto traders. In an X post on Thursday, van de Poppe said he is “all-in” on altcoins, forecasting 200% to 500% upside for many coins between now and October.“The recent move of ETH is the first step forward to a more risk-on appetite,” he noted.Ethereum has gained over 6% in the past 24 hours, trading at $3,854 at the time of writing, according to Nansen. More notably, the ETH/BTC ratio — a key indicator of Ethereum’s strength relative to Bitcoin — has surged 38.5% over the past 30 days, per TradingView data.Altcoin Season Incoming?Ethereum’s dominance often precedes major rotations into altcoins. With rising ETH momentum and investors seeking higher-risk opportunities, many are anticipating a late Q3 or Q4 altcoin season.“This is the perfect time for ETH to rekt the bears,” posted trader Cas Abbe, pointing to shrinking ETH exchange supply and increasing institutional interest as signs of long-term bullish support.Not Everyone Is ConvincedDespite the excitement, some traders are urging caution.Crypto trader Ash Crypto warned that August and September have historically been weak months for Ethereum, with average Q3 returns of just 6.48% since 2016, according to CoinGlass.“Generally bearish months for crypto, so I would be cautiously bullish,” Ash wrote.Trader Muneeb echoed the concern, stating that the current rally “is done for now,” suggesting potential for a cooldown before any extended move higher.Still, if Ether reaches $4,000 — just 3.7% above current levels — it could trigger liquidations of over $817 million in short positions, adding further fuel to upward momentum.ETH to $16K? Some Say Don’t Rule It OutBullish sentiment around Ether isn't limited to short-term altcoin traders.Crypto analyst Wolf said in a post, “Don’t act surprised if Tom Lee’s ETH prediction of $16,000 plays out,” referencing the Fundstrat co-founder’s long-term bullish thesis.“Volatility, disbelief, then verticality,” Wolf added — implying Ethereum may be entering a breakout phase often dismissed by skeptics.