Ethereum (ETH) has blasted past the crucial $4,150 mark for the first time in eight months, hitting an intraday peak of $4,055 and igniting excitement across the crypto market. But this isn’t just another short-lived pump . the rally is underpinned by strong institutional buying and growing signs that a powerful altcoin season could be underway. Could ETH’s resurgence be the trigger for a full-scale altcoin bull run?Whales & ETFs Pour Fuel on the Fire
🏦One of the biggest drivers behind ETH’s surge is the wave of institutional money flooding in. US spot Ethereum ETFs have seen nearly $5 billion in inflows over the past month, acting as a magnet for big capital. At the same time, corporate heavyweights like BitMine and SharpLink are scooping up massive ETH positions worth billions, solidifying their status as influential whales. This influx of large, long-term investors builds a sturdy floor under Ethereum’s price and signals a new level of institutional conviction.The Altcoin Season Signal: Bitcoin Dominance Slips
🔄Ethereum’s rally isn’t happening in isolation. Bitcoin’s market dominance has slipped to around 59%, a classic signal of capital rotation into altcoins. Historically, such declines in BTC dominance have marked the start of strong altcoin runs. Analysts point out that ETH’s dominance is now firmly in a macro uptrend — a pattern reminiscent of the 2021 bull cycle. If history rhymes, we could be entering a phase where altcoins outperform Bitcoin by a wide margin.The Road Ahead: Eyeing the All-Time High
🎯With ETH holding above $4,000, traders are setting their sights on the ultimate target — the all-time high of $4,867. Strong institutional flows, bullish ETF momentum, and weakening BTC dominance create the perfect conditions for Ethereum to make that climb. Short-term dips are possible, but on-chain and market fundamentals lean toward sustained strength, giving ETH the potential to lead the market higher.Ethereum’s break above $4,000 isn’t just a chart milestone — it’s a signal that the market may be entering a new growth phase. With deep-pocketed whales accumulating and BTC dominance falling, the stage is set for ETH to drive an altcoin rally that could define the next chapter of the bull market. The coming months will reveal if this momentum is strong enough to push ETH back toward — and possibly beyond its record highs.