The global cryptocurrency market has dropped 2.63% in the past 24 hours, with the total market capitalization now at $3.95 trillion. Bitcoin fell 2.81% to around $118,500, while Ethereum decreased 0.69% to $4,278. Other altcoins also saw declines, with XRP down 4.46%, BNB losing 1.94%, and Solana dropping 5.94%.
Analyst Erik Crown has warned that the current cryptocurrency cycle is unlike anything we have seen before. In previous bull markets, such as 2017 and 2021, prices often surged quickly after breaking all-time highs, ending with a dramatic 'blow-off top'.
However, this cycle is marked by three unusually long corrections, each lasting about six months. Bitcoin traded in a narrow range for five to seven months, which Crown considers to be 'completely unusual'.
BTC & ETH Price Predictions
While Bitcoin may be slowing down, Crown predicts Ethereum could outperform in the short term, and the coming months will be a strong growth period for Ethereum. ETH could reach lows of $6,500 to highs of $9,000 to $10,000 before October.
Crown added that if the United States announces plans to buy Bitcoin as a strategic reserve, this could trigger another bull run in 2026. He predicts prices could peak in October, followed by a cooling-off period lasting 4–6 months before the next major move.
The value of Ethereum has the potential to increase by an additional 50% compared to Bitcoin, which could make Ethereum a better short-term trading option. The analyst suggests that holding more Ethereum right now could be a better choice.
What is driving this? The influx of institutional money into Ethereum is a key part of the story. Below is our in-depth analysis of the latest ETP inflows into Ethereum.
Long-Term Investors Still Favor Bitcoin
For those looking towards 2030 and beyond, Crown states that Bitcoin remains an essential coin in any investment portfolio. Over the past five years, BTC's performance has outperformed other major assets, including gold, Nasdaq 100, and S&P 500. He predicts Bitcoin's price by the end of the year will range between $135,000 and $150,000–160,000.
He added: 'If you don't have Bitcoin in your investment portfolio, I don't know what you're doing.'
How is the market feeling? Crown is optimistic, and the market is too. Below is our report on the Fear & Greed Index hitting the 'Greed' zone.
