Ethereum (ETH) has outpaced Bitcoin (BTC) in year-to-date performance. According to recent reports, ETH has experienced a price increase of approximately 29% so far this year, exceeding Bitcoin's growth of around 28%. This is a significant shift, as Bitcoin often leads the crypto market in overall gains. The driving force behind Ethereum's surge is attributed to increasing demand from institutional investors. Several factors could be contributing to this, including anticipation surrounding potential Ethereum ETF approvals and growing adoption of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications built on the Ethereum network. Increased staking activity also reduces the circulating supply, potentially driving up price. The upcoming Dencun upgrade, promising lower gas fees and increased scalability, may also be fueling investor optimism. While Bitcoin remains a dominant force, Ethereum's recent performance signals a strengthening position within the cryptocurrency landscape. ```