Ethereum Reaches $4,000 Milestone, Its Highest Since December

Ether Tops $4K as Altcoin Rally Accelerates on Rate Cut Hopes and Regulatory Clarity

Ethereum (ETH) surged past the $4,000 mark for the first time since December, buoyed by renewed investor interest in altcoins amid easing macro conditions and positive regulatory developments.

The move follows signs that the U.S. Federal Reserve may begin cutting interest rates soon, alongside a resurgence in corporate crypto treasury allocations and the SEC formally ending its legal battle with Ripple.

While Ether gained 3.5% in the past 24 hours, pushing its price to just above $4,000, Bitcoin (BTC) remained flat at $116,800. The divergence drove the ETH/BTC ratio nearly to its highest point this year, up 3% in just the past hour and 42% over the last month. Despite the recent strength, the ratio remains down 4% year-to-date and 20% over the past year, underscoring Bitcoin’s relative strength over longer timeframes.

Altcoins broadly followed Ethereum’s lead:

• XRP rose 9%
• Solana (SOL) added 3.5%
• Dogecoin (DOGE) climbed 5.3%

Crypto-linked equities also participated in the rally. Shares of Ether-focused treasury firms like Bitmine Immersion (BMNR) jumped 13%, while Sharplink Gaming (SBET) advanced 4%.

Ethereum is now up 25% year-to-date and more than 110% from a year ago, highlighting growing investor confidence in altcoins as the macro and regulatory landscape shifts in their favor.