Summary:
- Ethereum consolidating for four years, setting up for $8K–$10K range breakout.
- Michaël van de Poppe sees potential ETH move to $5K if Bitcoin rises.
- XRP showing early strength; holding $2.60 support and targeting $2.70 confirmation.
- Analysts suggest XRP could lead Ethereum in the next altcoin cycle, mirroring historical rotations.
After years of accumulation and sideways action, Ethereum’s chart structure is showing the first signs of a major breakout. Yet, several top analysts now believe XRP could be the one to move first, potentially front-running Ethereum’s long-awaited rally.
Ethereum Builds Energy for a Massive Move
Crypto analyst Ted noted that Ethereum has been consolidating for four years, mirroring the structure that preceded its explosive 54x run in the previous cycle. The extended base-building phase has compressed volatility and created the foundation for another large-scale move, with Ted projecting that ETH could rise to between $8,000 and $10,000 in the next major leg up.
Supporting that view, Michaël van de Poppe observed that Ethereum is “squeezing toward a big breakout.” According to his chart, ETH’s price structure is tightening within a higher low formation. A confirmed breakout above the descending resistance could quickly propel ETH to around $5,000, especially if Bitcoin resumes its upward momentum.
Van de Poppe also noted that this pattern mirrors previous moments in which Ethereum’s strength ignited broader altcoin rallies, suggesting that a confirmed breakout could trigger a wider rotation across the market.
XRP Flashes Early Momentum Signs
While Ethereum’s setup suggests major upside ahead, XRP’s chart is flashing short-term strength that could see it move before ETH. Analyst EGRAG Crypto highlighted XRP’s rebound from the $2.60 zone, calling it a key level that has now been defended multiple times. A decisive close above $2.65–$2.70 would confirm bullish continuation, potentially setting the stage for a renewed push toward the $3.00 region.
CryptoBull (@CryptoBull2020) added historical context to this outlook by revisiting the XRP/ETH ratio chart, which currently mirrors price behavior from 2017, when XRP dramatically outperformed ETH following a similar bounce. He pointed out that the latest rebound happened at the apex of a falling wedge, a pattern often preceding strong upward moves.
“If history repeats,” CryptoBull noted, “XRP may outperform in the near future, with Ethereum following afterward.”
Historical Parallels Suggest Rotation May Be Forming
The comparison between XRP and Ethereum performance cycles has long fascinated traders. In both 2017 and 2020, XRP’s strongest phases came just before Ethereum’s breakout rallies. That same sequence may be forming again, XRP showing relative strength as ETH approaches the end of its consolidation phase.
Technical structures also reinforce the idea of rotational leadership. XRP’s wedge breakout potential suggests near-term gains, while Ethereum’s larger consolidation base signals a delayed but more explosive long-term move. Together, they could mark the start of the next altcoin acceleration phase, with Bitcoin acting as the broader liquidity driver.
The Market Outlook Ahead
Both XRP and Ethereum appear technically poised for major shifts. Ethereum’s 4-year consolidation near its upper resistance band gives it a massive upside if confirmed, while XRP’s resilience near multi-month support levels suggests speculative flows are already rotating.
The next few weeks could therefore determine leadership dynamics within the altcoin market. If XRP breaks above $2.70 with conviction, traders may see renewed attention on mid-cap tokens and Layer-1 plays. Meanwhile, a confirmed Ethereum breakout above $4,500 could validate the thesis of a full-scale market expansion.
For now, the charts are aligned, but timing may favor XRP in the short term. As CryptoBull summarized:
“This setup looks strikingly similar to 2017. XRP led first, Ethereum followed, and both entered powerful multi-month rallies. The same rhythm might just be playing out again.”