So, What's Next After Ethereum ETF Approval?

4 Narratives to Look at (and 1 to Avoid)

Did you know that the approval of an Ethereum ETF could make or break your favorite altcoins? With Ethereum's ETF approval odds skyrocketing from 25% to 75%, ETH's price surged over 20%, breaking multiple support levels. But what does this mean for your investments? Let’s break down the 5 key impacts of Ethereum ETFs on altcoins in simple terms, backed by statistics and past case studies.

1. Boost for Layer-2 and DeFi Projects

Arbitrum 1-month price chart. Together with Ethereum, Arbitrum had a good pump. Source: coinmarketcap

When an Ethereum ETF gets approved, it doesn’t just benefit Ethereum. Projects built on Ethereum, like layer-2 solutions and DeFi (Decentralized Finance) platforms, stand to gain too. For example, Optimism and Arbitrum, which help scale Ethereum, will likely see their value rise. In the past, when Bitcoin ETFs were first approved, Bitcoin saw a significant price increase, and so did related projects. Similarly, DeFi giants like Uniswap and Aave, which rely on Ethereum’s technology, are expected to thrive. This means more opportunities for you to invest in these growing projects.

Statistics to Consider:

  • Bitcoin ETF Approval: When the first Bitcoin futures ETF was approved in October 2021, Bitcoin's price surged by 40% in the following month.

  • DeFi Growth: According to DeFi Pulse, the Total Value Locked (TVL) in DeFi projects grew from $1 billion in June 2020 to over $100 billion by the end of 2021.

2. EVM-Compatible Projects Shine

Avalanche had a good growth over the past 1 year. Recent price has retrace back to Ethereum ETF pre-approval level. Source: coinmarketcap

Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility is a big deal. Projects that are compatible with Ethereum, like Avalanche and Polygon, are in a better position to succeed compared to those that aren’t. This is because Ethereum’s ETF approval brings more regulatory clarity and hype around Ethereum, benefiting projects within its ecosystem. So, keeping an eye on EVM-compatible projects could be a smart move for your portfolio.

Statistics to Consider:

  • Polygon: Since its mainnet launch in June 2020, Polygon has seen its TVL grow to over $10 billion as of late 2022.

  • Avalanche: With its EVM compatibility, Avalanche has attracted over 150 decentralized applications (dApps) and achieved a TVL of more than $8 billion by the end of 2022.

3. Simplified DeFi Investment

Compound has been growing strong over the past 1 year. And recent price movement does not suggest it is slowing down. Source: coinmarketcap

One of the biggest hurdles for DeFi adoption has been its complexity and security concerns. With an Ethereum ETF, investing in DeFi becomes simpler and more secure. This could lead to mainstream adoption, where everyday users start flocking to DeFi platforms for potentially high returns. Projects offering real utility, like decentralized exchanges (SushiSwap) and lending protocols (Compound), might see significant growth, presenting more investment opportunities for you.

Statistics to Consider:

  • User Growth in DeFi: The number of unique DeFi addresses increased from around 100,000 in early 2020 to over 4 million by mid-2022, showing a significant rise in user adoption.

  • Security Improvements: Ethereum 2.0 and other security enhancements have been shown to reduce common vulnerabilities, increasing trust in DeFi platforms.

4. Challenges for Ethereum Competitors

Solana has been holding around the same area since Ethereum ETF approval. Source: coinmarketcap

While Ethereum’s ETF approval is great news for Ethereum itself, it poses challenges for its competitors like Solana. These so-called “Ethereum killers” might struggle to keep up in a market where Ethereum is seen as the leader in DeFi. Although competitors like Solana may still perform well, they might not see the same level of success as Ethereum and its ecosystem projects. This insight can help you make more informed decisions about which altcoins to invest in.

Case Study:

  • Solana vs. Ethereum: During the 2021 bull run, Solana's price surged by over 10,000%, partly due to its high transaction speeds and low fees. However, network outages and security issues highlighted the robustness of Ethereum’s network despite higher fees.

5. Technological Advancements and New Opportunities

Ondo, one of the major RWA projects, has been doing extremely well since the Ethereum ETF approval Source: coinmarketcap.

Ethereum is at the forefront of new technologies like zero-knowledge rollups and real-world asset tokenization. With an ETF approval, we can expect more projects to build on Ethereum, including those that might migrate from other blockchains. This could lead to a surge in new altcoin launches and increased total value locked (TVL) in DeFi. However, with more opportunities comes more risk, so it’s crucial to do your own research and stay vigilant against potential scams.

Statistics to Consider:

  • zk-Rollups: Projects like zkSync and StarkWare have shown that zk-rollups can reduce gas fees by up to 100x while increasing transaction speeds.

  • Real-World Asset Tokenization: According to a World Economic Forum report, tokenization of real-world assets could grow to represent 10% of global GDP by 2027.

Conclusion

Ethereum ETFs are a game-changer for the crypto market. They legitimize Ethereum and its ecosystem, bringing more opportunities, leading to potential price increases. However, it can also create challenges for Ethereum's competitors.

3 Wise Actions to Take Next:

  1. Subscribe to Crypto Profit 101 Newsletter: To stay ahead in the crypto game, subscribe to Crypto Profit 101. Our newsletter gives you the latest updates, expert analysis, and investment tips. You'll get all the insights you need to make smart decisions.

  2. Research EVM-Compatible Projects: Look into projects like Avalanche and Polygon that are built on Ethereum’s technology. These projects are likely to benefit from Ethereum’s growing ecosystem. By understanding which projects are EVM-compatible, you can make more informed investment choices.

  3. Adopt a Smart Investing Strategy: Diversify your portfolio by including promising DeFi and layer-2 projects. Keep an eye on new technological advancements and be cautious of potential risks. A well-diversified portfolio can help you manage risk and maximize returns.

Final Thought: The crypto market is constantly evolving, and staying informed is your best defense against costly mistakes. Are you ready to take advantage of the opportunities that Ethereum ETFs bring?

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