XRP Leads the Way: Can Ethereum Follow Their Path?

XRP has been among the standout performers this market cycle, achieving a remarkable milestone with a new all-time high. As other major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Binance Coin have also reached record-breaking levels, investors are now questioning whether Ethereum will be the next to join this elite group of gainers.

Several top digital assets have already eclipsed their previous all-time highs, sparking a wave of optimism across the crypto sector. XRP, in particular, made headlines after surging past its long-standing peak, cementing its position as one of the dominant altcoins in this bull run. Meanwhile, Ethereum has yet to reach the same heights but seems to be following a strong upward trajectory.

The Current Landscape for Ethereum

A glance at Ethereum’s recent activity reveals an encouraging trend. In late 2024, following the U.S. election, the crypto market saw a significant uptick, with Bitcoin breaching the $100,000 mark and climbing into uncharted territory. Ethereum also surged but faced resistance as it approached $4,000. Despite multiple attempts to break through, the asset was rejected each time.

In early 2025, that resistance led to a severe correction. Ethereum dropped dramatically to below $1,400, a level not seen in years. This triggered widespread bearish sentiment, leading many holders to liquidate their positions amid concerns of a longer-term downturn.

However, the narrative flipped quickly. By mid-April, Ethereum regained momentum and crossed the $2,000 mark. The recovery was sustained, and by July, ETH was once again testing the $4,000 barrier. Bulls remained persistent, and their determination paid off as ETH finally smashed through the resistance zone, surging to a three-and-a-half-year high of $4,200.

Ethereum Chases Its All-Time High

This breakout represents a dramatic 200% increase in just four months, making Ethereum one of the top-performing assets in that period. With the asset now roughly 15% away from its November 2021 record of around $4,900, speculation is intensifying.

Joining BNB and XRP in achieving fresh highs will not only serve as validation of Ethereum’s bullish trajectory but also position it for potential leadership in the ongoing market cycle.

Drivers Behind Ethereum’s Recent Rally

Several factors are contributing to Ethereum’s recent success. A key driver has been the explosive growth of ETH exchange-traded funds (ETFs). July in particular saw a record-breaking influx of capital into ETH ETFs, surpassing the total activity from the past eleven months combined. This surge in investor interest reflects a growing institutional appetite for Ethereum exposure.

Corporate entities have also played a significant role. Some invested billions into acquiring large ETH holdings, while whales accelerated their accumulation strategies, placing additional upward pressure on the asset’s price momentum.

This combination of institutional adoption, robust ETF inflows, and increased whale activity has fueled Ethereum’s strong comeback. Whether this momentum will carry ETH to a new all-time high remains to be seen, but the groundwork has clearly been laid for a potential breakout.

Related: XRP Price: $12M Max Pain for Bears

As the market watches closely, Ethereum stands at a defining moment. While XRP and other major coins have already claimed their place in the ongoing rally, Ethereum’s next move could determine whether it too takes center stage in this cycle’s crypto narrative.