Despite Ethereum’s ($ETH) recent underperformance against Bitcoin ($BTC), many ETH holders continue to endure unrealized losses, with current metrics mirroring the early 2020 market bottom.

While this may seem like a setback, it could present an opportunity for long-term believers in Ethereum’s potential.

CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju suggests Ethereum’s future hinges on the revenue Web3 applications generate via stablecoins. However, the ecosystem’s heavy leverage and unresolved revenue issues make the near-term outlook uncertain.

Over a one-year timeframe, Ethereum appears less appealing than Bitcoin, particularly as regulations remain undefined. Nonetheless, as regulatory clarity emerges, Ethereum could regain its appeal.

Institutional interest in Ethereum is picking up, as evidenced by the strong inflows into $ETH ETFs. Last week alone, Ethereum ETFs saw $550 million in inflows, led by BlackRock ($286 million) and Fidelity ($197 million). This influx signals increasing confidence from institutions, which could eventually drive Ethereum’s price growth and market expansion.

Ethereum Spot ETFs Recorded Notable Net Outflows 

That said, Ethereum’s spot ETFs have experienced net outflows totaling $81.2 million over the past four days. While this trend may reflect short-term market uncertainty, it doesn’t overshadow the larger picture of institutional adoption.

Long-term perspectives on Ethereum may vary. For now, the narrative is mixed—while challenges persist, the growing interest from major players like BlackRock underscores Ethereum’s potential as a core asset in the crypto ecosystem.

As Web3 applications evolve and regulatory frameworks take shape, Ethereum’s ability to capitalize on institutional momentum will determine its future trajectory. While Bitcoin remains the stronger contender today, Ethereum’s prospects could shift as its ecosystem matures and adapts to the demands of a changing market.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

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Image Source: Bastian Riccardi on Unsplash // Image Effects by Colorcinch