Ethereum (ETH) continues to gather pace after an impressive start to the year. The second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap has already risen to a two-month high of $165 after a 13% rally this week. Over the past month, the cryptocurrency has rallied by more than 35% and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Ethereum Price Gain
Price gains have coincided with an uptick in trading volume, affirming renewed investor interest in crypto after a roller coaster 2019. Trading volumes have more than doubled to highs of $17.9 million over the past month. Ethereum is not the only one experiencing gains in the market. Many other altcoins have also rallied by an average of 5% as bullish sentiments continue to boost the sector.
When it comes to ETH price action, the $155 area is its immediate support level. The bulls, on the other hand, will have to break the $165 resistance zone, if the cryptocurrency is to continue powering high. Above $165, the next hurdle is at the $170–$172 level.
Ethereum Price Catalysts
Gains in trading volume and price stem from a number of factors that continue to work in favor of Ethereum. Growing economic uncertainty in Venezuela has once again continued to fuel demand for cryptocurrencies. Likewise, reports that a cryptocurrency bull run is on the horizon has seen investors start jostling for positions.
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The launch of Ethereum 2.0, often referred to as Serenity, is another development likely to shape Ethereum sentiments and prospects in the market this year. Set to be rolled out in phases, Ethereum 2.0 should bring about Shading, proof of stake, and a new virtual machine, among other things.
Ethereum 2.0 will trigger the proof of work consensus algorithm, which Bitcoin has already integrated. Likewise, the upgrade will bring about Beacon Chain, shard Chains, and State Execution. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has already released a block explorer that will support Beacon Chain and track a testnet version.
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