Crypto analysts are buzzing with predictions for Ethereum (ETH), signaling that a significant price surge may be just around the corner. Current projections suggest that ETH could reach as high as $6,500 by the end of the year, driven by strong accumulation and rising institutional demand. Some analysts are even bolder, forecasting a potential rise to $6,800.
Historically, the most substantial gains in the cryptocurrency space tend to derive not from well-established giants but from undervalued projects that build strong infrastructures. This raises the question: Can Ethereum ignite an alt season soon, and which altcoins should investors consider before they potentially skyrocket?
Ethereum has recently clocked an all-time high of $4,953.73 on August 25, 2025, but has remained confined to the $4,200 to $4,500 range in the days since. The price movements have yielded no clear signals thus far, yet on-chain data offers a more optimistic outlook. About 1.7 million ETH, valued at approximately $7.5 billion, were absorbed within the $4,300 to $4,400 range. This influx suggests a robust price support level should ETH dip again.
Binance has experienced the largest outflows, with its ETH depositors seeing an average entry price near $3,150. If ETH prices rise significantly, there might be pressure for these depositors to cash out their profits.
Looking at derivatives data, there has been an alarming rise in open interest on the CME, especially in shorter-term contracts. However, longer-term contracts are equally on the rise, hinting at a cautious but broadly bullish sentiment among investors. Crypto analyst PelinayPA suggests that heightened CME futures activity may fuel further price increases for ETH. Despite the potential for short-term volatility due to liquidation risks, her long-term outlook remains positive, anticipating that ETH could reach the sought-after $6,800 threshold by year-end.
Further backing this bullish sentiment, analyst Merlijn highlights a significant technical indicator: the MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) on the monthly chart has turned green for the first time in three years. Alongside this, it appears that the market dynamics are shifting, suggesting an altcoin season may soon be upon us as BTC-ETH relationships evolve.
Investors often focus on blue-chip cryptocurrencies like ETH and BTC, but many may miss out on altcoins that hold the potential for even higher returns. To assist in uncovering these opportunities, three promising altcoins are highlighted for their potential growth before year-end.
Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) is gaining traction among crypto whales, showcasing a presale success wave with rapid contributions from big investors, pushing total presale earnings over $15 million. This Layer-2 solution for Bitcoin is designed to streamline transactions, making them faster and more efficient, targeting niches like DeFi and NFTs. Early projections suggest that HYPER could skyrocket as much as 1,441% by the end of the year.
Best Wallet Token (BEST) is surfacing as a key player in the crypto wallet market. The token is attached to a non-custodial wallet receiving rave reviews for its multi-blockchain support and high-level security features. Currently, it is in presale, having already secured $15.7 million, and offers significant staking rewards, making it an attractive investment before its price climbs.
Lastly, Solana (SOL) remains a solid bet for blue-chip investors. Despite a tumultuous past, Solana has shown resilience and innovation, leading it to continually expand its influence in the crypto space. Recent developments, such as new listings and fundraising efforts, bolster confidence in its ability to replicate the kind of gains seen in ETH.
As the cryptocurrency market approaches the fourth quarter of the year, these dynamics suggest that not only Ethereum, but a selection of rising altcoins, may also be set for impressive gains. Prospective investors would be wise to keep a close eye on these developments.