Ethereum’s 2024 Slump: Can It Recover as Election Risks Loom?

Ethereum (ETH), the leading altcoin, has been underperforming compared to Bitcoin (BTC) since the start of 2024, disappointing many investors.

While ETH’s price has remained relatively stagnant, Bitcoin has risen by 38%, and Solana (SOL) has gained 31%.

Despite the current downturn, Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise, remains optimistic about Ethereum’s future. According to Hougan, Ethereum’s struggles are partly due to the upcoming US presidential election, increasing competition from other blockchain platforms, challenges in the token economy, and unmet expectations surrounding spot ETH ETFs.

Hougan points out that Ethereum faces notable risks, particularly with regulatory concerns from the SEC, which views ETH as a security. However, he believes Ethereum’s strong fundamentals—such as its dominance in stablecoin transactions, DeFi assets, and prediction markets like Polymarket—suggest that the cryptocurrency might recover as the year progresses.

Hougan encourages investors to keep an eye on Ethereum, suggesting that the cryptocurrency could experience a rebound by the end of 2024, especially as the election dynamics unfold.