Ethereum No Longer Just Hype, Moving to Real-World Use, Says Bernstein Analyst

Ethereum, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency, seems to be at a turning point. While Bitcoin still grabs most of the headlines, some experts believe that Ethereum is quietly stepping into the spotlight.

Analysts at Bernstein believe Ethereum is no longer just a playground for speculation but is starting to show real-world value as financial activity on blockchain networks grows.

Bitcoin Remains Strong, But Ethereum’s Role Expands

For years, Bitcoin has been the poster child of digital money, and it’s not slowing down. In fact, analysts at Bernstein expect it to reach a whopping $200,000 this cycle, a figure they still call conservative.

But analysts say there’s more to watch in crypto now, with Ethereum playing a bigger role.

Unlike Bitcoin, which is mostly seen as a digital store of value, Ethereum acts as a “decentralized computer,” hosting stablecoins and tokenized assets. It’s already the main blockchain for stablecoin transactions and new financial experiments, which could be a sign of things to come.

Ethereum ETFs Gaining Investor Attention

So far, Ethereum’s U.S. spot ETFs haven’t gotten the same attention as Bitcoin’s. Since launching in July, they’ve gathered about $9 billion, compared to Bitcoin ETFs’ $120 billion.

However, in the past three weeks alone, ETH ETFs have seen $815 million in new money, suggesting that interest is picking up.

The growing flow of investment is seen as a signal that more investors are taking Ethereum seriously. Analysts believe this could be the early stage of a major shift for the crypto market.

Real Companies Turn to Ethereum

Meanwhile, Bernstein points out that major payment giants like Visa and Mastercard are already working on projects that use stablecoins running on Ethereum’s blockchain. Even big names in crypto, like Coinbase and Robinhood, are building services on Ethereum rather than just offering trading.

The analysts argue that if companies and financial institutions are using blockchain technology, Ethereum, as the main network powering these activities, should benefit in the long run.

Hype to Real Financial Tools

Experts say this moment marks a change in how people see crypto. Ethereum is no longer just for speculation. It’s becoming part of how payments, investing, and financial products might work in the future.