Ethereum skyrockets to $4,200: surpasses Mastercard, Vitalik Buterin returns to billionaire status
Amid Ethereum’s rapid surge to $4,200, the crypto market is experiencing one of its brightest moments of the year. ETH not only broke a key technical level but also overtook Mastercard in market capitalization, ranking 22nd among the world’s largest assets.
Why Is Ethereum Rising?
Several key factors are driving ETH’s growth:
- Institutional inflows: Spot Ethereum ETFs recorded a staggering $461 million in daily volume, outperforming Bitcoin ETFs.
- Political support: The U.S. passed the GENIUS Stablecoin Act, paving the way for crypto investments via pension funds.
- Technical breakout: ETH broke through the $4,000 level on its fourth attempt and held above it — a bullish signal that could lead to a move toward $4,800.
Vitalik Buterin Rejoins the Billionaire Club
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin is once again an on-chain billionaire. His public crypto portfolio surpassed $1.03 billion following ETH’s rally. His holdings include over 240,000 ETH, along with stakes in Aave, Wrapped Ethereum, and other tokens.
This marks the second time Buterin has reached billionaire status — the first was in 2021 when ETH crossed $3,000.
Ethereum vs Mastercard: A Symbol of the Times
By surpassing Mastercard’s market cap, Ethereum has solidified its role not just as a cryptocurrency but as a full-fledged financial asset. With a capitalization of $519.48 billion, ETH now outranks giants like Netflix, ExxonMobil, and Palantir.
This isn’t just about numbers — it’s a clear signal that blockchain technology is becoming a serious competitor to traditional payment systems.
What’s Next?
Analysts forecast a potential rise to $4,500 and beyond if current momentum continues. However, profit-taking could trigger a correction to the $3,500–$3,700 range. Much depends on investor behavior and upcoming news on ETFs and regulation.
Ethereum is once again in the spotlight — and this isn’t just hype. It’s the result of a decade of development. Stay tuned, because the next all-time high might be closer than it seems.