As the cryptocurrency market kicks off the week on a bullish note, Ethereum (ETH) has emerged as a top performer among major cryptocurrencies. The native coin of the Ethereum blockchain has risen by 3% in the last 24 hours, reclaiming the $3,000 mark and positioning itself for sustained growth. This follows a rally that has seen ETH maintain an upward trajectory for four consecutive days.
Ethereum’s Planned Upgrades: Hegota and Glamsterdam
Driving optimism within the Ethereum community are updates surrounding two major network upgrades slated for 2026: Hegota and Glamsterdam.
The Hegota upgrade, expected in the second half of 2026, will focus on implementing Verkle Trees, a cutting-edge data structure designed to enhance Ethereum’s efficiency in storing and verifying large datasets. By adopting Verkle Trees, Ethereum could reduce hardware demands for node operators, ultimately supporting network decentralization and allowing a broader range of participants to run nodes.
In the first half of 2026, the Glamsterdam upgrade will address Miner Extractable Value (MEV) fairness through the Proposer-Builder Separation (ePBS). This formal proposal, tracked as EIP-7732, aims to ensure fairer transaction processing by distinguishing between nodes that propose and those that build blocks on the Ethereum blockchain.
Price Insights: What’s Next for Ether?
Currently trading at $3,012, ETH is eyeing the 50-day EMA resistance level at $3,136. A successful breakout above this point could propel the asset toward its 200-day EMA at $3,374, signaling an 11% potential upside. Momentum indicators for Ethereum remain bullish. The RSI stands at 62, edging close to the overbought region, while MACD lines have moved into positive territory, indicating strong buying pressure.
However, risks still persist. If Ethereum fails to overcome the 50-day EMA resistance, it may retest local support levels, with the December 18 low of $2,850 in sight.
How to Stay Ahead in the Crypto Market
Amid Ethereum’s growth, investing in reliable market tools and platforms is crucial. For those actively trading or investing, consider platforms like eToro, which offers user-friendly crypto trading options and detailed insights for both beginners and experienced investors.
As Ethereum progresses with its future upgrades, it remains one of the most promising assets in the cryptocurrency space. Whether you’re a long-term investor or a trader looking for short-term gains, now is the time to monitor developments and position yourself ahead of market movements.
