Ethereum approaches the explosive threshold of 2019

The ETH/BTC ratio is dangerously approaching the critical level that triggered a spectacular rise of Ethereum in 2019. Technical indicators and Vitalik Buterin's proposals fuel hopes for a major reversal.

Ethereum is slowly but surely approaching the explosive threshold that propelled an incredible rally in 2019. As the ETH/BTC pair approaches 0.016 BTC, technical indicators and Vitalik Buterin’s proposals are fueling hopes for a major reversal.

After reaching a critical support at 0.016 BTC in September 2019, following a 90% decline from the 2018 peak, ETH/BTC triggered a nearly 450% rally in the next twelve months.

This configuration is strikingly similar to the present scenario, where ETH is approaching 0.016 BTC after a more than 80% decline from the 2021 peak.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) shows a comparable oversold level, while the price stubbornly remains below key moving averages.

A battle between optimism and skepticism

Following a challenging period for Ethereum, co-founder Vitalik Buterin has unveiled an ambitious proposal to simplify the cryptocurrency’s architecture and establish new standards to improve its speed and maintainability.

The goal is to match Bitcoin’s simplicity within five years, a move that several analysts believe to be “the most optimistic thing for ETH.”

Chart analysis reveals an attempt to break out of a “bearish parabola” active since December 2021, which contained ETH/BTC in a downward trend. However, chartist Jimie notes signs of exhaustion of this bearish structure.

“We could see the end of this bearish parabola,” he says, adding that a failure to break out could lead to a continuation towards 0.016 BTC.

But critical voices are emerging, such as Adam Back, pioneer of Bitcoin’s proof of work, who remains skeptical of Buterin’s plan.

According to Back, Buterin is focusing on superficial simplifications while neglecting fundamental flaws in Ethereum’s design.

In his view, Buterin’s proposals are a last-ditch attempt to salvage a cryptocurrency that has lost its relevance.

At this point, Back suggests that it’s best to dump ETH before it hits zero and buy Bitcoin, an advice that has divided the crypto community.

Could history repeat itself? The coming weeks will be crucial to determine if Ethereum can replicate its 2019 feat and break out of this psychological level.