Ethereum Market Cap Surpasses Major Banks as Analysts Suggest Possible Altcoin Cycle Peak

• Ethereum’s market capitalization has surged past $461 billion, eclipsing major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and Bank of China, underscoring its rising prominence in global finance.

• Despite this impressive growth, analysts warn that Ethereum’s rally could signal the peak of the current altcoin cycle, advising investors to consider strategic profit-taking to mitigate risk.

• According to COINOTAG sources, Ethereum’s dominance is intensifying, with forecasts suggesting significant short liquidations if ETH reaches the $4,000 mark, highlighting potential volatility ahead.

Ethereum’s market cap surpasses Goldman Sachs and Bank of China at $461B, prompting analysts to caution on altcoin cycle peak and potential $4,000 ETH short squeezes.

Ethereum Surpasses Banking Giants, Raising Market Cycle Concerns

Ethereum’s market capitalization recently climbed to a 2025 peak of $461.49 billion, briefly surpassing the combined market value of financial titans Goldman Sachs and Bank of China. This milestone, captured by TradingView data, reflects Ethereum’s expanding influence beyond a mere blockchain platform into a formidable financial asset.

The price surge to $3,810 on July 20, 2025, marks a significant moment as Ethereum consolidates its position as the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency. This ascent is driven by increasing institutional adoption, with ETH serving as both a macroeconomic hedge and a foundational layer for decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenization, and stablecoins.

Ethereum (ETH) Price Performance. Source: TradingView

However, this rapid growth has prompted caution among market experts. Crypto Banter host Ran Neuner emphasizes the importance of preparing for a potential market correction, noting that Bitcoin and altcoins are nearing the traditional four-year cycle peak. His advice to investors is to develop exit strategies and consider profit-taking to safeguard gains.

Ethereum’s Dominance Signals Potential Altcoin Cycle Peak

Benjamin Cowen, founder of Into the Cryptoverse, highlights Ethereum’s increasing dominance over smaller altcoins, a trend often observed at late stages of market cycles. Cowen points out that while many altcoins have outperformed Bitcoin recently, they lag behind Ethereum in relative strength, suggesting capital is consolidating into larger, more stable assets.

“ALT/BTC pairs go up but they are lagging ETH/BTC. And ETH is lower risk than ALTs,” Cowen explains, underscoring Ethereum’s role as a safer harbor amid market volatility. This consolidation phase typically precedes broader market corrections, reinforcing the need for prudent risk management.

Supporting this view, trader Daan Crypto Trades advises investors to rotate profits and avoid chasing short-term rallies. His analysis shows that although 80% of top 100 altcoins outperformed Bitcoin in the past month, this figure drops significantly over a three-month horizon, highlighting the risks of FOMO-driven trades.

“Don’t FOMO into green candles—take (partial) profit,” Daan cautions, advocating for disciplined trading strategies to navigate the evolving market landscape.

Market Outlook: Ethereum’s Price Action and Short Liquidation Risks

As Ethereum cements its status among global financial assets, the market faces growing speculation about the sustainability of its momentum. While fundamentals such as network upgrades and institutional interest remain robust, seasoned analysts warn that the current exuberance may be nearing a cyclical peak.

Notably, social media influencer Ted, a key opinion leader on X (formerly Twitter), highlights the potential for a significant short squeeze if Ethereum’s price breaches the $4,000 threshold. He estimates that over $331 million in short positions could be liquidated, potentially triggering sharp price movements and increased volatility.

This dynamic underscores the dual nature of Ethereum’s rally: a testament to its growing financial relevance, yet a reminder of inherent market risks. Investors are encouraged to stay informed, employ risk management techniques, and remain vigilant as the crypto market evolves.

Conclusion

Ethereum’s recent market cap milestone reflects its transformation into a major financial asset, surpassing established banking institutions and reinforcing its dominance in the crypto ecosystem. However, expert analysis signals caution amid signs of a potential altcoin cycle peak, urging traders to adopt prudent profit-taking strategies. The prospect of substantial short liquidations near the $4,000 price point further emphasizes the need for disciplined risk management. As Ethereum continues to shape the future of decentralized finance, investors should balance optimism with vigilance to navigate the complexities of this evolving market.