Altcoin Rally Accelerates as Ether Breaks $4K, ETH/BTC Ratio Nears Yearly High

Altcoins are gaining strong momentum as capital floods into the sector, bolstered by easing macroeconomic conditions and positive regulatory developments.

Ethereum (ETH) surged 3.5% in the past 24 hours to break above $4,000 for the first time since December, marking a 25% year-to-date increase and a 112% gain over the past 12 months. The move has pushed the ETH/BTC ratio to its highest levels in nearly a year.

Meanwhile, bitcoin (BTC) remains largely flat at around $116,800, underperforming its peers in the short term. As a result, the ETH/BTC ratio has climbed 3% in the past hour and is now up 42% over the last 30 days. Despite this, bitcoin still maintains broader outperformance, with the ratio down 4% year-to-date and 20% compared to this time last year.

The current altcoin rally is being fueled by multiple tailwinds: expectations for lower U.S. interest rates, a surge in crypto-focused treasury strategies, and the finalization of a settlement between Ripple and the SEC.

Among other notable performers, XRP is up 9% over the last 24 hours, Solana (SOL) gained 3.5%, and Dogecoin (DOGE) advanced 5.3%.

Stocks tied to ether treasuries are also catching bids. Bitmine Immersion (BMNR) jumped 13% on Friday, while Sharplink Gaming (SBET) rose 4%, reflecting growing investor interest in Ethereum-backed corporate strategies.0