Ethereum price held near $2,440 as the cryptocurrency extended a recovery over the past two weeks. The broader digital asset market increased 0.5% within 24 hours, reaching approximately $2.65 trillion. Ethereum advanced 29% over 14 days, while Bitcoin traded around $78,500 and XRP remained close to $1.38.
Tom Lee Projects $6,000 Target
Fundstrat co-founder Tom Lee expects Ethereum's performance against Bitcoin to improve before the end of 2026. Speaking on the Milk Road Show, Lee said the ETH-to-BTC ratio, recently near 0.03, could reach 0.04 by year-end. Bitcoin price at $150,000 combined with a 0.04 ratio would place Ether near $6,000 under that scenario. Lee characterized the estimate as conservative, noting the ratio approached 0.08 during the 2021 bull cycle.
Regulatory Clarity as Catalyst
Lee identified the CLARITY Act as Ethereum's main near-term catalyst for institutional adoption. The legislation would clarify U.S. digital asset oversight and divide regulatory responsibilities between the SEC and CFTC. The Senate is expected to hold a cloture vote on September 15 that could determine whether the proposal advances further. Lee noted that regulatory certainty matters more to traditional financial companies than established cryptocurrency businesses.
Institutional ETF Inflows
Institutional interest in Ethereum showed strength through spot exchange-traded funds. U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs registered $102.18 million in net inflows on August 28. Total historical inflows reached $12.97 billion, with combined net assets rising to $15.23 billion, representing 5.20% of Ethereum's total market capitalization. BlackRock's ETHA led individual funds with $83.79 million in inflows.
Price Resistance Ahead
Ethereum price faces $2,500 as its main resistance level in the near term. A firm move above that level could extend the developing recovery and open room for further gains. The nearby $2,400 area offers support if momentum weakens. Bitcoin's movement remains influential for Ethereum's larger outlook, as Lee's projection partly depends on BTC reaching $150,000.
