Ethereum News Today: Crypto Market Gains Momentum on 401(k) Access Potential and Institutional Adoption

Cryptocurrency market participants are reacting with optimism to potential regulatory developments that could enable 401(k) retirement accounts to invest in digital assets. Ted Pillows, a crypto personality and OKX partner, highlighted the significance of this move, particularly for Ethereum (ETH) and leading altcoins like XRP, Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Shiba Inu (SHIB). He suggested that up to $12 trillion could flow into these markets as a result of the policy shift [1]. This potential influx is seen as a major catalyst for price appreciation across several key crypto assets, driven by institutional adoption and broader market confidence.

The bullish outlook extends to Ethereum, where a growing number of traders and analysts are emphasizing its long-term potential. Merlijn trader noted that 29% of ETH’s total supply is currently locked and not available for sale, creating what he describes as the “biggest supply squeeze in crypto history.” This dynamic is expected to drive higher prices as retail investors gradually catch up to the institutional narrative [1]. Standard Chartered has also raised its Ethereum price forecast for the end of the year to $7,500, with a potential high of $25,000 by 2028 [3]. Technical analysis by Lark Davis suggests that Ethereum is forming an ascending triangle pattern, which historically tends to break out to the upside. A successful breakout could push ETH toward $7,500 [1].

XRP has shown increased volatility following the resolution of the Ripple-SEC legal case, with prices briefly rising above $3. Analysts remain cautious, however, warning of potential downward corrections if the asset retraces during a pullback [4]. Meanwhile, the growing adoption of XRP in rural and offline communities via QR wallets is also being cited as a potential driver of long-term price appreciation [2].

Dogecoin has benefited from rising open interest in its derivatives market, which has increased to $3.39 billion from $3.20 billion. This trend is seen as a positive sign, particularly if ETF approvals for DOGE materialize [5]. The broader meme coin space has also seen renewed interest, with analysts flagging a new project that could offer a 65x return, despite more modest price predictions for Shiba Inu and Pepe in 2025 [6].

Spot Ethereum ETFs have already attracted over $1.7 billion in inflows in a single week, underscoring the strong institutional demand currently shaping the crypto market [7]. This trend has contributed to upward price momentum for Solana, BNB, and XRP, with each experiencing notable gains in recent weeks as more institutional players enter the space.

The ongoing developments highlight a broader shift in the crypto landscape, with altcoins gaining traction as investors seek exposure to innovative blockchain technologies. While the $12 trillion inflow forecast remains speculative and attributed to a market participant, it reflects the growing optimism surrounding crypto’s integration into mainstream finance. As the market continues to evolve, the performance of these assets will be closely monitored for signs of sustained momentum or potential corrections.