Ethereum News Today: Ethereum Surges 20% to $3,339.13 as Altcoin Season Begins

On July 17, 2025, the cryptocurrency market witnessed notable movements, with Ethereum (ETH) surpassing the $3,300 threshold, trading at $3,339.13 following a strong 20% weekly gain. This surge in ETH's value suggests a robust bullish sentiment, potentially marking the beginning of an altcoin season. Altcoin season is characterized by significant price increases and heightened investor interest in alternative cryptocurrencies.

XRP, another prominent cryptocurrency, maintained its position at $3.05, reflecting a 5% increase over the past 24 hours. This stability and growth in XRP's value indicate investor confidence despite ongoing legal challenges. Bitcoin, the market leader by capitalization, edged up to $120,000, sustaining its dominance. Solana, a high-performance blockchain platform, also saw a nearly 5% increase, trading at $170.39. The positive momentum in these cryptocurrencies suggests that capital is flowing into top-layer 1s and major tokens beyond Bitcoin, further supporting the altcoin season narrative.

The market's bullish sentiment extends beyond these cryptocurrencies. Other altcoins, such as Cardano, Polkadot, and Chainlink, have also experienced substantial price increases, pointing to a broader market rally. This rally is driven by factors including increased institutional interest, regulatory clarity, and technological advancements in the blockchain industry. As the market continues to evolve, investors are closely monitoring these developments, aiming to capitalize on the potential gains offered by the altcoin season.