Ethereum Gas Fees Plummet, Triggering Altcoin Rally Speculation

Ethereum gas fees have plummeted to a six-month low of $1.12 per transaction, indicating a potential altcoin rally. The circulating supply of Ethereum has also increased, reaching its highest point in the past month due to decreased network activity.

Ethereum Gas Fees Plummet to Six-Month Low, Signaling Potential Altcoin Surge

Ethereum's transaction fees have plummeted to their lowest level in six months, sparking speculation about an impending altcoin rally. According to data from Santiment, the average gas fee now stands at a mere $1.12, marking the lowest since October 18, 2023.

Analysts attribute this sharp decline to a combination of factors, including the recent Dencun upgrade and a general lull in the broader crypto market. The reduced on-chain activity has resulted in a significant drop in Ethereum gas fees.

This stark contrast to the soaring gas fees witnessed in February, when they reached an eight-month high, is indicative of the fluctuating market sentiment. Traders tend to alternate between periods of extreme optimism, where they believe in exponential growth, and periods of pessimism, where they perceive decline.

The peak in gas prices in February coincided with a surge in interest surrounding the ERC-404 token standard, with gas reaching an average of 70 gwei per transaction, equivalent to approximately $60. At its peak, it even spiked to 377 gwei, a level not seen since May 2023.

Despite a modest 4.3% rally in the past week, Ethereum's price has taken a 4% hit today, erasing its previous gains and currently hovering around $3,200.

Ethereum's Circulating Supply Surges as Activity Slows

The decreased activity on the Ethereum network has also led to an increase in the circulating supply of ETH, which has reached its highest point in the past month. Over the last 30 days, the issuance of 74,458 new ETH has outpaced the burning of 57,516 ETH, resulting in a net increase of 16,979 new tokens.

This marks a reversal from the deflationary trends observed over the previous five months. However, it is important to note that the Ethereum network has still burned over 437,000 tokens since transitioning to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism in September 2022.

Franklin Templeton's Ethereum ETF Listing Raises Optimism

In a significant development, asset manager Franklin Templeton has listed its spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) on the DTCC website. This move has rekindled investor optimism regarding the potential approval of an Ethereum ETF by the SEC, with expectations for a decision in May.

The confluence of factors, including low gas fees, increasing supply, and the potential for an ETF approval, has created a bullish sentiment that could potentially lead to an altcoin rally. Investors should continue to monitor market developments and make informed decisions based on their own research and risk tolerance.