Ethereum is once again in the spotlight as traders anticipate its next big move. According to prominent analyst DonAlt, Ethereum (ETH) has a real shot at hitting $6,000 in the near term — but the path to that milestone could take one of two very different routes. His analysis, shared during a recent episode of the Technical Roundup podcast, has sparked fresh debate among market watchers as ETH continues to hover around the $4,000 mark.
The market has already seen Ethereum climb from $2,000 to $4,000 in a short period, and while the rally has been impressive, it has left little room for correction along the way. This dynamic has created a fork in the road: ETH could either consolidate and climb slowly or stage a sharp move upward followed by a healthy pullback.
First Scenario: Controlled Consolidation Before Breakout
In the first bullish setup, DonAlt envisions Ethereum holding its ground at current levels, with the market entering a phase of sideways consolidation. This type of price action typically builds a strong base of support, which can serve as the for a larger move.
Consolidation has long been viewed as a sign of strength when it follows a rapid rally. It signals that buyers are not in a hurry to sell, and that the asset is stabilizing before resuming its upward path. In this scenario, if ETH continues to range between $3,800 and $4,200, traders would likely see it as constructive — a signal that the market is preparing for a renewed climb toward $6,000.
This methodical path would be viewed as sustainable, especially if macroeconomic conditions remain stable and broader crypto market sentiment holds steady. It also gives time for new participants to enter the market without facing aggressive volatility.
Second Scenario: Explosive Rally Followed by Pullback
The second bullish scenario DonAlt outlined involves Ethereum pushing aggressively to $6,000 without much delay, potentially driven by a wave of FOMO (fear of missing out) or a major catalyst. However, rather than continuing upward from there, this kind of move would be followed by a pullback — possibly down to the $4,000 level — before the trend resumes.
According to DonAlt, this type of breakout-and-retest move would actually be a more “healthy” form of price discovery. It reflects market enthusiasm, but also provides time for consolidation at higher levels after profit-taking.
“An impulsive run to $6,000, then a dip to $4,000, would be a better sign than falling from here,” DonAlt stated. Such a scenario would shake out weak hands, confirm $4,000 as a new support level, and prepare Ethereum for the next major leg upward.
Risk Factors Still in Play
Despite the strong upward momentum and positive sentiment, DonAlt also cautioned that Ethereum’s near doubling from $2,000 to $4,000 has come with very little correction. This leaves room for a potential move lower, especially if external market pressures or macroeconomic shocks emerge.
A drop to the $2,800–$2,900 zone, while still technically within a bullish structure, could cast doubt on Ethereum’s short-term trend. “Avoiding a test of those lower levels would be a show of strength,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of ETH staying above key support zones to maintain bullish momentum.
The next few weeks will likely prove critical, as Ethereum continues to trade at elevated levels without giving up much ground. If the price breaks down from current levels, it could test trader confidence and delay any advance toward $6,000.
What Could Push Ethereum Higher?
Ethereum’s long-term bullish case is still intact, driven by strong fundamentals and growing institutional interest. Factors like increasing on-chain activity, the rise of ETH-based Layer 2 solutions, and Ethereum’s central role in decentralized finance (DeFi) and tokenization continue to support a positive outlook.
Additionally, market attention is increasingly turning to Ethereum’s role in asset tokenization, similar to developments seen with the XRP Ledger. While XRP has seen a 2,260% rise in tokenized real-world assets in 2025, Ethereum continues to be the foundational layer for many such projects, especially among startups and fintech innovators.
The broader narrative of real-world asset tokenization and digital finance is lifting sentiment across smart contract platforms, with Ethereum and XRP both benefiting from this trend in different ways.
Final Thoughts
Whether Ethereum takes the slow and steady route through consolidation, or explodes higher before correcting, traders are keeping close watch on key support and resistance levels. Both scenarios point to a potential rise to $6,000 — the only question is how the market gets there.
DonAlt’s insight adds valuable perspective at a time when ETH is testing the limits of its recent rally. With critical support levels below and the psychological $6,000 barrier above, Ethereum’s next move will likely set the tone for the rest of the year.
As always in crypto, the journey will matter just as much as the destination. For now, the trend remains bullish — and if ETH can stay resilient above $3,800, the $6,000 target may be closer than most expect.
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