Is Enthusiasm Over the Ethereum Merge Overdone?

The upcoming Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) merge is perhaps the biggest upgrade this sector has ever seen, but is the hype too much?

| More on:

Certainly, Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) Merge is one of the hottest topics out there in the cryptocurrency sector right now. 

This morning, Ethereum surged more than 6% over the past 24 hours, as investors continue to price in expected gains following this upcoming merge. With Ethereum’s mainnet well poised to merge with the proof-of-stake algorithm of Beacon Chain, expectations about token price growth are once again being highlighted by the market.

Now, it should be noted that previous excitement around this merge, which led ETH to breach the $2,000 level in mid-August, has somewhat dissipated. Today, this token trades around $1,650 (still well above its lows of less than $900).

However, questions around whether the hype is deserved or not are real. Let’s take a closer look.

Could the Ethereum merge result in a “flippening”?

The term “flippening” is an interesting one in the crypto world. Many have used this term to describe the point in time when Ethereum overtakes Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) as the most valuable crypto. And while some indications from options markets suggest that a flippening could take place, it’s not likely to happen for quite some time.

That said, enthusiasm around this merge took Ethereum on an incredible run in a couple months. From mid-June to mid-August, this token more than doubled from trough to peak. That’s an impressive move in short order. (Only a few more double-ups would be needed to see Ethereum surge past Bitcoin, assuming muted performance on Bitcoin’s part.)

Thus, this is a question of momentum. For now, momentum appears to be inching higher, though not in the parabolic fashion that many predicted. Perhaps much of this enthusiasm was front loaded. Perhaps some investors are wary of the potential for bugs during the merge. In any case, it’s clear the crypto market is taking a more cautious and measured approach to this big catalyst right now.

Tornado Cash overshadowing Merge hype 

The recent decision from the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to add the popular decentralized privacy solution Tornado Cash to its sanctions list has dampened excitement. 

For those who are unaware, cybercriminals have used this app for money-laundering purposes. Regulators looking to stamp out nefarious activity, on the blockchain or otherwise, have focused in on this crypto tumbling service as enemy number one. Most in the crypto community aren’t necessarily against such regulation.

That said, this drama has bled into Ethereum’s valuation. That’s because the crypto community has become concerned that centralized entities that stake ETH on the beacon chain may censor transactions coming from Tornado Cash (because they have to). Such censorship is against the principles of many in the Ethereum community, leading to an intriguing question of what will happen post-merge.

Bottom line

I think the enthusiasm around Ethereum Merge is warranted. Should this merge go off without a hitch, there’s a lot to like about the improved efficiency of the Ethereum blockchain and the future growth prospects that come along with this upgrade.

That said, there are downside risks. It’s important to acknowledge these. And perhaps this enthusiasm is overdone to some degree.

That said, I think Ethereum will be a token to watch from here. It’s going to be a fun few weeks for this top crypto.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Chris MacDonald has positions in Ethereum. The Motley Fool recommends Bitcoin and Ethereum.

More on Investing

A airplane sits on a runway.
Stocks for Beginners

1 Stable Canadian Stock Down 63% From All-Time Highs to Buy and Hold Immediately

Bombardier stock may be down from all-time highs, but this isn't one to count out.

Read more »

A child pretends to blast off into space.
Tech Stocks

Here’s Exactly How a $20,000 TFSA Could Grow Into $100,000 by 2030

Here's why Canadian investors should consider owning growth stocks such as Electrovaya and Propel in their TFSA portfolio right now.

Read more »

Bitcoin
Tech Stocks

Want to Bet on the Blockchain Boom? Buy These 2 Stocks Right Now

Investing in crypto stocks such as Coinbase is a good strategy for those looking to gain exposure to Bitcoin in…

Read more »

Concept of rent, search, purchase real estate, REIT
Dividend Stocks

A Perfect 7.9% Dividend Stock Paying Out Cash Every Single Month

If you're looking for cash immediately, this stock certainly is one to watch.

Read more »

man touches brain to show a good idea
Energy Stocks

3 No-Brainer Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $200

Three energy stocks with a bullish outlook as AI and other growth drivers continue to boost global energy demand.

Read more »

person stacking rocks by the lake
Investing

2 Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold for Life

These Canadian stocks, backed by resilient business models, have the potential to generate significant returns over time.

Read more »

Hourglass projecting a dollar sign as shadow
Dividend Stocks

The 4.2% Monthly Payer That Could Fund Your Retirement

This TSX-listed holding company pays monthly dividends and is unlike any other.

Read more »

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Energy Stocks

TFSA Passive Income: 2 TSX Stocks for Retirees

These stocks have increased their dividends annually for decades.

Read more »