By: Eva Baxter
The first quarter of 2025 has been notably challenging for leading cryptocurrencies Bitcoin and Ethereum. Both digital assets have faced substantial setbacks, raising concerns among investors about their future performance in the remaining quarters of the year. Analysts are closely observing market trends, though a dramatic “vertical swing up” in the coming days appears unlikely according to Swyftx lead analyst Pav Hundal.
Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, has had a particularly tough time, recording its second-worst first quarter since 2018. The digital asset's year-to-date price has slumped nearly 38%, reflecting a broader market downtrend. This decline is a stark contrast to other cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (down 6.49%) and XRP, which actually saw gains during the same period. With Ethereum trading above the critical support level of $2,000, market experts are anticipating if a significant increase could push ETH back to its previous $3,200 high.
Looking into the next quarter, analysts like Lark Davis predict a potential 60% surge, which would mark a recovery for Ethereum if historical trends of a 66% average Q2 growth since 2016 continue. Additionally, crypto analyst Merlijn projects even more ambitious visions, forecasting a trajectory similar to Bitcoin's past performance with a potential rally that could see Ethereum reach up to $24,000, an incredible 1,100% increase.
While optimism exists, there's recognition of existing hurdles. Resistance levels, particularly at around the $2,300 mark, present challenges that Ethereum must overcome to realize a sustained rebound in the short term. As investors watch closely, the broader crypto market will play an essential role in shaping the outcomes for these digital currencies in the coming months. For more insights into cryptocurrency trends, visit and [CoinMarketCap's analysis](https://www.coinmarketcap.com).