Ethereum is one of the most prominent cryptocurrencies on the market today. It is the second highest cryptocurrency by market cap, second only to Bitcoin. Some market analysts and traders believe that Ethereum will take over Bitcoin at some stage due to its vast utility. However, Bitcoin remains a high-quality value store and viable inflation hedge. With the Western market's sentiment at the moment, it still remains the number one cryptocurrency.

What is Ethereum?

Ethereum is a cryptocurrency that acts as a network for other cryptocurrencies and digital assets. The framework is built in a way that offers security and transparency via smart contracts. Crucially, it allows the facility of a network that means other digital currencies can use it as a platform to build themselves. It was initially designed by Vitalik Buterin, Gavin Wood and Charles Hoskinson. However, Wood and Hoskinson have both left to create their own cryptocurrencies.

Ethereum has a huge amount of traffic on its network. This is usually what will drive the price. For example, the NFT marketplace boom of 2021 and 2022 has resulted in huge traffic on the Ethereum network. Whilst other cryptocurrencies have attempted to muscle in on this particular market, Ethereum is the number one network used for these transactions.

One of the main criticisms of Ethereum is that it has huge network fees, also known as gas fees. Some NFTs are bought for millions of dollars, and some gas fees run into six figures. This issue has been addressed recently with a series of updates that have decreased the fees. However, the updates have had a detrimental effect on Ethereum miners, who can no longer make decent money from mining the cryptocurrency.

The Ethereum network is arguably the greatest innovation in cryptocurrency. Whilst the inception of Bitcoin was the cryptocurrency "big bang". Ethereum is the creation of the world within cryptocurrency, allowing it to flourish and become a global marketplace.

The gas fees can be used as an example to show how high-quality the network is. Despite some of them reaching astronomical levels, most users still want to use the Ethereum network because of its security and reliability. Even though other cryptocurrencies, such as Solana, have moved into this space. However, they do not have the reputation or market trust that Ethereum does.

What is the price of Ethereum?

The price of Ethereum today, 28th October 2022, is $1,533.. This is quite some distance away from its previous market high in 2021, when it peaked at just over $4,000. Many analysts believe during the next bull run within the next few years, Ethereum should surpass the $10,000 mark. This is down to the institutional investment it attracts, including companies such as Grayscale. 

Investing in assets has never been more straightforward due to advances in the internet and technology. Using a mobile trading app like amana, you can purchase cryptocurrencies and a whole range of other assets and view them all simultaneously.

Ethereum could be at the forefront of this adaption if cryptocurrency's mass adoption occurs and it materialises. If that happens, the possibilities will be unbelievably exciting, and the price could increase exponentially.

The price, of course, depends on several different factors. If overall market sentiment is low, like it is at the moment, then the price will be much lower. This can signal a buy-in opportunity, but you must factor in other market factors. This includes the economy, the country's currency stability and interest rates. The market sentiment needs to be positive as well. There's little point in having a huge update if we're in the middle of a recession, as the gains will be far lower.

What is Ethereum Classic?

You may have come across Ethereum Classic when you have been browsing cryptocurrencies. Ethereum Classic has a much smaller market cap than Ethereum and works largely the same way. There is a distinct difference between the two due to an early issue that was discovered and repaired.

This created a separate blockchain, and that is where Ethereum tailed off. Ethereum Classic kept the same network as the original idea and still has the mainframe. Due to the explosion in Ethereum's price and the amount of traffic on its network, it has left Ethereum Classic in a distant second place. However, there is still an investment opportunity, and it still has investors looking to trade it.

What is Ethereum worth?

As we have touched on today, the possibilities for Ethereum could be endless. Suppose we are in a bull market with favorable general market and economic conditions and large institutional investors. In that case, it could potentially be worth a staggering amount per coin 5 years from now. At the same time, the value of Ethereum could just as well plummet, depending on the circumstances. 

What price is Ethereum worth today?

Currently, the price of Ethereum is $1,533, which some would consider a good price to buy at at this time. However, cryptocurrency is a highly volatile market and there's never a guarantee of success. Although Ethereum has been at a range that is more than double its current price. It has also been at a range that is more than half the price it is currently.

Last thoughts

Before making any investment, you must ensure that you fully understand the asset that you are investing in and establish the best entry point for your trade. This isn't just the case for cryptocurrency but all other types of investment.

We may look back at 2021 as the peak year for cryptocurrency, or we may look back and say it was a warning sign of what was to come. It is an exciting space, and as the newest type of asset class, digital currencies will be on the market for many years. As some speculators suggest, whether or not they will completely take over finance at some stage is still hotly up for debate.