Vitalik Buterin Eyes Fresh Ethereum Bull Run With New Network Update

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently unveiled the fifth phase of Ethereum’s roadmap, dubbed “The Purge,” which analysts believe is a strategic move for an ETH bull run.

This update targets the network’s data bloat by reducing unnecessary data storage, making Ethereum more efficient while preserving its core principles of security and performance.

The announcement comes amid speculation that the crypto market may soon enter a new bullish phase. Some analysts suggest that this development could be a strategic move by Buterin to prepare for increased network usage.

Implications for Ethereum’s Performance

While the changes are technical, their implications could extend to Ethereum’s market performance. With Ethereum trading around $2,600, analysts argue that the update was likely timed to coincide with an impending rally in the broader market. 

Taking to X, macro trader Jason Pizzino expressed his view that Buterin’s move signals a shift toward a more bullish phase for Ethereum. “It’s as if Vitalik Buterin knows the bull market is about to step up a gear, and he actually needs to start building again,” Pizzino remarked.

However, he took a swipe at Ethereum’s current unimpressive price performance. Pizzino asserts that ETH being under $2,900 at this time of the bull season resembles the performance of other stagnant crypto assets like XRP and Cardano (ADA).

Pizzino shared a graph illustrating Ethereum’s recent price action, which shows a series of lower highs and lows from April to September, indicating an unimpressive trend. However, there are signs of a shift, with recent movements suggesting higher lows—a potential precursor to a bullish reversal.

Pizzino emphasized that reclaiming the $2,900 level could be crucial for Ethereum’s bullish reversal.

Has Ethereum Lost its Edge?

Meanwhile, another market watcher has also highlighted Ethereum’s underwhelming development activity. In a Monday post on X, analyst “Grey BTC” expressed concern over Ethereum’s slow project deployment, claiming the network has relied on rebranding successful Solana projects, such as GOAT and MOODENG, to attract volume.

According to Grey BTC, this behavior undermines Ethereum’s competitiveness and resembles testnet-level chains. He noted that the lack of fresh projects and a struggling meme coin sector raises questions about Ethereum’s adaptability in this cycle.

While Grey BTC stated he loves Ethereum, he is worried it might “end up going to zero against Bitcoin, like ADA and XRP.”