Ethereum News: Ethereum Unlikely to Reach New All-Time Highs in 2026, Says Analyst Ben Cowen

Ethereum may struggle to reclaim record highs in 2026 as broader crypto market conditions remain fragile, according to prominent analyst Benjamin Cowen.Speaking on the Bankless podcast on Tuesday, Cowen said Ethereum’s outlook is closely tied to Bitcoin’s market structure, which he believes increasingly resembles a bear market.“If Bitcoin truly is in a bear market — which is what it feels like — it would be kind of hard for Ethereum to go up there,” Cowen said.His comments come amid growing debate over whether the crypto market has already peaked for the current cycle following sharp drawdowns since October.Ethereum Rally in 2026 Could Be a “Bull Trap”Cowen warned that even if Ethereum manages to reclaim its all-time high of $4,878, last reached in August, such a move may not be sustainable.“If Ethereum does get back to all-time highs in 2026, I’d be worried that it’s just a bull trap,” Cowen said, suggesting a sharp reversal could follow.He added that a failed breakout could send Ether back toward the $2,000 level, reinforcing the idea that upside moves may be corrective rather than the start of a new bull phase.At the time of writing, Ether is trading near $2,900, meaning a return to its peak would require a rally of more than 40%.Ethereum’s Performance Hinges on Bitcoin’s Market CycleCowen’s caution aligns with a broader bearish narrative forming around Bitcoin. Veteran trader Peter Brandt recently projected that Bitcoin could fall as low as $60,000 by Q3 2026, reinforcing concerns that the current cycle may have already topped.Cowen emphasized that Ethereum would be the only altcoin he would even consider capable of retesting all-time highs under these conditions — and even that scenario remains uncertain.“The only altcoin I’m even considering this for is Ethereum. A lot of the other altcoins are kind of cooked at this point for the cycle,” he said.Other Analysts See Potential for Deeper DrawdownsSome firms are even more cautious. Fundstrat Global Advisors reportedly warned investors earlier this month about a potential “meaningful drawdown” in 2026, which could push Ether into the $1,800–$2,000 range.However, not all analysts agree with the bearish outlook. Crypto commentator Crypto With James argued on Dec. 16 that Ethereum is “not done yet,” suggesting a near-term push back toward record highs remains possible.Ethereum Faces a High-Stakes 2026With Bitcoin struggling to regain momentum and liquidity conditions tightening, Ethereum’s ability to reach new highs in 2026 may depend less on its own fundamentals and more on whether the broader crypto market can escape a prolonged downtrend.For now, analysts remain divided — but Cowen’s warning highlights a growing concern: any major ETH rally next year may come with elevated downside risk rather than a new cycle of sustained growth.