Why Stopping at Bitcoin Might Be a Mistake: ETH’s Rally Makes the Case
Bitwise CIO says ETH’s strong performance shows investors should look beyond Bitcoin.

In a recent statement, Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan emphasized that Ethereum’s recent rally highlights a critical investing lesson: Bitcoin is just the beginning. While BTC remains the most dominant and recognized cryptocurrency, Ethereum’s surge in price and growing utility show why serious crypto investors shouldn’t stop there.
Ethereum has outperformed Bitcoin over several recent stretches, driven by its role in decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and the future of Web3 infrastructure. Its smart contract capabilities and upcoming ecosystem upgrades continue to fuel investor optimism.
Hougan’s opinion supports the broader case for crypto portfolio diversification. Relying solely on Bitcoin may limit upside potential, especially as alternative Layer 1s like ETH, SOL, and AVAX evolve and attract both users and developers.
For new investors, this doesn’t mean jumping blindly into every altcoin — but it does suggest that understanding Ethereum and other major players beyond BTC is key to long-term success in the space.