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Eth/btc hits 3 year lows: time to buy or let go?

ETH/BTC Ratio Hits 3-Year Lows | Bargain or Decline?

By

Kevin Johnson

Feb 10, 2026, 08:36 PM

2 minutes reading time

Graph showing ETH/BTC price drop with downward trend line

The ETH/BTC trading pair has plummeted to three-year lows, raising questions among traders about whether it's a buying opportunity or a sign of lasting decline. As of now, ETH sits about 60% lower than its 2022 peak while Bitcoin dominance surges back over 60%.

Context of the Current Market

The cryptocurrency market's current state is causing mixed reactions. While some users express concerns about Ethereum's long-term viability against Bitcoin, others see this dip as a chance to invest. The ongoing debate highlights two perspectives: one suggesting a classic mean reversion scenario and the other hinting at Ethereum losing its competitive edge.

Users on various forums mention that recent fluctuations hint at shifting market narratives. They argue that BTC's status as the primary "digital gold" impacts ETH negatively.

Key User Insights

Several comments provide insight into the prevailing sentiments around the ETH/BTC ratio:

  • "Every single altcoin depreciates against BTC. ETH will likely continue lagging behind."

  • "The current lows could signal a contrarian opportunity for investors."

  • "Once it bottoms, Iโ€™ll shift more into Bitcoin and reconsider my overall strategy."

Market Sentiment and Implications

The current sentiment appears predominantly bearish, but some see it as a contrarian buying signal. Many traders seem spooked by anything other than BTC, labeling the outlook for ETH uncertain.

"The market is telling us something about the shifting narrative toward Bitcoin as the only 'safe' crypto play."

Main Themes from the Discussions

  • Institutional Impact: Many believe larger players have a stronghold on Bitcoin, causing volatility that affects altcoins like Ethereum.

  • Historical Patterns: Users reference historical trends, noting that all altcoins typically follow downward paths against BTC over time.

  • Long-Term View: Some express a resignation to the idea that trading altcoins could lead to persistent losses.

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ฝ 60% depreciation from ETH's 2022 peak noted by multiple commenters.

  • โ˜… Bitcoin dominance rises, leading to growing concerns for altcoin viability.

  • ๐Ÿ” "It's possible for ETH to rebound, but the trend suggests otherwise," user remark.

As discussions around ETH/BTC continue to unfold, the critical question remains: are traders ready to jump in, or is this decline signaling a fundamental shift in the market? Only time will reveal the outcome.

What Lies Ahead for ETH and BTC?

As the market sorts through the current dynamics, thereโ€™s a strong chance that Ethereum may struggle to regain footing against Bitcoin. Observers estimate about a 70% probability that ETH will hover at low levels for the near term as Bitcoinโ€™s dominance grows. If broader market trends follow historical patterns, a continued bearish sentiment may push further investment into BTC rather than altcoins. However, if ETH can showcase considerable resilience in the coming months, the probability of a rebound rises to around 40%, as investors often look for undervalued assets in fluctuating markets.

A Lesson from the Past

This situation draws a curious parallel to the tech booms and busts of the late 1990s. During that time, companies outside of established players like Microsoft were often undervalued during downturns. Many smaller tech stocks struggled while the giants maintained market interest. Just as then, the current climate in crypto illustrates that in moments of uncertainty, market confidence tends to funnel back to perceived safe havens. Just as investors shifted focus and capital only to later witness smaller tech firms rise again, the cycle may play out similarly in the crypto sphere, as traders reassess their positions.