While Bitcoin stumbles through another bout of uncertainty, Ethereum is quietly building something more interesting: genuine momentum. Trading near $4,268, ETH has been the crypto market’s unexpected hero, shrugging off the macro headwinds that have left other digital assets gasping for air.

But here’s the thing—Ethereum’s next big move might not come from some groundbreaking DeFi innovation or another NFT surge. Instead, it could all come down to what Jerome Powell says into a microphone at Jackson Hole. One speech. One tone shift. And potentially one massive breakout that could send ETH soaring toward $5,000.

Let’s be honest: Bitcoin has been acting like that friend who can’t make up their mind about dinner plans. Meanwhile, Ethereum has been quietly holding its ground, building a fortress of support around $4,100 that’s caught traders’ attention.

This isn’t just about pretty charts—it’s about market psychology. When investors start choosing ETH over BTC during uncertain times, you know something fundamental is shifting. The daily chart tells the story: higher lows, consistent buying interest, and a price structure that screams “coiled spring.”

Here’s where it gets interesting. Powell’s Jackson Hole speech isn’t just another Fed event—it’s potentially Ethereum’s golden ticket to $5,000. The math is simple: dovish Powell equals risk-on sentiment equals crypto rally equals ETH leading the charge.

If Powell even hints at slowing down rate hikes or acknowledges economic softening, expect the crypto crowd to pile into ETH faster than you can say “smart contracts.” The $5,000 level isn’t just a number—it’s a psychological barrier that could unleash serious FOMO if broken.

But flip the script to a hawkish Powell, and we’re looking at a different movie. ETH could find itself testing that $4,100 support level, with deeper cuts to $3,346 or even $2,800 if things get ugly.

Forget the noise—here’s what actually counts for ETH right now:

• The breakout zone: $4,800 is the gateway to glory. Clear this, and $5,000 becomes a real possibility rather than hopeful thinking.

• The dream target: $5,000 represents more than just a round number—it’s validation that Ethereum can lead crypto’s next leg higher.

• The safety net: $4,100 is where ETH bulls make their stand. Lose this, and the whole bullish narrative needs a rewrite.

Think of these levels as Ethereum’s report card. Above $4,800? A-grade performance. Below $4,100? Time for some serious studying.

While traders obsess over Powell’s every word, Ethereum keeps building the infrastructure that powers most of crypto’s real innovation. DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, Layer 2 solutions—they’re all running on Ethereum’s rails.

This isn’t just speculative froth. When institutions look at crypto, they’re not just buying digital gold—they’re betting on the network effects that make Ethereum the internet of money. That’s why ETH can hold strong even when macro conditions get choppy.