|

Ethereum Merge could break the internet according to Preston Van Loon

  • Ethereum’s lead developer Preston Van Loon believes that the Merge will drive widespread adoption of the altcoin. 
  • Ethereum aims to be the global settlement layer and with the transition to proof-of-stake developers expect ETH to become the preferred crypto.
  • Analysts believe Ethereum is on track to hit its $2,000 target as the altcoin recovers from its slump. 

Ethereum heads into the Merge within the next few days, therefore holders are awaiting a massive impact on the altcoin’s blockchain. Developer Preston Van Loon confirmed that the change in Ethereum’s consensus mechanism could drive ETH price higher. 

Also read: DeFi collapse alert: Here’s how to safeguard your funds from failure of Ethereum Merge

Ethereum’s impending Merge is a game changer for ETH

Ethereum’s Merge is a key event that ETH holders and the crypto community is looking forward to. The transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake is set to change the way new Ether is created and reduce power consumption by 99.95%. 

In the days leading up to the Merge, there is a decline in capital inflow in Ethereum. Irrespective of the drop in Total Value Locked and the reduced capital inflow from investors and institutions, analysts remain bullish on Ethereum. 

Preston Van Loon, an Ethereum protocol developer at Prysmatic Labs told CoinDesk TV that ETH’s objective is to be a “global settlement layer” and this will become likely with the Merge. The transition to PoS could drive Ethereum adoption higher. In the long term, network security and cost of transaction could reduce, thereby making Ethereum the preferred blockchain for developers. 

Ethereum’s Bellatrix upgrade, the last hard fork of the network before the Merge was implemented on Tuesday. Van Loon explained,

What it means is the proof-of-work side of Ethereum is now ready to merge with the proof-of-stake side. We see this [environmental impact of PoW] as a barrier for global adoption.

Van Loon argues that the beauty of proof-of-stake is having something at stake. Therefore saying I'm behaving in an honest way, rather than relying on this work mechanism. Since Ethereum’s energy consumption will be reduced, institutions would adopt the ETH blockchain. 

Analysts set a $2,000 target for Ethereum

Analysts revealed a bullish outlook on Ethereum and set a $2,000 target for ETH. The altcoin started its recovery from the recent slump and hit the $1,765 level. Tony M, a leading crypto analyst believes ETH is on track for its recovery to $2,000. 

ETH-USDT price chart

ETH-USDT price chart

Author

Ekta Mourya

Ekta Mourya

FXStreet

Ekta Mourya has extensive experience in fundamental and on-chain analysis, particularly focused on impact of macroeconomics and central bank policies on cryptocurrencies.

More from Ekta Mourya
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

Crypto market outlook for 2026

Year 2025 was volatile, as crypto often is.  Among positive catalysts were favourable regulatory changes in the U.S., rise of Digital Asset Treasuries (DAT), adoption of AI and tokenization of Real-World-Assets (RWA).

Meme Coins Price Prediction: Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Pepe recover, echoing Bitcoin rebound

Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and Pepe are trading mixed as Bitcoin records minor gains on Monday, warming sentiment across the broader cryptocurrency market. Still, the incipient recovery in Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and Pepe remains fragile amid the prevailing downtrend.

Bitcoin consolidates as downside risks persist

Bitcoin has made only three wave rallies from the November lows, which is one of the most important indications that more weakness may still lie ahead.

Polkadot's (DOT) dips, with token underperforming wider crypto markets

DOT $1.8269 fell 2% to $1.84 over the last 24 hours. Trading volumes were 7.8% above the seven-day moving average at 7.76 million tokens, according to CoinDesk Research's technical analysis model.

Orange Juice Newsletter – Smart insights by real people. Every day.

A free newsletter highlighting key market trends to help traders stay a step ahead. Daily insights on the most relevant trading topics, compiled by our experts in an easy-to-read format so you never miss an important move.

Bitcoin: Fed delivers, yet fails to impress BTC traders

Bitcoin (BTC) continues de trade within the recent consolidation phase, hovering around $92,000 at the time of writing on Friday, as investors digest the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) cautious December rate cut and its implications for risk assets.