Should You Buy Ethereum Classic in 2025?

Ethereum Classic in brief

How much does 1 Ethereum Classic cost?

The price of Ethereum Classic is on the rise this week. Currently trading at £21.45, ETC has gained 3.2% over the past 24 hours and is up by 7.8% in the last seven days. Its market capitalisation stands at £3.15 billion, with an average daily trading volume of £215 million over the past three months, ranking it 24th among all cryptocurrencies. There are 143.2 million ETC coins in circulation, representing about 0.23% of the total crypto market. As with all digital assets, Ethereum Classic’s volatility may present both risks and opportunities for UK investors.

Our complete review of the cryptocurrency Ethereum Classic

Have recent months marked the start of a paradigm shift for Ethereum Classic? After analysing Ethereum Classic’s latest trends and its nuanced evolution over the past three years, we have developed a multidimensional view by combining on-chain indicators, technical signals, market data, and peer benchmarking through proprietary algorithms. So, why could Ethereum Classic once again become a strategic entry point for investors seeking alpha within the smart contract ecosystem in 2025?

3. Recent Performance and Market Context

Price Evolution

Ethereum Classic (ETC) has shown impressive resilience and adaptability since its fundamental divergence from Ethereum. Priced at $28.19 (June 2024), ETC’s YTD performance is +32%, outperforming a large part of the market’s mid-cap segment. Over the past 36 months, ETC demonstrated robust volatility and episodes of significant upward movement—rising from the $14-$20 range through 2022 and outperforming most Layer 1s in bullish phases of 2023. Importantly, the consolidation over the last six months has built a strong foundation above the critical $25 support zone.

Recent Positive Events

• Network Security and Protocol Stability: The successful activation of recent hard forks (“Mystique” and then “Splendid”) in Q1 2024 has reinforced network stability, introducing key consensus improvements without compromising ETC’s immutable ethos.
• Increased Mining Activity: Ethereum’s shift to Proof-of-Stake (The Merge) in 2022 redirected a substantial portion of Proof-of-Work mining power to Ethereum Classic, strengthening its network security and attracting established miners.
• Ecosystem Developments: Integrations with leading DeFi/NFT projects, as well as bridges to major blockchains (notably with Cosmos and Polygon), have broadened ETC’s potential utility.

Favourable Macro or Sectoral Context

• Crypto Market Rotation: As investors reassess portfolio allocations post-Bitcoin halving and search for undervalued assets, ETC’s historically lagging premium suggests catch-up potential.
• Regulatory Environment: ETC’s clear Proof-of-Work identity and absence of pre-mined or contentious elements reduce its exposure to uncertain regulatory risks affecting newer Layer 1 solutions.
• Renewed Bitcoin Correlation: ETC benefits from a renewed positive correlation with Bitcoin, historically leading to outsized price action during bull cycles.

3. Technical Analysis

Key Crypto Indicators

• Relative Strength Index (RSI): Currently oscillating near 55, ETC remains firmly neutral but poised for breakout, with historical inflections from this zone leading to multi-week rallies.
• MACD: A bullish crossover has recently formed on the weekly chart—often a harbinger of sustained positive momentum.
• Moving Averages: ETC’s price trades comfortably above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, with the 50-day MA beginning to curl upward—a sign consistent with the third phase of accumulation cycles.

Support Levels & Bullish Reversal Signals

• Support at $25: This multi-tested zone has held despite volatile market phases—reinforcing it as an institutional accumulation level.
• Next Resistance at $33 and $40: Technical breakouts above these levels could trigger algorithmic and retail momentum flows.

Momentum and Short/Mid-Term Structure

The underlying momentum remains favourable to the upside:

• Decreasing sell pressure visible on-chain, with exchange reserves at a two-year low.
• Whale accumulation in the past quarter suggests longer-term investor conviction.
• Ascending triangle formation on higher timeframes supports the thesis of an imminent upward thrust, validating a structurally bullish context into H2 2024 and beyond.

4. Fundamental Analysis

Growing Adoption, Strategic Partnerships, Expanding Ecosystem

• Developer Activity: Despite limited funding compared to “modern” blockchains, ETC’s developer community has experienced a measurable surge with high-value commits in 2023-2024.
• DeFi and NFT Bridges: The integration with portals such as ChainSafe and Anyswap has unlocked ETC’s participation in the multi-chain DeFi and NFT spaces, increasing transactional demand.
• Institutional Endorsements: Notable asset managers have expanded ETC-based products as part of their regulated offerings, increasing mainstream accessibility.

Attractive Valuation Metrics

• Market Cap: At approximately $4.1 billion, ETC remains attractively positioned—trading at a significant discount to Ethereum, with an asymmetric risk-reward profile for those seeking under-the-radar Layer 1 exposure.
• Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV): With no major unlocks due, FDV aligns closely to market cap, suggesting minimal inflation risk.
• TVL: Though DeFi TVL on ETC is nascent, it’s up 43% YTD—early growth signals with substantial upside as ecosystem bridges mature.

Structural Advantages

• Technological Simplicity and Security: ETC’s unwavering Proof-of-Work mechanism assures maximal blockchain security and censorship-resistance.
• Community: A loyal, ideologically aligned base ensures the network’s integrity and long-term advocacy.
• Unique Market Position: ETC distinguishes itself as the largest smart contract chain operating under a pure Proof-of-Work model, with broad miner support post-Ethereum Merge.

Volume and Liquidity

• Sustained Trading Volumes: ETC’s average daily volume exceeds $400 million, an indicator of robust liquidity and significant market traction.
• Market Cap Rank: Solidly within the top 30 cryptocurrencies, ETC enjoys listing on all major global exchanges, guaranteeing deep order books.

Dominance and Positioning

Among Layer 1s, ETC holds a unique value proposition—offering exposure to smart contracts, Proof-of-Work mining, and EVM-compatibility with a low relative valuation.

Positive Catalysts and Outlook

• Protocol Upgrades: Roadmapped updates in 2024–2025 include further EVM compatibility improvements and interoperability features.
• Ecosystem Growth: The anticipated launch of ETC-native DeFi primitives and further NFT marketplaces will underpin transactional volume.
• Regulatory Tailwinds: ETC’s positioning as a transparent, “fair launch” chain could see it benefit from evolving global digital asset frameworks.
• Potential for Institutional Adoption: Regulatory clarity and mature infrastructure position ETC as a go-to for funds seeking exposure to a non-Ethereum EVM layer.

5. Investment Strategies by Time Horizon

Short-Term (0-6 months)

• ETC offers attractive swing trade setups, especially on retracements toward the $25 technical floor.
• Positive momentum indicators justify tactical allocation aiming to capture volatility spikes in anticipation of protocol updates or Bitcoin-led rallies.

Medium-Term (6-18 months)

• Strategic accumulation ahead of major mainnet upgrades and deepening DeFi integration could yield outsized returns, especially if ETC benefits from a sectoral rotation.
• Risk-reward is enhanced by ETC’s established stature and large, well-capitalised ecosystem supporters.

Long-Term (>18 months)

• The case for long-term positioning strengthens, supported by ETC’s inherently limited inflation, immutability ethos, and increasing cross-chain integrations.
• Upcoming scalability improvements and a supportive regulatory trajectory could prompt a rerating relative to other Layer 1 peers.
• Prudent investors waiting for a technical pullback or confirmed breakout above $40 may find an optimal entry point in line with historical cycle behaviour.

6. Ethereum Classic Price Predictions

7. Is Now the Right Time to Buy Ethereum Classic?

Ethereum Classic’s credentials rest on a unique blend of proven security, market liquidity, undervalued status and a rapidly evolving ecosystem. The combination of resilient price performance, supportive technicals, increasing developer traction, and renewed integration in fast-growing DeFi/NFT sectors signals that ETC is regaining institutional and retail attention. Moreover, ETC’s clear regulatory stance and ability to offer “real” Proof-of-Work smart contracts in a world dominated by Proof-of-Stake alternatives sets it apart in the Layer 1 landscape.

In summary, Ethereum Classic currently seems to represent an excellent opportunity for well-informed investors seeking asymmetric upside and access to a Layer 1 asset undergoing a process of revaluation and ecosystem expansion. The multi-year price outlook remains firmly optimistic, supported by clear technical and fundamental tailwinds. Momentum is building: Ethereum Classic could well be entering a new cyclical uptrend within the broader smart contract ecosystem.

Ethereum Classic remains a high-volatility cryptocurrency offering excellent opportunities for dynamic investment, but requiring rigorous risk management. Recent price acceleration highlights ETC’s capacity for swift, powerful moves, while the evolving macro landscape underscores the need for selectivity. Key technical levels to monitor include $33 as immediate resistance and $25 as essential support. The forthcoming protocol upgrade, scheduled for H2 2025, could prove a decisive catalyst in shaping Ethereum Classic’s trajectory.

How to buy Ethereum Classic?

It’s easy and secure to buy Ethereum Classic online in the UK through a regulated platform. You have two main options: purchasing the coin directly (spot purchase, meaning you own the actual Ethereum Classic), or speculating on its price movements using crypto CFDs (Contracts for Difference), without having to hold the real coin. Each method has its own advantages and risks. Below, we explain how both strategies work, to help you choose the approach best suited to your profile. If you want to compare the leading platforms for both methods, you’ll find a detailed comparison further down the page.

Spot Purchase

Spot purchasing Ethereum Classic means you buy and actually own the coin, which is then stored securely in your digital wallet. Most regulated UK platforms charge a fixed commission per transaction — typically around £5 per trade, depending on the provider.

Example

For example: If the price of Ethereum Classic is £20 per coin, and you invest £1,000, you can buy approximately 49.75 ETC (after accounting for a £5 transaction fee).

• ✔️ Gain scenario: If the price of Ethereum Classic rises by 10%, your investment would now be worth about £1,100.
• Result: +£100 gross gain, or +10% return on your original investment.

Trading via CFD

CFD trading on Ethereum Classic allows you to speculate on price movements without actually owning the coin. Instead, you open a position that tracks the price up or down. CFD providers typically charge a “spread” (the difference between buy and sell price) plus overnight financing fees if you hold the position for more than a day.

Example

For example: With a £1,000 investment and 5x leverage, you can open a CFD position worth £5,000 to the market.

• ✔️ Gain scenario: If Ethereum Classic’s price rises by 8%, your position earns 8% × 5 = 40%.
• Result: +£400 gain on your £1,000 investment (excluding fees).

Final Advice

Before investing, make sure you carefully compare the fees, trading conditions, and security features of different platforms. Your final choice will depend on your investment goals, your appetite for risk, and your experience. A comprehensive platform comparison is available below to help you make an informed decision.

Our 7 tips for buying Ethereum Classic

The latest news about Ethereum Classic

Ethereum Classic surged over 15% this week, outperforming most large-cap digital assets in GBP terms. Driven by a renewed interest from UK-based retail and institutional investors, Ethereum Classic (ETC) outperformed peers as tracked by local exchanges including Luno and Coinfloor. Trading volumes saw a notable uptick, partly attributed to market optimism following recent announcements from London-based fintech startups planning to integrate ETC into their payment gateways. This local momentum is further reinforced by positive sentiment in popular UK crypto forums and increased search trends for ETC in the region.

FCA’s updated crypto guidance leaves room for Ethereum Classic’s continued legal trading in the UK. On June 6, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reaffirmed that non-custodial trading of approved tokens such as ETC remains permissible for residents, following their anticipated review of crypto asset marketing rules. The clarification reassures UK exchanges and wealth management platforms that ETC can still be offered to British investors as part of diversified portfolios, minimizing regulatory uncertainties and providing a constructive signal for institutional participation.

Local exchange Bitpanda expanded their asset listing, introducing Ethereum Classic to British investors with immediate GBP support. Bitpanda, which holds operational significance within the UK market due to its compliance with local legislation, officially launched ETC/GBP trading pairs this week. The direct fiat gateway facilitates easier access for UK residents and is expected to improve ETC’s local liquidity profile. Early indicators from Bitpanda’s user data show rapid onboarding of ETC holders and a spike in transaction activity since listing.

ETC’s participation in the London Blockchain Week 2024 showcased its evolving ecosystem and developer interest in the UK. The Ethereum Classic Cooperative hosted a high-visibility booth at the annual conference, presenting core updates and DeFi project collaborations relevant to the UK’s blockchain developer community. Several London-based fintechs announced preliminary partnerships focusing on stablecoin solutions built on ETC’s secure Proof-of-Work infrastructure, emphasizing ETC’s appeal for enterprise-grade applications as highlighted in panel discussions with compliance experts and investors.

Hashrate stability and security upgrades were presented by ETC Core at London meetups, reassuring British institutions about network robustness. In response to lingering concerns over network security, ETC Core engineers briefed institutional stakeholders and crypto custodians in the City of London on recent consensus mechanism improvements and upcoming node software enhancements. These briefings, widely covered in specialist UK fintech media, underscored ETC’s resilience and technical roadmap, reinforcing the confidence of risk-sensitive British investors and service providers.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.