Ethereum vs. Bitcoin: ETH price poised for 80% rally in 2026
Ethereum’s Ether token may rally by over 80% versus Bitcoin in 2026, according to a classic bullish reversal scenario developing on its long-term charts.Key points:ETH/BTC charts point to a potential move toward 0.059–0.063 BTC in 2026.Rejection at the long-term trendline could send the pair back toward 0.0175 BTC.Ether price chart hints at 80% rally versus BitcoinAs of December, ETH/BTC’s 2-week chart displayed a textbook inverse head-and-shoulders (IH&S) formation, a classic bullish reversal pattern that typically follows prolonged downtrends. The pattern’s left shoulder formed during late-2024 weakness, followed by an aggressive capitulation in April 2025 that carved out the head around 0.0176 BTC. This subsequent recovery established a higher low in Q4 2025, forming the right shoulder.The neckline was around 0.0400 BTC, situated between the 50-period (red) and 200-period (blue) exponential moving averages (EMAs). A decisive breakout above this zone will likely confirm the IH&S pattern, paving the way for a measured move toward 0.063 BTC in 2026. This upside target was up 80% from the ETH/BTC rates recorded as of Thursday.Can ETH copy its 450% parabolic move from 2020?ETH/BTC’s current rebound closely mirrored the breakout that followed its 2019-2020 accumulation phase. The pair rallied nearly 450% after bottoming within the same 0.0160–0.0200 BTC demand zone. Ether’s 2025 recovery originated from this identical structural floor, and price is now pressing into the same early-stage resistance cluster (represented via red circles in the chart above) that preceded the 2020 parabolic expansion. ETH/BTC could climb toward the 0.059 BTC Fibonacci zone, a level consistent with the IH&S breakout trajectory heading into 2026, if this fractal continues to play out. Ethereum is still in a downtrend vs. BitcoinHowever, the ETH bulls will have to prove that the long-term downtrend is actually over. Ether remains capped by a multiyear descending trendline that has rejected every breakout attempt against Bitcoin since 2017. A fresh failure at this barrier would undermine the IH&S and fractal setups and raise the risk of a pullback toward the long-standing 0.0175 BTC support in 2026.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.