Ethereum just posted one of its strongest quarters in recent memory, but buyers who missed the move face a brutal dilemma: chase the rally or wait for a pullback that may never come.
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Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) experienced an impressive 72% increase in just three months, climbing from around $1,569 at the end of June to nearly $2,708 by September 27, 2026. This puts Ethereum ahead of other major cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) up by 42%, XRP (CRYPTO:XRP) at 46%, and Solana (CRYPTO:SOL) rising 71%.
Such a significant price jump often leaves potential buyers feeling like they’ve missed their chance. So, is it too late to buy Ethereum after this remarkable quarter, or is there still room for growth?
Ethereum’s 72% Rally Started From a Deep Low
Ethereum’s rally began after a severe downturn. When priced at about $1,569 in late June, ETH was significantly lower than its opening for 2026. Each dollar gained during this surge represented a substantial percentage increase for the coin.
Despite the impressive rise, Ethereum remains down about 9% for 2026, compared to its January 1 price of approximately $2,985. Over the past year, it has dropped about 33% from roughly $4,044.
The size of Ethereum’s market matters as well. With a market cap of around $331 billion, the 72% increase required strong buying from both large investors and smaller buyers, not just a handful of big transactions.
Ethereum’s Monthly Gains Have Slowed From 29% to 10%
Most of the increase happened early in the quarter. Ethereum gained about 22% in the first month and 29% in the second month, but the past month saw only a 10% rise. This indicates that the rapid growth has cooled down.
A slower pace could be beneficial for new buyers. ETH is currently trading just above $2,672, a crucial level watched by traders in September. Holding above this price could lead to a potential rise to $2,950 or even $3,000, which is about 11% higher than the current price. Typically, buyers tend to defend a price level like this during pullbacks, which could help Ethereum establish a stronger base.
However, a decelerating rally could also lose momentum. Those who bought in near $1,569 have enjoyed gains of about 72%, leading some to consider selling if the upward trend continues to weaken.
Ethereum Still Trades 45% Below Its $4,950 Record
Since Ethereum doesn’t generate earnings or cash flow, its price history serves as a primary measure of its value. Based on that history, ETH is far from overvalued. Currently, it trades about 45% below its all-time high of nearly $4,950 from August 2025, requiring an 83% increase to return to those levels.
This price history also highlights the risks. ETH has lost a third of its value in the past year, which means a buyer at $2,708 should be prepared for dramatic price swings. This risk is particularly significant for retirement accounts, which have less time to recover from major losses.
Is It Too Late to Buy Ethereum?
The answer is no; it is not too late to buy Ethereum based on the current numbers. Despite its strong performance over the quarter, it still trades about 9% below its 2026 opening price and 45% below its all-time high, suggesting there is still room for recovery.
To mitigate the risk associated with buying in a volatile market, consider investing smaller amounts over several weeks. A weekly close above approximately $2,985, or around 10% higher, could help ETH break even for 2026. However, if its one-month gains turn negative while Bitcoin continues to rise, Ethereum’s leading position could diminish, possibly bringing the price back below $2,672.
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