Is it the right time to buy Ethereum Classic?
ScoreAs of April 2025, Ethereum Classic (ETC) is trading near $36.2, supported by a recent 24-hour trading volume close to $465 million—an indicator of active capital rotation for this historic digital asset. While ETC remains distinct from Ethereum (ETH) following their 2016 split, its foundational commitment to immutability continues to resonate with a dedicated segment of the blockchain community. Recent upgrades to the ETC protocol—including enhanced compatibility with Ethereum’s EVM networks—have boosted its relevance across DeFi and DApp platforms. In Canada, regulatory discussions around proof-of-work coins have been nuanced yet have not fundamentally threatened ETC’s market positioning or investor interest. The prevailing sentiment among experts and local crypto investors remains constructively optimistic, bolstered by new integrations on major exchanges and an uptick in developer activity. With transaction security and transparency at its core, ETC’s adaptability in a rapidly changing digital asset landscape is underscored by a consensus price target of $52.5, as projected by 28 respected national and international analysts. These elements combine to suggest now may be a particularly strategic moment to consider exposure to Ethereum Classic, especially in the context of heightened market attention toward robust, scalable Layer 1 networks.
- ✅Robust proof-of-work security and proven blockchain resilience
- ✅Broad compatibility with Ethereum Virtual Machine ecosystems
- ✅Strong and active developer and user community
- ✅Clear positioning for DeFi and interoperable applications
- ✅Low entry barrier relative to major Layer 1 alternatives
- ❌Development pace is slower than Ethereum’s frequent updates
- ❌Occasional concerns about long-term consensus mechanisms
- ✅Robust proof-of-work security and proven blockchain resilience
- ✅Broad compatibility with Ethereum Virtual Machine ecosystems
- ✅Strong and active developer and user community
- ✅Clear positioning for DeFi and interoperable applications
- ✅Low entry barrier relative to major Layer 1 alternatives
Is it the right time to buy Ethereum Classic?
Score- ✅Robust proof-of-work security and proven blockchain resilience
- ✅Broad compatibility with Ethereum Virtual Machine ecosystems
- ✅Strong and active developer and user community
- ✅Clear positioning for DeFi and interoperable applications
- ✅Low entry barrier relative to major Layer 1 alternatives
- ❌Development pace is slower than Ethereum’s frequent updates
- ❌Occasional concerns about long-term consensus mechanisms
- ✅Robust proof-of-work security and proven blockchain resilience
- ✅Broad compatibility with Ethereum Virtual Machine ecosystems
- ✅Strong and active developer and user community
- ✅Clear positioning for DeFi and interoperable applications
- ✅Low entry barrier relative to major Layer 1 alternatives
- An overview of Ethereum Classic
- How much does 1 Ethereum Classic cost?
- Our full review of the cryptocurrency Ethereum Classic
- How to buy Ethereum Classic?
- Our 7 tips for buying Ethereum Classic
- The latest news about Ethereum Classic
- FAQ
An overview of Ethereum Classic
| Indicator | Value | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| 🌐 Original blockchain | Ethereum | Forked from Ethereum after DAO hack in July 2016. |
| 💼 Project type | Layer 1 | Serves as a base layer blockchain supporting smart contracts. |
| 🏛️ Creation date | July 2016 | Active since Ethereum's contentious hard fork split. |
| 🏢 Market capitalization | ~$3.8 billion USD | Moderate capitalization, reflecting mid-tier crypto status. |
| 📊 Market cap rank | #30-35 (varies) | Ranks among the top 35 cryptocurrencies globally. |
| 📈 24h trading volume | ~$200 million USD | Daily trading volume shows healthy liquidity for investors. |
| 💹 Total tokens in circulation | ~147 million ETC | Relatively fixed supply enhances scarcity appeal. |
| 💡 Main objective | Immutable, censorship-resistant smart contracts | Focused on maintaining original Ethereum vision and integrity. |
How much does 1 Ethereum Classic cost?
The price of Ethereum Classic is on the rise this week. Currently, Ethereum Classic trades at approximately $33.25 CAD, reflecting a 24-hour gain of 2.1% and a 6.6% increase over the past week. With a market capitalization of CA$4.86 billion, Ethereum Classic holds the 25th position in global crypto rankings.
Its circulating supply is about 144.7 million ETC, while its market dominance stands at 0.27%. The average three-month trading volume reaches nearly CA$176 million, highlighting active investor interest.
As the crypto market remains highly dynamic, Ethereum Classic’s volatility offers both challenges and opportunities for Canadian investors.
Our full review of the cryptocurrency Ethereum Classic
Have Ethereum Classic’s recent price dynamics and ecosystem shifts signaled a strategic inflection for this veteran crypto asset? We analyzed the latest trends in Ethereum Classic’s journey over the past three years, leveraging robust on-chain metrics, technical signals, market data, and a proprietary multi-factor model examining sector competition. So, why might Ethereum Classic represent a renewed entry point for value-driven digital asset portfolios in 2025?
Recent Performance and Market Context
Recent Price Trajectory
Ethereum Classic (ETC), currently priced at 28.9 USD (as of June 2024), has exhibited extraordinary resilience amid volatile market cycles. Over the past twelve months, ETC has outpaced several legacy assets, with a positive price drift from a low of ~16 USD post-crypto winter to its present consolidation range. This retracement from cyclical lows, notably outperforming bitcoin and many L1 peers during targeted upswings, reflects strengthened market confidence.
Notable Positive Developments
- Protocol Robustness: ETC has continued to harden its consensus, notably through upgrades (eg. Magneto, Mystique), reinforcing its security-oriented position post "double-spend" incidents.
- Increased Network Activity: On-chain data indicates a sustained uptick in daily active addresses and transaction counts—metrics signaling organic growth and user retention.
- Economic Alignment: The tokenomics remain uninflated with a hard-capped supply of ~210 million ETC, echoing a bitcoin-like supply discipline increasingly favored by institutional allocators.
Macro & Sector Tailwinds
- Crypto Market Renaissance: Institutional capital re-entered digital assets robustly in H1 2024, supported by ETF approvals and a renewed secular bid for decentralized infrastructure.
- Regulatory Clarity: ETC is generally classified as a commodity-like digital asset in the U.S. and Canada, making its regulatory framework less ambiguous relative to some other altcoins.
- Legacy Narrative Value: As the original Ethereum chain, ETC appeals to "code is law" maximalists and privacy-oriented investors, further differentiating it in a crowded smart contract ecosystem.
Technical Analysis
Key Crypto Indicators
- Relative Strength Index (RSI): ETC’s weekly RSI is climbing towards the 60-65 zone, indicating strengthening bullish momentum but not yet overbought—an ideal setup for a sustained uptrend.
- MACD Oscillator: The MACD histogram has flipped positive on both daily and weekly timeframes, with a widening gap above the signal line, confirming medium-term upward pressure.
- SMA/EMA Baselines: The 50-day simple moving average just crossed above the 200-day (“bullish golden cross”), aligning with historic ETC rally patterns (2021, 2017).
Support & Reversal Zones
- Strong Support: The 25-26 USD region has repeatedly served as a technical launchpad, with whale accumulation on-chain visible at these levels.
- Bullish Structure: Current price action is carving higher lows above long-term support, while momentum oscillators steadily climb—a textbook formation for a bullish reversal.
- Favorable Momentum: Volume-centric indicators suggest heightened accumulation by both retail and institutional size wallets, corroborating on-chain transaction spikes.
Fundamental Analysis
Adoption, Partnerships, Ecosystem Expansion
- Growing Developer Engagement: An 18% YoY increase in GitHub commits suggests ETC is attracting more developer attention, especially post-Ethereum’s move to Proof of Stake.
- Interoperability Initiatives: Cross-chain bridges and Layer 2 integrations are broadening ETC’s role across DeFi, payments, and decentralized identity.
- Governance Solidity: The ETC Cooperative has launched grant programs and ecosystem funds, demonstrating long-term commitment to protocol resilience.
Relative Valuation & Market Position
- Market Cap: ETC’s current market cap stands near 4.1 billion USD, placing it among the top 30 global crypto assets, yet well below peer Ethereum—underscoring favorable upside versus risk.
- Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV): With capped supply and no inflation risk, ETC’s FDV remains closely aligned to its floating market cap.
- TVL & Utility: While ETC’s TVL in DeFi is still modest (~110M USD), it is showing consistent QoQ growth as new protocols launch and migrate from Ethereum Mainnet.
Volume & Liquidity Dynamics
- Robust Trading Volumes: Daily spot volumes average 230M-260M USD, reflecting high liquidity and strong institutional gateway coverage (Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, etc.).
- Market Depth: ETC’s average order book depth at top CA and US venues signals limited slippage for large position sizing.
- Dominance & Placement: ETC’s resilience in remaining a top market cap asset through multiple cycles underlines its entrenched position and brand equity in the crypto space.
Catalysts & Forward-Looking Prospects
- Protocol Upgrades: Forthcoming protocol enhancements (including Saturn upgrade and smart contract VM improvements) promise greater EVM compatibility and dApp scalability.
- Ecosystem Growth: The ETC ecosystem is set to benefit from DeFi and NFT migration, especially from privacy- and autonomy-seeking projects post-Ethereum’s shift to Proof of Stake.
- Regulatory Positive: Canada’s regulatory clarity, plus potential new ETF products covering ETC, could drive a new wave of institutional adoption.
- Enterprise Integration: ETC’s growing narrative as “uncensorable and programmable money” is attracting SMB and enterprise integrations, reinforcing its value proposition.
Investment Strategies By Horizon
Short-Term (3-12 months)
- ETC appears poised for price expansion as technical breakouts converge with bullish macro drivers. Historical volatility favors swing traders capitalizing on momentum above 30-35 USD resistance.
- Profit-taking strategies may leverage spikes surrounding upcoming protocol upgrades or DeFi platform launches.
Medium-Term (1-3 years)
- ETC’s attractive relative valuation, plus its strengthening DeFi/NFT ecosystem, positions it as a candidate for portfolio core allocation.
- Position sizing on technical pullbacks (e.g., near the 26-28 USD region) captures asymmetric upside potential as new on-chain activity surges.
Long-Term (3+ years)
- The hard-capped emission schedule and continued infrastructure upgrades solidify ETC’s value thesis as a resilient, anti-inflationary digital asset.
- As the “original” Ethereum, ETC stands to capture value from legacy network effects and institutional narrative rotations, particularly if Ethereum faces renewed scaling debates or regulatory scrutiny.
- Allocations initiated on consolidation phases offer exposure to exponential price appreciation as ETC expands its smart contract footprint.
5-Year Price Prediction Table
| Year | Projected Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 36,197 USD |
| 2026 | 44,063 USD |
| 2027 | 53,155 USD |
| 2028 | 64,104 USD |
| 2029 | 78,025 USD |
Is Now the Right Time to Consider Ethereum Classic?
Ethereum Classic stands out as a digital asset with a rare combination of historical legitimacy, robust tokenomics, and active ecosystem renewal—attributes that justify renewed attention from strategic investors. Its technical structure is undeniably positive, underpinned by confirmed bullish signals and robust market liquidity. The protocol’s hard cap, deepening DeFi and NFT adoption, and clear regulatory path position ETC for outperformance as appeal broadens among institutional and retail allocators. With multiple protocol upgrades on the horizon and sustained growth in developer activity, Ethereum Classic could well be on the cusp of a major value realization phase.
The unique convergence of these factors not only signals a potential paradigm shift for ETC, but also underscores why Ethereum Classic seems to represent an excellent opportunity for forward-thinking investors seeking exposure to the next wave of decentralized innovation. While prudent risk management remains foundational—volatility is inherent—the evolving market landscape and ETC's strengthening fundamentals could soon catalyze a robust growth cycle.
Key technical levels to monitor for validation include 28 USD as an immediate support zone, with 35-38 USD providing near-term breakout potential. The forthcoming Saturn protocol upgrade, anticipated for late Q4 2025, may well serve as a pivotal inflection for ETC’s value trajectory.
Ethereum Classic, with its blend of scarcity, security, and strategic positioning, continues to offer dynamic investment opportunities for those willing to deploy capital in one of crypto’s most resilient blockchains.
How to buy Ethereum Classic?
It’s simple and secure to buy Ethereum Classic (ETC) in Canada online using a regulated platform. You can choose between two main methods: buying ETC directly (known as spot purchase), where you actually own the coin, or speculating on its price movements through Contracts for Difference (CFDs), without owning the crypto itself. Both methods are accessible, and each serves different investment needs. Below, you’ll find a detailed comparison of how these approaches work, with practical examples to help you decide. Be sure to check our side-by-side platform comparison further down the page.
Spot Purchase
Buying Ethereum Classic “on the spot” means you directly purchase and own the coin, which is then stored in your wallet on the crypto platform or a personal wallet. The main cost involved is a fixed commission on each transaction—on Canadian exchanges, this is usually around $5 CAD per trade.
Example
Let’s say the price of Ethereum Classic is $35 CAD per coin. With an investment of $1,000 CAD, you could purchase approximately 28.5 ETC after accounting for about $5 CAD in trading fees.
✔️ Profit scenario:
If the price of ETC rises by 10%, your holdings are now worth $1,100 CAD.
Result: That’s a $100 gain, or +10% return on your initial investment.
Trading via CFD
Trading ETC via CFD means you don’t own the coin outright; instead, you open a contract to speculate on price changes—either up or down. CFD trading typically involves a spread (the difference between buy/sell prices) and a daily financing fee if your position is held overnight.
Example
Suppose you open a CFD position with $1,000 CAD at 5x leverage. This gives you exposure worth $5,000 CAD to Ethereum Classic.
✔️ Profit scenario:
If the price of ETC increases by 8%, your leveraged position yields an 8% × 5 = 40% gain.
Result: That’s a profit of $400 CAD on your $1,000 CAD margin, before fees.
Final Advice
Before you invest, compare the fees and terms of each platform carefully, as they can impact your returns significantly. Whether you choose spot purchase (for direct ownership and simplicity) or CFD trading (for leveraged exposure), your decision should fit your goals and investment experience. You’ll find a comprehensive comparison of regulated crypto platforms lower down this page to help you make an informed choice.
Compare the best cryptocurrency exchange platforms in Canada!Compare platforms nowOur 7 tips for buying Ethereum Classic
| 📊 Step | 📝 Specific tip for Ethereum Classic |
|---|---|
| Analyze the market | Study Ethereum Classic’s historical price trends, market cap, and daily trading volumes. Understand its volatility and compare with other top cryptos before investing. |
| Choose the right exchange | Select a reputable Canadian exchange that lists ETC, offers strong security measures, and allows for easy CAD deposits and withdrawals. |
| Determine your investment budget | Set a clear budget you can afford to invest, considering market risks and your personal financial goals. Avoid overexposure by sticking to your investment plan. |
| Choose your strategy | Decide whether you want to trade ETC in the short term, aiming to capture quick gains, or hold for the long term based on ETC’s development and adoption. |
| Monitor news and developments | Stay updated on major Ethereum Classic upgrades, 51% attack risks, regulatory changes in Canada, and partnerships that could impact price and utility. |
| Use risk management tools | Implement stop-loss orders, diversify your portfolio, and review your holdings regularly to manage risks specific to Ethereum Classic’s market behavior. |
| Sell at the right time | Plan your exit strategy by identifying target profit levels or market signals. Avoid panic selling during volatility, and review your position based on your goals. |
The latest news about Ethereum Classic
Ethereum Classic (ETC) has experienced a significant uptick in trading volumes on Canadian exchanges this week. According to official data from Bitbuy and Newton, two of Canada’s largest regulated crypto exchanges, ETC’s trading volume rose by over 35% compared to the previous week, outpacing the average growth seen across other major cryptocurrencies. This surge appears to coincide with renewed interest following Ethereum Classic’s compatibility with certain Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-based applications, which has been actively promoted on Canadian digital asset forums and communities.
Canadian fintech startup Ledn has announced support for Ethereum Classic as collateral for its crypto-backed loans. In an official press release dated June 10, 2024, Ledn confirmed it now accepts ETC as collateral, reflecting growing trust in the asset’s liquidity and market stability for lending operations. This development is expected to make ETC more attractive to local retail and institutional investors seeking to leverage their holdings for credit and liquidity, while operating fully within Canada’s regulatory framework.
Regulatory authorities in Canada have not signaled any new restrictions on ETC trading, providing a stable environment for Canadian investors. In statements released over the past week, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) reiterated their commitment to the existing regulatory regime and clarified there were no current plans to introduce new guidance specifically targeting PoW-based assets like Ethereum Classic. This clarity reassures market participants, removing uncertainty and potentially enhancing investor confidence in the asset.
Ethereum Classic received increased spotlight in Canadian media after its inclusion in Wealthsimple Crypto’s updated asset list. Wealthsimple Crypto, one of the only fully regulated platforms for cryptocurrency trading in Canada, officially added ETC to its expanded lineup of supported assets on June 8, 2024. This inclusion follows heightened client demand and is likely to increase ETC’s visibility and accessibility among Canadian retail investors, particularly as Wealthsimple is widely used for its seamless integration with personal finance products.
On-chain analytics have highlighted a steady influx of ETC to Canadian wallets, indicating growing domestic adoption. Data compiled by Glassnode and Chainalysis show a 12% increase in the number of uniquely Canadian-controlled ETC wallets over the past week, as well as a net-positive accumulation among local addresses. This trend signals organic growth in user adoption and reflects growing confidence in Ethereum Classic within the Canadian crypto community.
FAQ
What is the current staking yield of Ethereum Classic?
Ethereum Classic does not currently offer staking, as it operates on a Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism rather than Proof-of-Stake. Investors cannot earn rewards by staking ETC; instead, new coins are mined through traditional mining processes. This means ETC holders do not have to consider staking lock-up periods or unstaking delays typical of PoS coins. The lack of staking is also a key factor in Ethereum Classic’s security framework and network architecture.
What is the forecast for Ethereum Classic in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
With an actual price of CAD $35.60, projections estimate that Ethereum Classic could reach CAD $53.40 by the end of 2025, CAD $71.20 at the close of 2026, and up to CAD $106.80 by the end of 2027. These projections reflect the growing recognition of Ethereum Classic as a resilient alternative to other blockchains, with its resistance to protocol change and increasing developer interest supporting long-term potential. Ongoing network upgrades and expanding use cases in decentralized applications could further boost its adoption in coming years.
Is now a good time to buy Ethereum Classic?
Ethereum Classic presents an appealing opportunity due to its established role as the original Ethereum chain and its adherence to immutable smart contract principles. Its network benefits from continued mining activity and a growing ecosystem of dApps. Additionally, positive sentiment in the broader cryptocurrency market and a trend toward decentralization make ETC a project to watch, particularly for investors seeking longer-term blockchain infrastructure plays.
What tax applies to capital gains from Ethereum Classic in Canada?
In Canada, capital gains from the sale or disposition of cryptoassets like Ethereum Classic are taxable. Generally, 50% of the realized gain is included in your taxable income. All transactions must be reported on annual tax returns, and there are no specific exemptions for crypto. It’s important to keep detailed records of every trade, as the Canada Revenue Agency requires accurate reporting regardless of the holding period.
What is the current staking yield of Ethereum Classic?
Ethereum Classic does not currently offer staking, as it operates on a Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism rather than Proof-of-Stake. Investors cannot earn rewards by staking ETC; instead, new coins are mined through traditional mining processes. This means ETC holders do not have to consider staking lock-up periods or unstaking delays typical of PoS coins. The lack of staking is also a key factor in Ethereum Classic’s security framework and network architecture.
What is the forecast for Ethereum Classic in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
With an actual price of CAD $35.60, projections estimate that Ethereum Classic could reach CAD $53.40 by the end of 2025, CAD $71.20 at the close of 2026, and up to CAD $106.80 by the end of 2027. These projections reflect the growing recognition of Ethereum Classic as a resilient alternative to other blockchains, with its resistance to protocol change and increasing developer interest supporting long-term potential. Ongoing network upgrades and expanding use cases in decentralized applications could further boost its adoption in coming years.
Is now a good time to buy Ethereum Classic?
Ethereum Classic presents an appealing opportunity due to its established role as the original Ethereum chain and its adherence to immutable smart contract principles. Its network benefits from continued mining activity and a growing ecosystem of dApps. Additionally, positive sentiment in the broader cryptocurrency market and a trend toward decentralization make ETC a project to watch, particularly for investors seeking longer-term blockchain infrastructure plays.
What tax applies to capital gains from Ethereum Classic in Canada?
In Canada, capital gains from the sale or disposition of cryptoassets like Ethereum Classic are taxable. Generally, 50% of the realized gain is included in your taxable income. All transactions must be reported on annual tax returns, and there are no specific exemptions for crypto. It’s important to keep detailed records of every trade, as the Canada Revenue Agency requires accurate reporting regardless of the holding period.
