In a recent analysis of the crypto market, veteran strategist Tom Lee—now Chief Analyst at Fundstrat Capital—offered a clear and compelling outlook: if the Ethereum/Bitcoin (ETH/BTC) trading pair breaks above the 0.087 resistance level, Ethereum’s price could potentially soar to $5,000. For new investors, this prediction is both inspiring and a strong market signal—but it also means that the “breakthrough” condition is absolutely critical.
What Are Tom Lee’s Latest Insights?
Tom Lee believes that if the ETH/BTC pair can “cleanly break” the 0.087 level, it would signal a possible structural shift for Ethereum. In his view, this isn’t just a rebound, but could mark the start of a new “super cycle.”
He also highlighted that Bitmine Immersion Technologies, a subsidiary of his firm, has accumulated approximately 3.24 million ETH, representing about 2.7% of the total supply.
Why Is the ETH/BTC Pair So Important?

Chart: https://www.gate.com/trade/ETH_BTC
For newcomers, it’s natural to ask: why focus on ETH/BTC instead of ETH/USD? Here’s why:
- The ETH/BTC pair reflects “Ethereum’s relative strength against Bitcoin”—if ETH outperforms BTC, it shows capital is shifting from Bitcoin to Ethereum.
- Tom Lee’s “breakthrough at 0.087” refers to ETH’s ratio versus BTC. Surpassing this threshold could signal a period where Ethereum outperforms Bitcoin.
- He further notes that in a rising Bitcoin market, Ethereum could stand out and gain even more attention.
Quick Overview of Current ETH/BTC and ETH Price Trends
Recent reports indicate that the ETH/BTC ratio is around 0.03654, well below the 0.087 level. In other words, it’s not yet close to the breakout threshold Tom Lee identified. On the ETH/USD side, ETH has recently traded near $4,156.
This suggests that while Ethereum has rebounded recently, a true “structural shift” as described by Tom Lee will require further upward momentum in the ETH/BTC pair.
If ETH Breaks Out, Why Could It Rally Toward $5,000?
Tom Lee’s rationale includes:
- When ETH outperforms BTC, it means capital is flowing from Bitcoin to Ethereum, expanding the upside potential.
- According to his internal valuation model, if Bitcoin reaches $250,000, Ethereum’s price at the historical average ratio (0.0479) would be about $11,965; at the 2021 peak ratio (0.0873), it would be approximately $21,818.
- Given the current lack of a breakout, he sees $5,000 as a reasonable and attainable mid-term target.
Therefore, breaking the 0.087 resistance on the ETH/BTC pair is more than just a technical “false breakout”—it could signal a structural shift in the market and propel Ethereum into a new growth phase.
Key Points for New Investors
- Breakout Criteria: Watch closely to see if ETH/BTC truly breaks above the 0.087 resistance, and whether trading volume and market consensus support the move.
- Market Sentiment & Capital Flows: Breakouts require not just technical triggers but also strong capital inflows. Monitor institutional accumulation and changes in Ethereum’s daily trading volume.
- Risk Management: While the forecast is attractive, a breakout isn’t guaranteed. New investors should assess their risk tolerance, including allocation strategies and stop-loss plans.
- Avoid Chasing Highs: If the anticipated breakout doesn’t materialize, a significant pullback may occur. Consider phased entries or wait for confirmation before increasing exposure.
- Understand Bitcoin’s Influence: Since ETH/BTC is tied to Bitcoin’s performance, new investors should also track Bitcoin (BTC) fundamentals and macroeconomic trends.
Risk Warnings and Friendly Reminders
- This forecast is based on Tom Lee’s analysis and does not guarantee results. All investments carry the risk of loss.
- Currently, ETH/BTC is far from the 0.087 level, and the path to reaching this threshold may be volatile.
- Macroeconomic conditions, regulatory changes, and technical security issues can alter the market at any time.
- This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. New investors should carefully assess their own risk tolerance.