Ethereum’s Trillion-Dollar Horizon: A Vision for 2035

As of December 2025, Ethereum continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of market volatility. Despite experiencing a sharp 5% decline in a single trading session recently, the long-term outlook for the world's leading smart contract platform remains overwhelmingly bullish, according to prominent analysts and investors. William Mougayar, a seasoned Ethereum investor and commentator, has projected a staggering future for the network's economic value. He forecasts that by the year 2035, Ethereum's ecosystem could reach a valuation between $10 trillion and $20 trillion. This ambitious projection is grounded in the network's fundamental role as the backbone for decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and a rapidly expanding universe of decentralized applications (dApps). Current intrinsic valuations for Ethereum already paint a picture of significant worth, with conservative estimates placing it at around $1 trillion. More optimistic analyses suggest the network's value could realistically sit between $2 trillion and $6 trillion in the present landscape. The path from these figures to Mougayar's 2035 target hinges on several critical factors. Continued adoption by institutional and retail users, the successful scaling of the network through ongoing layer-2 developments and protocol upgrades, and the deepening integration of Ethereum into the global financial and technological infrastructure are all seen as key drivers. The projection underscores a belief that Ethereum is transitioning from a speculative crypto-asset to a foundational, utility-driven global settlement layer. This vision positions Ethereum not merely as a cryptocurrency but as a fundamental protocol for value exchange and digital ownership in the coming decade, potentially rivaling the market capitalizations of the world's largest traditional corporations and sovereign wealth funds. The recent price volatility, therefore, is viewed by long-term proponents as a minor fluctuation within a much larger, upward trajectory defined by technological utility and network adoption.

Ethereum’s Valuation Could Reach $20 Trillion by 2035, Analyst Projects

Ethereum (ETH) has shown resilience despite recent volatility, with a sharp 5% drop in a single trading session failing to overshadow its long-term potential. William Mougayar, a seasoned ethereum investor, projects the network's economic value could surge to $10–$20 trillion by 2035. Current intrinsic valuations range conservatively at $1 trillion, with optimistic estimates between $2 trillion and $6 trillion.

Mougayar challenges conventional valuation models, arguing that Ethereum’s unique ecosystem demands a fresh analytical framework. Early signs of recovery emerge as taker activity on Binance picks up, hinting at renewed bullish momentum. The network’s foundational role in decentralized finance and smart contracts continues to anchor its growth narrative.

Ethereum Faces Critical $3,000 Test Amid Sluggish Trading Volumes

Ethereum’s price action mirrors trader indecision as it flirts with a retest of the $3,000 support level. The absence of robust trading volumes suggests neither accumulation nor distribution—just market hesitation. Analysts watch the $3,020–$3,150 zone closely; a breakdown could trigger algorithmic sell-offs, while holding may set the stage for Wave 3 upside.

‘Until $3,400 is reclaimed, Ethereum’s chances of retesting $3,000 remain high,’ warns crypto analyst Ted (@TedPillows). The asset currently trades near $3,089, down 1.2% with $11 billion in 24-hour volume—a pale shadow of Bitcoin’s recent momentum. This divergence splits traders between bargain hunters and those bracing for deeper corrections.

Aave DAO and Aave Labs Clash Over $10 Million Revenue Diversion

Aave DAO delegates have uncovered a significant revenue diversion to AAVE Labs, sparking a governance dispute. Approximately $200,000 in weekly swap fees—totaling $10 million annually—are being routed to a private address controlled by Aave Labs instead of the DAO treasury.

The conflict stems from Aave's recent integration with CoW Swap, which introduced 15-25 basis point fees on transactions. This marks a stark departure from the previous ParaSwap arrangement, where surplus revenue flowed directly to the DAO. The change represents nearly 10% of Aave DAO's potential revenue stream.

Marc Zeller of the Aave Chan Initiative has labeled the situation "stealth privatization," raising concerns about transparency and token holder rights. The revelation comes after pseudonymous delegate EzR3aL traced the funds through on-chain analysis, prompting urgent discussions in Aave's governance forums.

Ethereum Price Struggles Below $3,100 as Market Momentum Wanes

Ethereum faces resistance below $3,100, with analysts warning of potential tests of lower support levels if it fails to reclaim $3,400. The asset trades at $3,089.90, reflecting a 0.55% decline over 24 hours amid broader market consolidation.

Ali Martinez notes Ethereum is unlikely to revisit February highs given current conditions, while other observers emphasize sideways movement. Market sentiment remains cautious as traders watch for a decisive break above key resistance or further downside toward $3,000.