Tom Lee Sees Ethereum Reaching $7K to $9K by 2026

Ethereum has returned to the center of market discussions after Fundstrat’s Tom Lee shared a price outlook well above current levels. He sees ETH reaching between $7,000 and $9,000 by early 2026, based less on short-term market cycles and more on how the network is actually being used. In his view, Ethereum functions less like a speculative asset and more like financial infrastructure that continues to grow in importance.

What Tom Lee Sees in Recent Market Volatility?

Lee spoke in a CNBC interview about market concerns following the October 2025 liquidation. He compared it to earlier disruptions that briefly reduced liquidity in crypto markets. Although it may look severe at first, history shows these events usually calm down in a few weeks.

Lee described this period more as a reset than a collapse. Liquidity decreases, positions adjust, and the system gradually stabilizes. Viewed this way, recent price swings do not challenge Ethereum’s long-term outlook.

He also highlighted that Ethereum’s role differs from many other digital assets. Although short-term momentum may decline quickly, ETH is linked to settlement activity, decentralized finance, and tokenized assets. These connections make its demand less affected by sudden market stress and more aligned with ongoing usage.

How Market Trends Support Lee’s ETH Forecast?

A key part of Lee’s view is the rise of tokenization in traditional finance. Large institutions are increasingly using blockchain for bonds, funds, and real-world assets. The reason is simple: faster settlement, fewer middlemen, and easier operations.

Ethereum plays a central role. Its network already supports much of the on-chain financial activity, including stablecoins and asset-backed tokens. Lee says this existing activity gives Ethereum an advantage over newer platforms.

Institutional use is different from speculative rallies. These organizations invest time, capital, and compliance resources, not just react to weekly price changes. This makes their involvement steadier, even during market pullbacks.

Lee summed it up simply. The more Ethereum is used, the stronger its value. As long as it remains the base for tokenized finance, price gains are more tied to adoption than hype.

The Role of BitMine’s Staking Activity

Alongside Lee’s remarks, recent on-chain data adds further context to the discussion. BitMine Immersion has notably increased its Ethereum staking activity, attracting attention from analysts and market watchers. Lookonchain reports that BitMine staked about 342,560 ETH, worth around $1 billion, over two days. This is one of the largest corporate staking moves in recent years and shows a shift from holding to active network participation.

Tom Lee(@fundstrat)'s #Bitmine continues moving $ETH into staking.

Over the past 2 days, #Bitmine has staked 342,560 $ETH($1B).https://t.co/P684j5YQaGhttps://t.co/pXHT9mCPUC pic.twitter.com/0Y9XBShQzI

— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) December 28, 2025

Company records show BitMine controls over four million ETH, about 3.4% of Ethereum’s circulating supply. Data also suggests staking continued after the initial event, pointing to a long-term plan.

The staking is part of BitMine’s “Made in America Validator Network (MAVAN)”. The company is running a live pilot with three institutional partners, focusing on security, stability, and rewards. A wider rollout is planned for early 2026, matching Lee’s price outlook.

What to Expect from ETH in 2026?

Tom Lee sees Ethereum as more than just a speculative asset. With growing institutional use, tokenization of real-world assets, and steady network activity, ETH’s value is becoming linked to adoption rather than short-term price swings.

BitMine’s recent staking shows more long-term participation and network growth. With Ethereum’s expanding role in finance and institutional settlement, $7,000 to $9,000 by early 2026 is within reach.