![The Ethereum Merge.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmSWcGokaLDksNNZfEH3DtjsiUgJyRzsKCjCUzg8LveRix/The%20Ethereum%20Merge.jpg)
# The Ethereum Merge and what it means for the sector
What a time to be involved in the crypto sector with the long awaited transition from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS) for the Ethereum network. The transition has not been without it's battles, for many you would recall the revolt from Ethereum Miners who put up a fight to prevent the transition as it would eat into Miner revenue. 

This was combated with a slower transition and the London Fork which was tipped to reduce Ethereum fees by introducing a set fee and burn mechanism. Unfortunately it didn't reduce Ethereums fees but it did bring some form of stability as we haven't really seen the increase in fees but the benefit it did bring was that Ethereum commenced a semi deflationary journey which saw it's price peak to over $US4000 before the whole Terra (Luna) Debacle occurred. 

![The Ethereum Merge 1.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmf9osgjJM6rDVub3dgN5mvU57FcUfc58HYUzu91J2C6ho/The%20Ethereum%20Merge%20(1).jpg)
# A New World Ethereum
But now we are finally there, Ethereum 2.0, the big switch and the transition is just around the one day mark so how are things looking? We'll it is hard to say as the entire Crypto market is quite flat but one thing that is interesting is that we aren't seeing a FOMO or Hype that we typically see when something new occurs. Instead Ethereum is trading lower now than opening. 

![Screenshot 20220918 001958.png](https://images.hive.blog/DQmWtxvn9eMygXPrgtpKgSY6rTn3VC4KndbrVo7gvwuPZ2W/Screenshot%202022-09-18%20001958.png) 
[image source Coinmarket cap](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/ethereum/)

This could be for a number of reasons one of which being Ethereum is quite the valuable token and sits are a decent value despite it's 7 day trading window showing a significant drop lower. As we know there are a number of external factors currently impacting the broader investment industry with many people selling assets due to the incoming and consistent interest rate rises which will continue throughout 2022. 

But there are some good things to look forward to once this dip subsides if you're an Ethereum investor or speculator. 

![The Ethereum Merge.png](https://images.hive.blog/DQmPWXH32h1cts5uviyz2sygYiVghG37GCeBUNNyaKig4CD/The%20Ethereum%20Merge.png)
# Speculation on Ethereum over taking Bitcoin
One finance professor from the University of Sussex Business School believes this is [A historic moment in Cryptocurrency History](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/sep/15/ethereum-cryptocurrency-completes-move-to-cut-co2-output-by-99) as Ethereum now uses 99% less energy to secure it's network and shifts the balance of power away from Bitcoin by achieving something Bitcoin can't. 

although I do have to second guess that position as Hype because Ethereum can already do something that Bitcoin can't and that is smart contracts. Bitcoin Maxi's are just that Bitcoin Maxi's. 

Plus is Ethereum 2.0 the best option out there now? after all it will cost someone [32 Ethereum to earn 5%-10%](https://www.coindesk.com/layer2/2022/09/15/the-ethereum-merge-finally-happened-so-what/) as a validator and that is around $US45,856 dollars at time of writing. Quite the significant investment when you can find cheaper chains like Atom and it has all the potential of increasing in value yet. 

![The Ethereum Merge 2.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmZDZA1hNGXmiKgLje2cdW7ckJxCcQTmHtPaH11zzE9Y87/The%20Ethereum%20Merge%20(2).jpg)
# Is the party over before it even started? 
One of the largest problems currently is sleepy joe also known as POTUS who seems to have been a sleep at the wheel with a delayed response in relation to the [Crypto Crash](https://www.forbes.com/sites/billybambrough/2022/09/17/joe-biden-just-sent-a-stark-warning-to-bitcoin-and-crypto-after-2-trillion-price-crash/?sh=5389b048406f) and is now warning people to avoid crypto with possibilities of banning Bitcoin. 

Despite already knowing that Bitcoin can't be banned we know the damaging impacts it has when nations move to outlaw it as we saw with China. 

Even in nations like El Salvador where Bitcoin is legal tender it has been [failing all around](https://interestingengineering.com/culture/el-salvadors-bitcoin-failed-miserably) and now El Salvador has a debt problem arising. 

But I am interested in hearing from you all, what do you think the future will be? are we just in a dip and there will be a stronger than ever recovery or do you forsee something else? 

*Image sources provided supplemented by Canva Pro Subscription. this is not financial advice and readers are advised to undertake their own research or seek professional financial services.*



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