By Menno — 13 years in crypto, 3 bear markets survived, zero paid promotions
Last updated: April 2026
Ethereum Classic (ETC) Risk Score
Ethereum Classic (ETC) has a composite risk score of 9/100, classified as Very Low Risk. This score is derived from 6 active indicators and updates every 6 hours. The original Ethereum chain maintaining proof-of-work consensus after the 2016 fork.
Ethereum Classic Risk Score
Very Low Risk
What Does This Score Mean?
A score of 9 means Ethereum Classic is in the Very Low Risk zone. Scores below 40 indicate relatively lower risk conditions, while scores above 60 suggest elevated risk.
This composite is computed from up to 9 indicators including on-chain data, market sentiment, and price action. The individual indicator scores are available to Alpha Factory members.
Scoring Indicators
| Indicator | Weight | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Wave | 23% | Core |
| RSI (2-Week) | 18% | Core |
| ATH Distance | 5% | Core |
| Bitcoin Dominance | 5% | Core |
| Fear & Greed Index | 14% | Core |
| ALT/BTC Ratio | 5% | Core |
| BTC Production Cost | 9% | Core |
| Funding Rate | 5% | Modifier |
| Token Unlocks | 18% | Modifier |
Ethereum Classic Investment Context
Ethereum Classic appeals to those who prioritize blockchain immutability above all else: the chain was never altered in response to a hack, which gives it a ideological claim to being the 'true' Ethereum. After Ethereum moved to Proof-of-Stake, ETC became a natural destination for GPU miners, boosting its hash rate. Its fixed supply cap provides a deflationary monetary model similar to Bitcoin.
Key Features:
- Maintains the original unaltered Ethereum blockchain, preserving the principle that 'code is law'
- Proof-of-Work consensus secured by GPU miners; ETC became more attractive to miners after Ethereum's PoS transition
- Fixed monetary policy with a maximum supply capped at approximately 210 million ETC
- EVM-compatible — Ethereum smart contracts can be deployed to ETC with minimal modification
Key Risks:
- Has suffered multiple 51% attacks (2019, 2020), raising serious questions about the security of its hash rate
- Minimal developer activity and ecosystem growth compared to Ethereum and other EVM chains
- Largely depends on narrative and miner interest rather than unique technological differentiation
Layer 1 Category
Layer 1 blockchains are the foundational networks of crypto — they process transactions, secure the network, and host applications.
Strategy: Layer 1 tokens tend to follow Bitcoin's macro cycles but with higher volatility. A disciplined DCA approach with clear exit targets works best.
View all Layer 1 risk scores →Compare with Layer 1 Peers
| # | Coin | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flow FLOW | 5 |
| 2 | Cardano ADA | 7 |
| 3 | Sei SEI | 7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current risk score for Ethereum Classic?
Ethereum Classic (ETC) currently has a composite risk score of 9/100, classified as "Very Low Risk". This score is derived from 6 active indicators including Risk Wave, RSI, and market sentiment data.
How risky is Ethereum Classic compared to other Layer 1 coins?
Layer 1 coins generally carry medium to high risk. Layer 1 blockchains are the foundational networks of crypto — they process transactions, secure the network, and host applications. Among peers, Flow currently shows the lowest risk in this category.
What indicators are used to score Ethereum Classic?
The Ethereum Classic risk score uses up to 9 indicators: Risk Wave (momentum), 2-week RSI (overbought/oversold), ATH Distance, Bitcoin Dominance, Fear & Greed Index, ALT/BTC Ratio, BTC Production Cost, Funding Rate, and Token Unlocks. Each indicator is weighted based on its predictive value for altcoin market conditions.
Should I invest in Ethereum Classic based on this risk score?
Risk scores are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Ethereum Classic appeals to those who prioritize blockchain immutability above all else: the chain was never altered in response to a hack, which gives it a ideological claim to being the 'true' Ether... Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.