This article is also available in Spanish.
Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, recently saw a major price correction, falling below $3,100 for the first time in 29 days. This represents a notable turnaround from its peak performance in December, when it reached a year’s high of $4,106 on December 16. However, ETH’s all-time high, which was set at $4,877 on November 8, 2021, remains unbroken. Since reaching this high, Ethereum has formed lower highs and lower lows, indicating bearish momentum in the market.
Ethereum market sentiment and support levels
2024 has been a tumultuous year for Ethereum, with a mix of bullish catalysts and market contraction. Early in the year, Ethereum saw a 47% increase, although it lagged behind Bitcoin’s significant gains. The main driver of optimism was the SEC’s approval of Ethereum ETFs in May, which not only attracted institutional investors but also contributed to a 24.7% return for that month. However, geopolitical tensions and broader market dynamics, including the Bitcoin halving, have led to volatile periods, with April seeing a 17.2% drop in the value of ETH.
Despite these fluctuations, Ethereum has maintained its stronghold in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, with its total locked value approaching $80 billion, underscoring its fundamental strength. However, the second quarter was less favorable, with ETH posting a quarterly return of -5.08% due to external factors such as the Middle East crisis.
Related reading
By December 2024, Ethereum was trading at around $3,648, showing signs of recovery in the final month of the year and outperforming other major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Solana. However, the recent drop below $3,100 has sparked discussions about the possibility of further declines or a quick recovery to new highs.
Market sentiment, as indicated by the Fear and Greed Index at 57 (Greed), indicates that retail investors see the current decline as a buying opportunity rather than a reason for panic selling. This sentiment is crucial as Ethereum navigates through its support levels, with the immediate $2,900 level being a pivot point. If Bitcoin faces a significant decline to around $90,000, this could further impact the price of Ethereum, which could push it towards its next important support at $2,900.
Related reading
Can Ethereum reach a new all-time high before 2025?
Given that a new all-time high could be reached before 2025, several factors are at play:
- Institutional adoption: Continued investment from institutions, especially through ETFs, can increase demand.
- Network upgrades: Ethereum’s upcoming upgrades and improvements in scalability could boost investor confidence.
- Market sentiment: The overall mood of the cryptocurrency market, which is influenced by broader economic conditions, technological advances and regulatory news, will be pivotal.
The concentration of Ethereum holdings also plays a role. The Beacon Chain deposit contract contains more than 38 million ETH, which is crucial for Ethereum’s transition to Proof of Stake. Other important holders include exchanges such as Binance and Coinbase, which can influence market liquidity and price movements through their strategic management of assets.
In conclusion, while Ethereum’s price drop below $3,100 signals a moment of caution, the underlying fundamentals and market dynamics suggest that there is still a way to reach new highs before 2025. However, this will require positive developments in… Both the cryptocurrency and broader economic landscape. Investors should keep a close eye on how Ethereum reacts to its support levels and responds to upcoming market catalysts.
Featured image created with DALL-E, chart from Tradingview.com