Ethereum has faced significant volatility over the past few days, with massive selling pressure emerging after the cryptocurrency failed to break above its yearly highs set earlier in December. This price action has left traders and investors questioning the next direction for ETH as it consolidates under critical resistance.
Despite the turbulence, on-chain data suggests a potentially bullish outlook. Analyst Ali Martinez shared insightful metrics showing that Ethereum whales have been accumulating heavily during this period of uncertainty. According to the data, whales purchased 340,000 ETH—worth over $1 billion—in the last 96 hours. This significant accumulation indicates that major players see long-term value in Ethereum, even as short-term market sentiment remains mixed.
The ongoing whale activity could signal an upcoming recovery for ETH, with large holders positioning themselves for future gains. Historically, such accumulation phases have often preceded strong rallies, as increased demand and reduced supply contribute to upward momentum.
Ethereum Whale Demand Keeps Rising
Ethereum demand has shown significant instability throughout the year, with persistent selling pressure pushing prices down from local highs. Each rally attempt has faced resistance, highlighting the challenges ETH has encountered in sustaining upward momentum. Despite this, Ethereum continues to demonstrate resilience, particularly during corrective phases, as large holders actively accumulate ETH.
Martinez recently shared compelling data on X, indicating a remarkable whale accumulation trend. In the past 96 hours alone, whales have purchased 340,000 Ethereum, valued at over $1 billion. This substantial buying activity underscores the confidence that major players have in Ethereum’s long-term potential. Such accumulation often signals the possibility of a market shift, with whales strategically positioning themselves ahead of a potential breakout.
Martinez and other analysts believe this whale-driven demand hints at a significant price surge in the weeks to come. Furthermore, the broader crypto community anticipates Ethereum playing a pivotal role in the expected altseason next year, solidifying its position as a market leader among altcoins.
As Ethereum enters this critical phase, market participants will closely monitor its ability to capitalize on the current accumulation. If whale activity continues, it could pave the way for Ethereum to reclaim local highs and potentially set new milestones, reinforcing its dominance in the crypto space.
ETH Holding Key Support
Ethereum is currently trading at $3,320, showing resilience after holding above the critical 200-day moving average (MA) at $3,000. This level is widely regarded as a key indicator of long-term market strength. Holding above it suggests that Ethereum remains in a bullish structure despite recent volatility and selling pressure.
For Ethereum to regain momentum, bulls will need to push the price above the $3,550 resistance level and maintain it. Breaking this zone would signal a renewed upward trend and increase the likelihood of Ethereum testing higher levels. However, this may not happen immediately, as the market could enter a period of sideways consolidation.
Such consolidation is common after periods of heightened volatility and allows the market to establish a more stable base for the next significant move. A strong consolidation phase above $3,000 would further confirm the 200-day MA as a solid support level, boosting confidence among investors.
Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView
