**Ethereum Whales Show Growing Confidence Amid Market Uncertainty**
Ethereum whales are actively increasing their holdings, indicating a strong belief in the asset’s potential for future price appreciation. The anticipated approval of an ETH spot ETF, along with supportive regulatory developments, could further enhance bullish sentiment. Despite mixed signals in the market, where large holders are accumulating while price movements remain unpredictable, recent on-chain data shows that wallets containing between 10,000 and 100,000 ETH have boosted their balances by 24% over the past year. Source: CryptoQuant. This trend suggests that affluent investors are optimistic about Ethereum’s prospects, even as the market experiences a downturn.
In the last 24 hours, ETH’s price dipped by 10%, settling at $2,408.32, yet analysts believe the market is at a pivotal moment. Historically, February has posed challenges for Ethereum, and there are warnings of a potential further correction. The monthly chart indicates a 27.70% decline for ETH, and previous downturns in February have often led to significant drops in March, with a 54% decrease noted in the past. Nevertheless, the accumulation behavior of whales may signal that savvy investors are positioning themselves for a potential market reversal soon. Source: X
**Optimism Surrounding Ethereum Spot ETF**
One key factor contributing to the optimism is the expected approval of Ethereum’s spot ETF. Ongoing regulatory discussions and political backing for the crypto sector are bolstering Ethereum’s position within the stablecoin market, where it currently commands 56% of the total capitalization. CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju has pointed out that an ETH spot ETF could ignite an “altseason” among larger cryptocurrencies. Additionally, former US President Donald Trump has been advocating for more lenient crypto regulations, which could encourage more companies to engage with Ethereum’s stablecoins and smart contracts by 2025. This regulatory shift could serve as a significant catalyst for bullish momentum in ETH, especially as institutional investors grow more confident in the asset.
Analysts are closely monitoring price movements during this crucial period, as Ethereum approaches the price levels where many addresses have accumulated. The price at which whales are buying could act as a solid support zone, potentially leading to a price reversal. Based on historical patterns, ETH may be nearing a turning point in the coming weeks.
**Can ETH Reach $8,000 Before Long-Term Holders Cash Out?**
While some analysts predict a strong breakout for Ethereum, others hold a more cautious perspective. Analyst EGRAG CRYPTO has raised concerns about Ethereum’s ability to surpass its current cycle, noting that Layer 2 solutions have siphoned off much of Ethereum’s value, making the remaining Layer 1 options more appealing. He suggests that Ethereum’s peak could be in the $6,000-$8,000 range, but warns that a shift among long-term holders could follow. Source: X
On the technical front, several traders are observing trends that could influence future price movements.