**Ethereum Faces Resistance at $2,500 After a 25% Drop: Can Whale Accumulations and Increased Staking Interest Spark a Recovery?**
As Bitcoin stabilizes around the $88,000 mark following a significant crash, Ethereum has managed to rebound above $2,400. Currently, ETH is trading at a market value of $2,478, reflecting a short-term recovery of nearly 5%. With this bullish momentum testing a previously broken range, the question arises: is Ethereum poised for a post-retest reversal, or will it break through the $2,500 barrier?
**Ethereum Price Shows Key 4-Hour Range Breakdown**
In the 4-hour price chart, Ethereum’s trend indicates a bearish breakdown from a consolidation range that fluctuated between $2,529 and $2,883. Following this breakdown, Ethereum hit a 24-hour low of $2,319. However, after the steep decline, bearish exhaustion has led to a short-term relief rally. Now, Ethereum is retesting the broken consolidation range. Yet, the emergence of a potential evening star pattern near the support-turned-resistance level raises concerns about a possible bearish reversal. Additionally, Ethereum struggled to maintain its position above the psychological $2,500 mark, facing resistance at $2,530. Thus, the short-term price analysis suggests a potential bearish shift.
**A Showdown at $2,500**
On a brighter note, the bullish recovery has resulted in a decrease in bearish histograms. If Ethereum’s upward trend continues, the Chaikin Money Flow Index, which has recently turned positive after a period of consolidation, supports the likelihood of a bullish reversal. Therefore, the technical indicators present a positive outlook, despite the looming threat of an evening star pattern.
**A Challenging February**
In the midst of this volatility, Ethereum’s price trend has recorded its worst February since 2017. Up until 2024, Ethereum had only experienced one bearish February in 2018, which saw a 24% decline. However, the recent downturn has resulted in a nearly 25% drop in February 2025, marking it as potentially the second and worst February if a recovery does not materialize.
**Whale Accumulation: Ethereum on Sale?**
Despite the challenges, the prospects for a bullish comeback for Ethereum are gradually improving. According to a recent tweet by Crypto Jack, the balance of Ethereum held by large holders has seen a significant uptick. The range of holders with between 10,000 to 100,000 ETH has notably increased, surpassing the 17 million ETH mark. This indicates a substantial buying spree among whales looking to acquire Ethereum at discounted prices.
**Staking Surge: A $5 Billion Confidence Boost**
Moreover, the total amount of Ethereum staked on the Aave network has experienced a remarkable increase. Over the past year, the Ethereum staking pool on Aave has grown from 500,000 ETH to over 2,000,000 ETH. This surge represents more than $5 billion in staked Ethereum, showcasing a strong vote of confidence in the network’s future.
