ETH Price Prediction: Will It Reclaim $3,000 Amid Whale Accumulation?

The sentiment, therefore, is cautiously optimistic with a bullish bias, respecting the technical need for a confirmed breakout above $3,040.

Factors Influencing ETH’s Price

Ethereum Whale Accumulates $121 Million in ETH Amid Key Technical Test

A significant Ethereum investor has purchased 40,975 ETH worth $121 million, signaling strong accumulation interest among large holders. The transaction occurred within a five-hour window, adding to the whale's existing position of 569,247 ETH ($1.69 billion) built since November 4.

Technical analysts highlight Ethereum's approach toward its 200-day exponential moving average, a critical support level that could determine near-term price direction. Weekly momentum indicators show weakness, with RSI below 50 and MACD suggesting persistent selling pressure.

The whale's borrowing activity remains notable, with 881.5 million USDC leveraged from Aave to fund positions. Market observers view the 200-day EMA test as pivotal—a rebound could establish a bullish foundation, while failure may prolong the current corrective phase.

Ethereum Stalls Below $3,000 as Whale Activity Sparks Market Debate

Ether's price trajectory faces mounting pressure as the cryptocurrency struggles to hold above $2,940, marking a 0.34% decline on December 24. The $3,000 resistance level continues to cap upward movements, with trading volume remaining robust at $18 billion—a signal that institutional players remain active despite the price softness.

Technical analysts note repeated rejection patterns since July 2025, with each failed breakout accompanied by dwindling momentum. 'If this level isn't reclaimed soon, Ethereum will drop below the $2,800 zone,' warns trader Ted Pillows, highlighting the critical support threshold. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) reinforces bearish sentiment, consistently failing to maintain strength in bullish territory.

Market observers point to a $120 million whale purchase as the catalyst for renewed debate about Ethereum's near-term prospects. The substantial buy order failed to ignite sustained momentum, leaving traders questioning whether accumulation is occurring or if smart money is preparing to exit positions.

Ethereum's Path to $5,000: Institutional Accumulation and Technical Breakout Potential

Ethereum (ETH) holds steady near $2,900, trading at $2,931.44 amid broader market consolidation. Institutional accumulation is emerging as a key driver, with BitMine's recent purchase of 68,000 ETH ($200 million) signaling long-term strategic positioning rather than short-term speculation. Such moves historically create strong price floors during market downturns.

A technical breakout could propel ETH toward $5,000 by January 2026. The cryptocurrency remains the second-largest by market cap, with its current consolidation phase reflecting macroeconomic uncertainty offset by growing institutional participation. Market watchers note that similar accumulation patterns have preceded major rallies in the past.

Whales Accumulate ETH Amid Market Pressure, Signaling Potential Surge

Ether is witnessing unprecedented accumulation by institutional players and whales despite trading below $3,000. This sustained buying reflects long-term confidence in ETH's value proposition.

Exchange reserves are shrinking as large entities withdraw ETH from trading platforms, creating supply constraints. The market faces mounting pressure as available liquidity tightens.

Derivatives markets echo this bullish sentiment with long positions multiplying across platforms. Leverage ratios suggest growing conviction in an impending price movement, though they also introduce volatility risk.

The confluence of whale accumulation, supply reduction, and derivatives positioning paints a compelling picture for ETH's near-term trajectory. Market mechanics appear primed for significant activity.

SharpLink Gaming Earns 460 ETH in Weekly Staking Rewards as Ethereum Strategy Accelerates

SharpLink Gaming has reported earning 460 ETH in staking rewards over the past week, bringing its cumulative total to 9,701 ETH since the launch of its Ethereum-focused treasury strategy. The firm's compounding approach—reinvesting staking yields to accelerate growth—has proven highly effective, with its transparency metric signaling improved capital efficiency.

The company's DeFi partnerships with major protocols have diversified operational risk while optimizing yield generation. Financial performance remains robust, with revenue surging in recent months. SharpLink's aggressive ETH treasury strategy continues to deliver compounding returns, reinforcing its position as a leader in crypto-native yield optimization.

Ethereum Price Prediction: Will ETH Rebound From $2,926 or Slip Below?

Ethereum struggles to maintain momentum as it trades at $2,926.60, down 1.13% over the past 24 hours. Market sentiment remains bearish, with the Fear & Greed Index hovering at 24. Traders are closely monitoring key support levels while shifting attention to emerging alternatives like Bitcoin Hyper.

ETH's current price of $2,923.97 reflects a market cap of $352.91 billion, with $33.63 billion in 24-hour trading volume. The coin has fluctuated between $2,911.68 and $2,979.57, showing signs of indecision in a tight sideways pattern. Technical indicators suggest fragile support at $2,900, with potential downside risks if the level breaks.

Resistance looms near $2,980 and $3,050, but without a strong catalyst, Ethereum's sideways movement may continue. The cycle low of $2,631.93 offers some reassurance, though declining volume could precipitate further losses.

Will ETH Price Hit 3000?

Based on the current technical setup and market sentiment, a move back to and above $3,000 is a strong possibility in the near term, but it requires a clear technical trigger.

The primary challenge is the cluster of resistance around the $3,040 level, which represents both the 20-day Moving Average and the middle Bollinger Band. A daily close above this level would be a significant bullish confirmation.

Supporting Factors:

• Bullish Momentum (MACD): The MACD indicator remains in positive territory, suggesting the underlying trend momentum is still upward.
• Strategic Buying: Large "whale" accumulations worth $121 million signal high-conviction buying at current levels, often a precursor to upward price movements.
• Healthy Correction: The pullback from recent highs is testing support (near the 20-day MA) within a broader uptrend, which is a typical market behavior.

Key Resistance & Support Levels:

"The path to $3,000 and beyond is technically valid," concludes BTCC's Sophia. "The momentum is building, and smart money is positioning for it. Watch for a sustained break above $3,040. If that happens, the $3,000 mark will likely be reclaimed quickly, with the next target being the $3,300 upper Bollinger Band."