Ethereum’s Bullish Horizon: Navigating Short-Term Volatility Toward a $3,549 Target

As of early January 2026, Ethereum (ETH) presents a compelling narrative of resilience and growth potential amidst ongoing market fluctuations. Currently trading at $3,223.30, the asset has experienced a minor 24-hour dip of 0.76%, reflecting the short-term volatility characteristic of the cryptocurrency landscape. However, this momentary pullback belies a significantly more optimistic technical forecast. Analysts project a substantial rally of approximately 10.4% from current levels, setting a price target of $3,549.33 for Ethereum by the end of January 2026. This bullish sentiment is further reinforced by CoinCodex's weekly projection, which anticipates ETH trading within a range of $3,262.77 to $3,601.08 in the near term, suggesting strong underlying support and upward momentum. Delving into recent performance, Ethereum's trajectory has been marked by quarterly inconsistency, a common theme in crypto markets. The first quarter of 2024 emerged as a standout period, significantly outperforming subsequent quarters and setting a precedent for the asset's capacity for robust growth. This historical performance, combined with the current technical outlook, paints a picture of an asset poised for recovery and advancement. The predicted move toward $3,549 represents not merely a return to form but a breakout to new valuation thresholds, underscoring Ethereum's enduring fundamental strength as the premier platform for decentralized applications and smart contracts. For investors and market observers, the key takeaway is the dichotomy between short-term price action and the medium-term forecast. While daily and weekly charts may show expected volatility and corrective phases, the overarching technical analysis points to a clear bullish path. This environment presents strategic opportunities for those with a horizon extending into early 2026, positioning Ethereum as a cornerstone asset with defined growth potential. The convergence of its established market position, continuous network development, and favorable technical indicators solidifies its outlook, making the current levels an area of significant interest for building exposure ahead of the anticipated rally.

Ethereum Price Prediction: Bullish Sentiment Amid Short-Term Volatility

Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, shows mixed signals as it trades at $3,223.30—a 0.76% dip over 24 hours. Despite the recent pullback, technical forecasts suggest a potential 10.4% rally to $3,549.33 by January 2026, with CoinCodex projecting a weekly range between $3,262.77 and $3,601.08.

Quarterly performance remains inconsistent. While Q1 2024 outperformed other quarters, 2025 saw momentum build only by Q3 before fading. Institutional accumulation and bullish community sentiment contrast with neutral-to-bearish indicators, creating a tension between speculative Optimism and on-chain realities.

Ethereum Breakout Signals Structural Shift Toward $4,900-$5,900 Range

Ethereum's confirmed weekly breakout above $3,000 marks a technical inflection point, with chart analysts identifying a double-bottom formation that suggests sustained upward momentum. The MOVE shifts focus toward historical resistance zones between $4,900 and $5,900—levels last tested during the 2021 bull cycle.

Decentralized finance activity continues to anchor Ethereum's fundamentals, with institutional traders increasingly monitoring weekly timeframes for confirmation of trend continuity. 'This isn't speculative froth—it's capital repositioning,' remarked one market strategist, noting the asset's outperformance against broader crypto benchmarks.

Liquidity patterns now mirror those preceding previous macro rallies, though volatility persists. Traders await confirmation of whether the $3,000 level transitions from resistance to support—a development that could accelerate momentum toward higher targets.

Ethereum Technical Outlook Shows Support Holding at $3,261, Targets $3,700

Ethereum (ETH) has regained bullish momentum, trading at $3,261 with a 24-hour volume of $31.18 billion. The rebound follows a strategic accumulation phase NEAR $2,900, as highlighted by analyst CryptoPulse, who projected a target of $3,250—now achieved. ETH’s 1.07% gain reflects steady demand despite broader market volatility.

The ETH/BTC pair’s strength coincides with declining Bitcoin dominance, further fueling upside potential. CRYUPTOWZRD notes this inverse correlation as a key driver, with Ethereum’s technical structure suggesting a path toward $3,700 if current support holds. Market capitalization now stands at $395.33 billion, reinforcing ETH’s position as the dominant altcoin.

‘When ETH/BTC rises, it’s a tide that lifts all altcoins,’ remarked a trader at Binance. The sentiment echoes across exchanges like Bybit and Coinbase, where ETH derivatives open interest has surged 18% this week.

Morgan Stanley Files for First Institutional Ethereum ETF with Staking Component

Morgan Stanley has taken a pioneering step in cryptocurrency institutionalization by filing an S-1 form with the SEC for a spot ethereum ETF. The proposed Morgan Stanley Ethereum Trust would hold ether without speculative trading while incorporating staking rewards through third-party providers—a first for institutional-grade crypto products.

This strategic move signals growing Wall Street acceptance of yield-generating crypto mechanisms. The filing coincides with accelerating ETH staking activity, currently representing over 25% of circulating supply. Unlike traditional ETFs, the fund's design acknowledges Ethereum's proof-of-stake fundamentals by passively capturing network rewards.

The initiative reflects mounting demand for regulated crypto exposure among institutional investors. Morgan Stanley's entry could pressure competitors to develop similar yield-integrated products, potentially reshaping the $50 billion ETF landscape. Regulatory approval WOULD mark a milestone for staking's legitimacy in traditional finance.

Nike Sells RTFKT NFT Studio Amid Strategic Shift as Converse Sales Decline

Nike has divested its RTFKT NFT studio, marking a retreat from digital collectibles as the company refocuses on Core athletic performance under CEO Elliott Hill. The move follows a 30% revenue drop at Converse, signaling a broader strategic realignment.

The sale, confirmed by Nike in a terse statement, closes a short-lived but costly experiment in Web3. RTFKT's Ethereum-based VIRTUAL sneakers—some fetching over $80,000—once epitomized the NFT boom. Nike acquired the studio in December 2021 for $33.3 million during peak metaverse hype.

While terms remain undisclosed, Nike maintains it will continue investing in 'innovative experiences across physical and digital environments.' The exit comes precisely one year after announcing RTFKT's wind-down, ending a chapter that began with Andreessen Horowitz-backed promise.