Ethereum ($ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency globally by market capitalization, has fallen below the pivotal $1,600 mark following the steep 8% correction that hit the wider crypto space. ETH is currently trading around $1,545 after losing over 14.5% in the last 24 hours — causing serious concerns among investors on where it will go from here.
Source: CoinMarketCap
Ethereum did not hold on to its position above the vital $1,800 support level and followed suit with Bitcoin's steep downward plunge. The prevailing price action does not indicate an imminent reversal, particularly in light of increased volatility induced by large-scale whale activity and spillover liquidations.
Ethereum whale wallets — addresses that own more than 1,000 ETH — according to Glassnode, have gone down by nearly 10% since February from 999 to 896. This is an indicator that portrays a growing fear of loss on the part of long-term holders and institutions.
In the past 24 hours, the trading volume of the altcoin increased by 330%, showing rising panic selling. As per Arkham Intelligence, a single whale panic-sold 14,014 ETH for over $22.1 million in just three hours. Symbolic Capital Partners also deposited 38,132 ETH ($61.3 million) on exchanges — likely to prepare for a massive selloff.
In another disturbing turn of events, 67,570 ETH ($106 million) that was being kept on Maker was sold as the price plummeted, creating a cascade effect of fear among DeFi platforms.
Technical analyst Ali Martinez has pointed out a multi-year triangle breakdown pattern on Ethereum's chart, which currently provides a bearish target of $1,150 if bearish pressure continues.
Simultaneously, liquidation data provided by Coinglass indicates that more than $293.5 million in the coin long positions was liquidated — only second to Bitcoin. That precipitous drop has revealed vital liquidity clusters and support levels now acting as bull-bear battlegrounds.
The altcoin is currently probing the $1,515–$1,520 support area, where more than $117 million worth of leveraged long interest is piled up. It is now a make-or-break inflection point for the short-term trend. If the buyers hold this area, it may set off a short-term bounce towards $1,600–$1,650.
But if the price drops below this range, downside targets emerge quickly, with limited support until $1,480, then $1,420, and potentially $1,150 — levels not visited since the beginning of 2023.
The sentiment in crypto has turned sharply negative. The fact that Ethereum has fallen more than 46% since Eric Trump said it was a "great time to buy" has fueled the fire further on social media. Retail and institutional investors alike seem to be in risk-off mode for the time being.
With the dust settled, investors need to keep a close eye on the $1,520 level since it will probably determine Ethereum's next significant move.
While short-term technicals are certainly bearish, long-term investors might view this as a buying opportunity, particularly if the altcoin falls toward its 2023 lows. With the upcoming Dencun upgrade and scaling enhancements on the way, Ethereum's long-term fundamentals are still intact — but riding out the short-term agony is the priority.
Also read: cPen Network Price Prediction: What Will Be The Listing Price?Lokesh Gupta is a seasoned financial expert with 23 years of experience in Forex, Comex, NSE, MCX, NCDEX, and cryptocurrency markets. Investors have trusted his technical analysis skills so they may negotiate market swings and make wise investment selections. Lokesh merges his deep understanding of the market with his enthusiasm for teaching in his role as Content & Research Lead, producing informative pieces that give investors a leg up. In both conventional and cryptocurrency markets, he is a reliable adviser because of his strategic direction and ability to examine intricate market movements. Dedicated to study, market analysis, and investor education, Lokesh keeps abreast of the always-changing financial scene. His accurate and well-researched observations provide traders and investors with the tools they need to thrive in ever-changing market conditions.