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Ethereum’s recent accumulation surge, marked by over 330,000 ETH added, raises questions about its potential price resurgence to $5,000 in the near future.
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As the altcoin grapples with waning retail interest amidst a broader market downturn, whale activities suggest a potential shift in momentum.
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According to MAXPAIN, a prominent crypto analyst, this accumulation mirrors significant historical trends leading to considerable price movements.
This article explores the recent accumulation of Ether by major address cohorts, examining whether it indicates a bullish shift toward a potential $5,000 price point.
Ethereum addresses add 330,000 Ether in 2 weeks
In a remarkable display of confidence, Ether addresses holding between 1,000 and 10,000 ETH have accumulated 330,000 ETH since January 7, valued at over $1.08 billion. This trend has been spotlighted by MAXPAIN, a crypto markets analyst, who emphasizes that such substantial accumulation can signal underlying bullish sentiment.
Historically, similar accumulation events preceded significant price surges; notably, in April 2024, this cohort amassed over 620,000 ETH, leading to a 66% price increase thereafter. This context enriches the current narrative, as the Ethereum market observes an increasing rate of daily active addresses, now at 180,000, potentially indicating new capital inflows.
Despite this uptick in activity, challenges remain. Percival, a verified on-chain analyst on CryptoQuant, contextualized the current market dynamics by pointing to startling differences in ETH transaction volumes. From a peak of $52 billion in January 2021, the total transaction volume plummeted to $8 billion in early 2025, signifying an 84% reduction. Percival concluded that this represents a diminished demand for Ethereum compared to past bull markets.
The dichotomy of whale activity and retail engagement
While the aggregation of ETH by large holders (whales) paints a positive picture, retail participation appears markedly less enthusiastic. The stark contrast in trading dynamics raises critical questions about the sustainability of this bullish sentiment. With whales driving demand, the market’s dependency on a solid retail base remains essential for a robust price recovery.
Further compounding these complexities, a recent report highlighted the expected approval of Ethereum ETF applications, which could reignite retail interest and bolster prices. However, the current sentiment places heavy weight on the performance and resilience of the broader market.
Will an inverse head-and-shoulders pattern send ETH to $5,000?
As market analysts shift their focus away from Ethereum’s recent underperformance, several traders are identifying potential bullish configurations that could signal a rally. An inverse head-and-shoulders pattern has been detected, nestled within a wider bullish setup of ascending triangles on the weekly chart, as described by Jelle, a long-term investor.
These indicators suggest a heightened probability of a bullish breakout; however, market dynamics remain intricate. Alec, a derivative trader, remarked on the tightening patterns emerging in both the 30-minute low time frame and the 1-day high time frame, suggesting that liquidity on both sides implies an imminent price move.
Cold Blooded Shiller, a prominent market analyst, opined on the prevailing market sentiment surrounding Ethereum, stating, “$5k $ETH by March, and this will be the saltiest space on Earth.” This statement resonates with the broader community feeling that, while achieving $5,000 is feasible, immediate resistance at the $4,100 level must be overcome first.
Since the onset of 2024, Ethereum has breached a descending trendline twice yet has continually struggled with the overhead resistance at $4,100. Overcoming this barrier, specifically flipping it to support in daily and weekly charts, will be crucial for Ethereum’s quest toward the $5,000 target.
Conclusion
Ethereum is at a pivotal juncture as it navigates the complexities of whale accumulation and diminishing retail interest. The recent accumulation trends signal potential optimism; however, the path to a $5,000 price point hinges on overcoming significant technical barriers. Current market analyses highlight the importance of strategic positioning around the $4,100 resistance, which must be established as support for a meaningful price rally. Understanding these metrics will be essential for investors as they assess the potential trajectories for Ether moving forward.
