Ethereum's price has once again risen above the $3000 mark and is currently trading around $3014, signaling a local price strengthening. However, the asset remains within a descending wedge formation, and a confirmed breakout of key levels is needed for a shift in momentum. At the same time, there is low support from major institutional players, which limits potential sustained growth.
Ethereum Price Dynamics
At the beginning of the year, Ethereum managed to overcome resistance at $3000 and hold above this psychological level for the first time in the past ten days. The current price hovers near $3014, yet the asset remains inside the descending wedge, meaning its movement is still confined within this pattern. For a real trend change, the market needs a confident expansion above $3131 — only such a breakout will confirm the wedge breach and attract new buyers.
Lack of Institutional Investor Support
Institutional flows remain weak: spot ETH-ETFs ended 2025 with a net outflow of $72 million, reflecting caution among large funds and limiting capital inflow into the market. At the start of the new year, investor activity remains low: inflows into spot ETFs have been recorded only a few times over the last month, creating a demand deficit during price growth attempts. Simultaneously, activity from large holders and whales is declining, which intensifies bearish pressure and complicates the formation of a sustainable upward impulse; more details on activity dynamics can be found in the article about Ethereum activity.
Obstacles to Price Growth
A significant barrier is the supply zone between $3151 and $3172, where, according to the Cost Basis Distribution heatmap, about 2.83 million ETH are concentrated. This means that upon reaching this price area, many holders may seek to exit without losses, creating strong resistance. Without aggressive demand, a prolonged consolidation below $3131 is likely: sellers will absorb growth attempts while buyers remain cautious, keeping the market sideways. The situation is further complicated by ongoing capital outflows from spot instruments — for large-scale fund movements in ETFs, see also the article on capital outflows from ETFs.
Why It Matters
For miners with 1–1000 devices, the current situation directly impacts revenue and decisions regarding the sale of mined coins. At a price around $3014, the base value of mined ETH remains steady, but weak institutional support and pressure from the $3151–$3172 zone increase the likelihood of prolonged consolidation. As a result, planning sales, replenishing reserves, and assessing breakeven points require greater caution: there are not yet strong positive moves attracting additional demand.
What to Do?
- Watch for a price breakout above $3131 — this is the key level to confirm a breakout of the descending wedge; until then, expecting a confident reversal is risky.
- Adjust sales strategy: without a confirmed breakout, prioritize phased selling to reduce the risk of offloading your entire volume at a local peak.
- Monitor mining costs and electricity expenses; during consolidation periods, recalculate breakeven points and optimize equipment load if necessary.
- Keep an eye on flows into spot ETH-ETFs and large holder activity — renewed capital inflows or changes in whale behavior can significantly alter market dynamics.
In Brief
Ethereum is again above $3000 but remains inside a technical pattern and under pressure from a high supply zone. With weak institutional support and ongoing outflows, miners should act cautiously and rely on confirming price signals before adjusting their ETH selling strategies.