$ETH price has taken a hit, dropping to $3,268 from last month’s peak of $4,104. This mirrors $BTC slide from an all-time high of $108,000 to below $95,000. But, what’s driving this downturn, and what does it mean for investors?
The decline in Ethereum ETFs is a key factor. Over $300 million in outflows have been recorded in just three days, highlighting reduced interest from institutional investors. These funds now hold $11.61 billion, a modest 2.96% of Ethereum's market cap, compared to Bitcoin ETFs, which account for 5.2%.
Adding to the pressure, exchange balances for Ethereum have risen to 15.8 million ETH, up from 15.3 million in late December. This trend often signals selling intentions, as investors move assets to exchanges to offload them.
Meanwhile, $ETH staking yields have dropped to 3.10%, lagging behind Solana’s 7% and Tron’s 4.52%. Lower yields, coupled with declining transaction fees, reduce the appeal of staking, particularly as demand for Ethereum futures has also cooled. Open interest in Ethereum futures has fallen to $28.4 billion, down from a December high of $31.1 billion.
On the technical front, Ethereum’s chart shows a head-and-shoulders pattern—a bearish indicator. Prices have dipped below the 50-day moving average and are now testing the 100-day moving average. A breach of this level could lead to a further decline, potentially targeting $2,820.
Despite these challenges, Ethereum’s resilience shouldn’t be underestimated. The market has historically bounced back from similar corrections, and investors who remain patient may still find opportunities ahead. As always, staying informed and cautious is key.
________