Ethereum Holds the $3,000 Threshold: Long-Term Holders Quietly Accumulate as Bottom Signals Appear

Current Price and Market Overview

Chart: https://www.gate.com/trade/ETH_USDT

Recently, Ethereum (ETH) dropped below the $3,000 threshold, hitting its lowest point in several months. ETH is currently trading at approximately $3,032. Over the past month, the market overall has fallen by around 20% to 30%. This downturn mainly reflects a weaker macroeconomic environment, increased caution among investors, and temporary outflows from institutional and ETF funds.

Support Level Analysis: Why $3,000 Matters

The $3,000 mark is a critical psychological and structural support for Ethereum. Multiple analyses point out that when ETH approaches this level, it repeatedly tests the cost basis of long-term holders.

Technically, there is strong buying support between $2,950 and $3,000. If ETH loses this support, its price could fall to the $2,800–$2,900 level. On the other hand, holding above $3,000 could trigger a rebound toward the $3,500 level and beyond.

Long-Term Holder Behavior: Accumulation Data Insights

Despite a sharp correction, on-chain data shows that long-term holders (LTH) continue to accumulate. Since the start of 2025, about 17 million ETH have moved into accumulation addresses. Long-term holder balances have risen from roughly 10 million to over 27 million ETH. ETH’s current price is only about 8% above the Accumulation Addresses Realized Price. These trends indicate that long-term capital is quietly building positions amid weak market sentiment.

Technical Indicators and On-Chain Signals

Technical analysis is also revealing early signs of a possible bottom. For example, analysts note that ETH’s Mayer Multiple has dropped to a historically low band, a level that has often preceded price rebounds.

The market remains in a tug-of-war between bulls and bears. If ETH breaks below key support, it may trigger another downturn. However, if support holds, there is potential for a short-term recovery or even a rebound.

Recently, retail investors have shown clear signs of panic selling—historically a contrarian indicator. When retail investor sentiment is at its lowest, large players often begin to accumulate quietly.

Risk Warnings and Investor Perspectives

While sustained accumulation by long-term holders and the proximity of key support levels offer some positive signals, several risks remain:

Macroeconomic risk: Further deterioration in the macro environment or tighter market liquidity could push ETH even lower, with a possible drop below $2,800.

Capital outflows: Continued large-scale withdrawals from ETFs and institutions would intensify selling pressure and deepen losses.

Persistent short-term volatility: Despite early bottoming signals, market sentiment remains fragile and price swings are sharp, so attempting to chase rallies is risky.

Investor strategies to consider: Watch if the $2,950–$3,000 support zone holds; track long-term holder accumulation; set clear stop-losses; and avoid overleveraging or going all-in to reduce short-term risk.

Summary: Navigating Opportunities and Risks

In summary, Ethereum stands at a crucial juncture, holding near the $3,000 structural support while long-term holders quietly accumulate. This shows that despite weak sentiment, some investors are positioning at the bottom. However, risks remain. Investors should manage risk while seeking opportunities. If ETH maintains current support and there are renewed inflows and technical rebound signals, a new rally cycle could begin. If support fails, be prepared for a deeper correction.