- Ethereum is testing key resistance levels, with analysts watching $3,060 as a short-term decision point
- Long-term forecasts remain bullish, with some projections placing ETH at $10,000 by 2026
- Rising volatility and Bitcoin market influence will likely shape Ethereum’s next major move
Ethereum (ETH) is starting to attract a bit more confidence as it presses into familiar resistance territory. Price action has steadied after weeks of chop, and analysts are now watching positioning rather than headlines. The mood isn’t euphoric, but it’s clearly leaning constructive, which often matters more.
Short-term direction will likely depend on how traders react around key levels, not bold narratives. For now, Ethereum looks like it’s setting up rather than chasing.
A $10,000 ETH Thesis Starts With Accumulation
Crypto analyst Crypto Patel recently shared a long-term Ethereum outlook that caught attention, mostly because it wasn’t framed as hype. His view is simple: build positions early, stay patient, and let the market do the rest.
According to Patel, the $1,800 to $2,900 range represents a long accumulation zone rather than a failure. From that base, he believes a $10,000 ETH price in this cycle is realistic, with much higher levels — $20,000 to $30,000 — possible further out. His reasoning is grounded in positioning, not momentum chasing. Smart money tends to move quietly, then waits.
At the time of writing, ETH trades near $3,019. Daily volume sits around $16.4 billion, with total market capitalization hovering near $363 billion. The price is up roughly 1.5% on the day, not explosive, but steady enough.
Resistance Still Matters More Than Predictions
Another analyst, CRYPTOWZRD, took a more cautious tone. He pointed out that Ethereum’s recent daily close lacked conviction, neither confirming strength nor weakness. In his view, everything hinges on how ETH behaves around $3,060.
From a technical standpoint, Ethereum remains boxed in. Major resistance sits higher near $3,700, while support rests closer to $2,800. Until price escapes this range with strong volume, any rally attempt risks stalling.
There’s also the Bitcoin factor. ETH’s performance continues to depend heavily on ETH/BTC dynamics. Without a supportive shift in Bitcoin dominance, Ethereum’s upside may stay controlled, even if its own structure improves.
Volatility Is Quiet, But Probably Not For Long
Ethereum’s daily chart has turned a bit awkward lately. Candles are smaller, moves are slower, and direction feels indecisive. That kind of behavior often shows up before volatility expands, not after.
A clean push above $3,060 would likely invite momentum traders back into the picture. Failure to clear it, though, could keep ETH drifting sideways, with $2,880 acting as near-term protection below.
As 2026 approaches, Ethereum finds itself at an early but important stage. The structure isn’t broken, confidence hasn’t vanished, and positioning appears to be building quietly. Whether that turns into a breakout or more patience will depend on how ETH handles the next few resistance tests.
