Ethereum Struggles to Reclaim $3,000 Amid Selling Pressure
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Dec 31 2025- Market Structure Shift: Ethereum remains locked below $3,000 after multiple failed attempts, entering a late-stage bearish phase where the market transitions from panic selling to slower distribution, indicating that many weak hands may have exited, which could lead to price stabilization within a defined range.
- On-Chain Indicator Improvement: Despite price weakness, on-chain data shows ETH leaving exchanges at the fastest pace of this cycle, indicating a growing trend towards self-custody and long-term holding, potentially laying the groundwork for future price rebounds.
- Increased Staking Participation: For the first time in six months, the entry queue for staking has surpassed the exit queue, with approximately 745,000 ETH waiting to be staked compared to 360,000 ETH queued for withdrawal, suggesting renewed staking interest that may tighten medium- to long-term supply.
- Strong Network Activity: Despite price pressures, Ethereum's network activity remains robust, with deployed smart contracts reaching a record 8.7 million in Q4 2025 and on-chain real-world asset value expanding to approximately $19 billion, demonstrating the resilience of the ecosystem.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
