Ethereum is once again attempting to reclaim the $3,000 level after several failed efforts this month. ETH briefly pushed higher during early trading but continues facing resistance amid fragile broader market conditions. 

Despite muted momentum, on-chain data suggests investors may be positioning to support a potential recovery.

Ethereum Holders Continue To Grow

Ethereum’s network growth has surged to a four-year and seven-month high. This metric reflects the pace at which new addresses are joining the network. The increase signals renewed interest at current price levels, even as ETH struggles to break higher.

Rising network growth often introduces fresh capital. New participants expand liquidity and strengthen demand foundations. For Ethereum, this trend is particularly important as price recovery depends on sustained inflows rather than short-term speculative trading. Strong address growth suggests long-term confidence remains intact.

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Bitmine Could Be Aiding Price Recovery

A major contributor to this growth is Bitmine. The firm has quickly accumulated Ethereum through its treasury strategy. Bitmine now holds approximately 4.066 million ETH, representing 3.37% of the total supply within six months.

The company has publicly targeted ownership of 5% of all ETH, a move that could further tighten circulating supply and support price appreciation.

Macro indicators present a mixed backdrop. The MVRV Long/Short Difference remains at low negative levels, indicating neither long-term holders nor short-term traders are currently in profit. This lack of profitability often slows transaction activity, as participants hesitate to move assets at a loss.

Low profit conditions can suppress velocity across the network. However, such environments also reduce sales pressure. If broader macro conditions improve, long-term holders typically act as stabilizers. Their reluctance to sell at unfavorable prices can provide a base for recovery when demand returns.

Ethereum’s current setup reflects this balance. Weak profitability limits enthusiasm, yet it also prevents aggressive distribution. A positive external catalyst could shift sentiment quickly, allowing stronger hands to absorb supply and push ETH higher.

ETH Price Faces Its Challenge

Ethereum trades near $2,968 at the time of writing, sitting just below the $3,000 resistance. The level has capped price action repeatedly in recent weeks. Continued failure to reclaim it keeps ETH vulnerable to volatility and short-term pullbacks.

To revisit December’s high of $3,447, ETH requires a recovery of roughly 16%. The first hurdle remains $3,131, a key resistance zone. Sustained network growth and continued accumulation by large entities like Bitmine could provide the buying pressure needed to reach this level.

Downside risks persist if Ethereum fails to secure $3,000 as support. A rejection could send the price back toward $2,798, a level previously tested. Given ETH’s tendency for sharp moves in this range, a breakdown could accelerate losses before stability returns.

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Solana slipped out of last week’s consolidation after failing to sustain upside momentum, delaying a recovery toward $150. SOL has since traded cautiously, awaiting stronger confirmation. 

Recent on-chain and institutional activity suggests investors are positioning for a rebound, potentially setting the stage for renewed price strength into year-end or early January.

Solana Holders Have The ETF Leash

Solana’s ecosystem is introducing a novel catalyst through on-chain “Creator ETFs,” also known as Bands, launched via Bands.fun. These products differ from traditional exchange-traded products. They operate directly on the Solana blockchain as programmable portfolios curated by creators, analysts, or influencers.

Creator ETFs can bundle tokens or NFTs and rebalance automatically based on a predefined rule. Increased adoption could lift on-chain activity and transaction volume. Higher network usage often supports price recovery by strengthening demand for SOL as a utility asset.

Institutions See Potential

Exchange balance data adds another constructive signal. Solana balances on centralized exchanges have dropped sharply over the past 10 days. During this period, investors accumulated roughly 2.65 million SOL, valued at $345 million.

Declining exchange balances typically indicate accumulation rather than distribution. Holders appear willing to move assets into self-custody, reducing immediate sell pressure. This behavior suggests confidence in Solana’s longer-term outlook and supports the case for stabilization following recent weakness.

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Institutional sentiment toward Solana remains resilient despite broader market uncertainty. CoinShares’ weekly report shows SOL attracted $48.5 million in inflows for the week ending December 20. Month-to-date inflows now stand at $117.6 million.

These allocations indicate sustained institutional interest. Professional investors often accumulate during consolidation phases. Continued inflows can help offset retail selling and provide a foundation for recovery when market conditions improve.

SOL Price Is Aiming At Recovery

Solana trades near $124 at the time of writing, sitting below the $126 resistance. The combination of on-chain innovation, exchange outflows, and institutional inflows could support a recovery attempt by late December or early January.

A break above $126 would be an initial confirmation. Reclaiming $130 would further strengthen sentiment. The key upside target sits near $136. Clearing this level would signal progress toward recouping losses recorded earlier this month.

Downside risks persist if selling resumes or broader markets weaken. Solana’s price dropping below $123 could expose the $118 support. Losing that level would invalidate the bullish thesis and delay any recovery driven by ecosystem or institutional catalysts.

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