Ethereum (ETH) Hodlers Eye $3,000 Amid BTC All Time High

Ethereum (ETH) has long held a dominant position in the cryptocurrency world, thanks to the strong commitment of its community and the general fact that it is Internet-alike. Recently, this commitment has manifested in a renewed optimism among Ethereum’s long-term holders, who view the cryptocurrency as a solid bet for future growth. As ETH’s price climbs toward the $3,000 milestone, these dedicated investors are showcasing remarkable confidence, suggesting that the market sentiment could push prices even higher. Unlike short-term traders who may be quick to take profits or exit in response to volatility, long-term holders are driven by Ethereum’s potential to transform finance, technology, and decentralized applications. At the time of writing ETH is trading at $2,632 on Gate.io.

This steady optimism isn’t baseless; it’s supported by recent on-chain data that signals a marked shift in sentiment. Key metrics reveal that long-term holders are experiencing significant unrealized gains, boosting their belief in Ethereum’s continued rise. Coupled with a spike in social media interest and rising discussion surrounding Ethereum’s recent price actions, the crypto community’s focus on ETH is intensifying.

We dive into the on-chain indicators like the Long-Term Holders Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (LTH-NUPL) and the In/Out of Money Around Price (IOMAP) metrics. These indicators not only paint a picture of the current sentiment but also reveal potential price paths for ETH, as it contends with both support and resistance levels on its way to $3,000.

ETH Indicators Show Strengthening Confidence

In August, Ethereum’s Long-Term Holders Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (LTH-NUPL) shifted into the “belief zone” (green), a metric used to gauge the unrealized gains or losses of those who have held ETH for at least 155 days. This “belief zone” suggests that many long-term holders are increasingly optimistic about their unrealized gains, despite previous fluctuations.

After ETH dipped below $2,400 in early October, the sentiment shifted downward. However, with ETH’s recovery above $2,600, the LTH-NUPL has moved back into the “optimistic” (yellow) zone, indicating that holders are enjoying unrealized gains that may boost confidence and incentivize further accumulation.

Additionally, Ethereum’s social presence has risen, reflecting increased discussions and interest across social platforms. Heightened visibility often signals growing public attention, which can increase demand as investors take note of Ethereum’s latest price movements. If this trend continues, the amplified interest could propel ETH’s price further.

ETH Price Outlook: An Uptrend in Sight

From an on-chain perspective, the In/Out of Money Around Price (IOMAP) tool indicates a promising outlook for ETH. The IOMAP examines addresses by identifying those currently “in the money” (having purchased ETH at a price lower than the current one) versus “out of the money” (having bought at a higher price).

When a significant number of holders are “in the money,” they represent a strong support level, as these investors are less likely to sell at a loss. Conversely, large clusters “out of the money” can create a resistance level, as holders may aim to sell upon break-even, which could restrict upward movement.

Currently, the volume of ETH held by long-term investors “in the money” significantly surpasses those between the $2,700 to $3,010 range, suggesting that ETH might soon break above the $3,000 mark. However, this potential rally could face challenges if the buying momentum slows. In such a scenario, ETH might experience a pullback, possibly toward the price of $2,300 ETH/USDT.

ETH Price in 2025

Ethereum’s price prediction for 2025 carries a bullish outlook supported by various major factors. Various sources suggest that by 2025, ETH could range between $3,500 and $8,700, depending on market conditions, with an average prediction around $6,000. This is largely driven by Ethereum’s increasing role in decentralized finance (DeFi), the NFT space, and institutional interest due to its transition to Proof of Stake (PoS), which makes it more energy-efficient and scalable​.

Some analysts highlight that if Ethereum’s network improvements, such as sharding, continue to enhance scalability, the network could see a significant surge in adoption. This, paired with anticipated regulatory clarity, may attract more institutional investors, potentially boosting ETH toward $6,563 or higher. In an optimistic scenario, Ethereum could even break the $10,000 mark if global economic conditions improve and investor confidence in the broader cryptocurrency sector strengthens​.

On the conservative side, some estimates suggest a price range of $2,900 to $3,700, which assumes slower adoption and increased competition from other Layer 1 protocols. Key risks include regulatory hurdles and market volatility, which could suppress price growth. However, Ethereum’s established position in the blockchain ecosystem and its ongoing technological upgrades are expected to provide strong support, helping ETH maintain its value in a potentially volatile market​.

In summary, while Ethereum’s price in 2025 could vary widely based on these factors, the general outlook remains positive, with most predictions placing ETH above its 2021 all-time high of $4,800.