Ethereum is trading below last year’s highs as investors eagerly await a breakout to confirm the start of the anticipated Altseason. While ETH’s price action has been subdued, traders remain optimistic about its potential to perform exceptionally well in 2025, given its historical cycles and the market’s overall bullish sentiment.

Top analyst Carl Runefelt recently shared a technical analysis on X, highlighting that ETH is currently trading within an ascending channel. This pattern suggests a possibility of a short-term pullback before Ethereum gains momentum for its next upward leg. Runefelt’s analysis aligns with the cautious optimism prevalent in the market as traders monitor key support and resistance levels for signs of a breakout.

The coming weeks are critical for Ethereum as it battles to reclaim its highs and assert dominance in the crypto market. A breakout could signal the start of a broader altcoin rally, solidifying ETH’s position as a leader in the Altseason narrative. Until then, investors and traders are closely watching Ethereum’s price movements and technical indicators, preparing for what could be a pivotal year for the second-largest cryptocurrency.

The Ethereum Path Into 2025: Optimism Amid Consolidation

Ethereum endured an underwhelming 2024, underperforming Bitcoin and failing to ignite the anticipated early Altseason. However, many analysts predict a dramatic turnaround this year. Historically, post-halving years have been exceptional for altcoins, and Ethereum appears primed to benefit from this trend. Expectations are mounting that ETH will “melt faces” in 2025, delivering significant gains.

Top analyst Carl Runefelt recently shared a technical analysis on X, offering a detailed look at Ethereum’s price structure. According to Runefelt, ETH is currently trading within an ascending channel after hitting its previous target.

While this pattern often signals bullish continuation, there is also a risk of a temporary breakdown. Runefelt suggests that if Ethereum fails to hold its current position, it might retest the $3,500 level before regaining upward momentum. Such a retracement, he posits, could set the stage for Ethereum’s next major rally.

Reclaiming last year’s highs will be critical for Ethereum, as it would solidify its position as a market leader and instill confidence among traders and investors. The broader crypto market is gearing up for what many expect to be a massive 2025, with Ethereum positioned at the forefront of a potential altcoin resurgence. Whether ETH breaks out or briefly pulls back, this year could define its trajectory for years to come.

Technical Analysis: Price Consolidation

Ethereum is currently consolidating around the $3,650 level after a clean breakout above the 4-hour 200 moving average at $3,629. This breakout marked a critical moment for ETH, as it demonstrated renewed bullish momentum in the short term. Holding the 4-hour 200 moving average as support could signal price strength, offering a foundation for Ethereum to push higher in the coming days.

However, the market remains cautious. If Ethereum fails to hold this key indicator, the price could slip into lower demand levels. A retest of the $3,500 mark would then become a likely scenario. This level has been a significant area of interest for traders and could be a base for another potential rebound.

The next few trading sessions will be crucial in determining whether Ethereum can build on its recent breakout or if a pullback is in store. A sustained hold above the $3,629 level would signal strong buyer interest and pave the way for a push toward higher resistance levels. Conversely, losing this mark may lead to consolidation or further downside, testing the resilience of Ethereum’s bullish structure.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

XRP price failed to surpass $2.50 and corrected some gains. The price is now consolidating and aiming for a fresh increase above the $2.40 resistance.

• XRP price is struggling to gain pace for a move above the $2.40 zone.
• The price is now trading below $2.350 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
• There was a break below a short-term rising channel with support at $2.390 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair (data source from Kraken).
• The pair might start a fresh increase if it stays above the $2.250 support.

XRP Price Dips Below $2.32

XRP price failed to extend gains above the $2.48 and $2.50 resistance levels. The price reacted to the downsides, but losses were limited compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum. There was a move below the $2.40 and $2.32 support levels.

Besides, there was a break below a short-term rising channel with support at $2.390 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair. The last swing low was formed at $2.26, and the price is now consolidating. There was a move above the $2.32 level. The price cleared the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the recent drop from the $2.47 swing high to the $2.26 low.

The price is now trading below $2.350 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. On the upside, the price might face resistance near the $2.365 level or the 50% Fib retracement level of the recent drop from the $2.47 swing high to the $2.26 low.

The first major resistance is near the $2.40 level. The next resistance is $2.42. A clear move above the $2.42 resistance might send the price toward the $2.50 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $2.650 resistance or even $2.6650 in the near term. The next major hurdle for the bulls might be $2.720.

More Losses?

If XRP fails to clear the $2.350 resistance zone, it could start another decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $2.300 level. The next major support is near the $2.250 level.

If there is a downside break and a close below the $2.250 level, the price might continue to decline toward the $2.20 support. The next major support sits near the $2.120 zone.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD – The MACD for XRP/USD is now losing pace in the bearish zone.

Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for XRP/USD is now below the 50 level.

Major Support Levels – $2.30 and $2.250.

Major Resistance Levels – $2.3650 and $2.400.