As the Federal Reserve discusses the need to delay interest rate cuts, ETH’s short- and medium-term prospects appear increasingly uncertain. Remarks from inside the Fed just days before Warsh’s expected appointment signal turbulence in the markets. At the same time, large holders are offloading ETH, raising fresh concerns about where prices could head next. What should investors expect now?
Mixed signals for ethereum and altcoins
Bitcoin recently slipped back to $80,000, with altcoins mirroring its downward momentum. The market also responded to the possibility of a deal with Iran, with many investors opting for profit-taking. Meanwhile, reports of a new global virus outbreak have topped headlines, echoing previous situations where the spread of the monkeypox virus prompted crypto pullbacks.
On the Ethereum front, analyst Ali Martinez has drawn attention to a notable lack of interest from major holders. Sharing a new chart, Martinez explains that the path toward $3,000 for ETH is now facing a roadblock.
“Ethereum whales are doing something they haven’t done in a year.
Since October 6, 2025, there has been a major shift in market behavior among Ethereum whales holding between 1,000 and 10,000 ETH. Until that point, these wallets were steadily accumulating coins. Holdings in this group grew from 12.95 million ETH in April 2025 to 15.95 million ETH by early October.
But after that, the trend reversed. Mid-tier whales’ ETH holdings dropped from 15.95 million to about 12.52 million, a 21.5 percent decrease in total positions. This excess supply suggests the $3,000 level will remain out of reach unless a new surge of institutional or retail demand appears.”
In short, those hoping for a surge in Ethereum and altcoins may not get what they want in the near future, at least for now.
BTC support under heavy pressure
The mood remains bearish for ETH, which last found support at $80,400. The steady spread of a new virus, uncertainties with Iran, and repeated statements from Fed officials warning against lowering rates in 2026 are all adding to the downward drive. The upcoming appointment of Warsh is expected to end a newly instituted round of quantitative easing. On top of these, rising inflation could further erode voter support for Trump in the midterms, even as he tries to negotiate an indefinite ceasefire without clear results.
BTC hit a daily low at $80,260 and is now close to losing key support. Analysts are pointing to the $78,000 level as the next critical threshold.
“If this level turns into support, there’s potential to revisit the moving averages.”
The intersection of the 200-day moving average and the EMA remains a tough barrier on the first test. However, if the price manages to bounce off support and hold, a rebound toward $83,000 remains possible.
