Ethereum crosses $2,992, its highest level in over four months, driven by strong ETF inflows, whale accumulation, and renewed institutional interest.
Key Takeaways
- 1Ethereum surged nearly 12 percent to hit $2,992, just shy of the key $3,000 mark
- 2Over $500 million flowed into U.S.-listed ETH ETFs in July alone
- 3Whale investors withdrew nearly $150 million worth of ETH from exchanges
- 4Ethereum is outperforming Bitcoin and leading the current crypto momentum
Ethereum is just one step away from a major milestone. After months of trailing behind, the second-largest cryptocurrency is now at the forefront of a resurgent crypto market, closing in on the critical $3,000 barrier. What’s driving this charge? Let’s break it down.
Institutional Inflows Fuel the Climb
Ethereum’s rise to $2,992 reflects a nearly 12 percent surge in recent trading sessions. This bullish push has been powered by more than $500 million in inflows into U.S.-listed Ethereum ETFs this month. Thursday alone saw a massive $211 million in ETF purchases, marking the biggest single-day inflow since June 6.
CME data shows Ethereum open interest has risen to $3.27 billion, the highest level since February. According to LMAX Group strategist Joel Kruger, this reflects growing institutional conviction in Ethereum’s infrastructure role for tokenization and settlements.
On the corporate side, treasuries are beginning to treat ETH like a long-term asset. SharpLink Gaming and Bitmine Immersion Technology are among the companies now holding Ethereum. SharpLink’s wallet now contains more than 205,000 ETH worth $575 million, with a recent purchase of 5,072 ETH adding to their conviction.
Whale Activity Accelerates
Some of the most eye-catching moves are coming from whale wallets. Abraxas Capital recently pulled 29,741 ETH (worth $81 million) off exchanges, while another wallet withdrew 25,000 ETH valued at more than $70 million. These withdrawals typically signal a long-term holding strategy, further tightening supply.
This comes alongside a drop in depositing addresses on centralized exchanges, now down to 23,000, suggesting fewer retail investors are looking to sell. Although overall ETH exchange reserves rose slightly to 18.9 million, the lack of incoming deposits reduces immediate downside pressure.
Technical Signals Point to Breakout
Ethereum’s run to $2,992 involved a rapid 6 percent jump in one hour on Thursday, clearing multiple resistance levels. Technical indicators are flashing green across the board, including a symmetrical triangle pattern that hints at a larger breakout if ETH crosses $3,000.
Data from IntoTheBlock identifies only minor resistance between $3,222 and $4,816, with relatively low sell volume at those levels. Strong support has formed around $2,750, making the current zone feel like a launchpad.
Broader Crypto Rally Adds Momentum
Bitcoin’s breakout above $112,000 helped set the tone for the crypto market, but this time around, Ethereum is leading the charge. Analysts are suggesting we may be entering an altseason, where Ethereum and other altcoins outperform Bitcoin.
Even amid over $500 million in liquidated leveraged positions, including $139 million in ETH, the mood remains upbeat. The reduction in circulating ETH, coupled with ETF demand and whale buys, makes this rally feel structurally stronger than previous surges.
CoinLaw’s Takeaway
Seeing ETH at $2,992 feels like a turning point. There’s real weight behind this rally: institutional money, whales consolidating, technicals breaking bullish, and macro sentiment improving. I believe Ethereum is finally stepping into the leadership role many predicted, not just riding Bitcoin’s waves. If ETH clears $3,000 with volume, we’re looking at a serious move toward $4,000. And honestly, it’s about time.
