The last part of the year 2025 has seen Ethereum (ETH) price moving in a horizontal pattern. Every time the price tried to go over the $3,000 mark, it was met with quick resistance from sellers. Whereupon a narrow range was created that shows unclear stance but not fear among the market participants. ETH price at the time of writing is $2,996. The price has seen a rise of 0.45% in the last day and 2.23% in the last week. Although the figures seem placid, the scenario is otherwise.

Bulls are putting in one final effort before the year comes to an end. However, the path to the breakout is obstructed by a large number of sell orders. Experts in the market say that this may hinder any further price rise attempts. Presently, the market is calm. There is little liquidity. The timing is not very suitable.

Also Read: Why Ethereum and Solana Will Dominate Together in 2026

Ethereum faces heavy resistance near $3,000

The on-chain analyst Maartunn associated with CryptoQuant has drawn attention to a significant hindrance for ETH believers. The order book for Binance futures has revealed a massive sell wall positioned just under the psychological threshold of $3,000. Approximately $77.6 million in sales have been placed around $2,982. Certainly, that is not an insignificant barrier. It is a communication from the sellers.

This wall gives the reason for the price stalling. Each up move encounters resistance. Buyers are in doubt. Sellers are unyielding. The market is in a stand-off waiting for a party to yield. As per Maartunn, this resistance is very apparent on the short-term futures charts. It is a technical ceiling established by real money.

In case the bulls are successful in absorbing the supply, then ETH could be given a chance to touch the $3,000 mark for the first time. After that, the following strong resistance is located close to $3,500. However, the sell wall has to be torn down first. It will be difficult to accomplish without volume.

Ethereum volume dries up as traders step away

The Santiment data indicate factors that contribute to the perception of weak momentum. In the last few weeks of the year, there was a significant decline in crypto trading volume. The Ethereum and other altcoins are at the forefront of this slowdown. Weekly volume has decreased by more than 50% when compared to the same time last year.

The explanations are straightforward. The market is level. The fluctuation is minimal. Festive days keep operators away from their monitors. Bitcoin and Ethereum have had their least active two weeks of 2025. A low volume environment supports range-bound trading but not breakouts.

Nevertheless, the larger scenario for ethereum stays unchanged. Bitwise anticipates ethereum to grab a new peak in 2026 with the passing of the CLARITY Act. The issuance of regulations may set free the demand coming from the institutions. Ethereum is in a prime spot to reap the benefits.

Moreover, the developers are not just looking at the present but also at the future. The next big feature update of Ethereum named Glamsterdam is projected to be released in the first quarter of 2026. After that, there will be another subsequent important upgrade known as Hegota within the same year. The main intention behind these enhancements is to make Ethereum more efficient and scalable.

At this moment, Ethereum is just sitting there. The $3,000 mark is like a challenge and a sign at the same time. If it successfully breaks this resistance, the mood will switch very quickly.

Also Read: Solana ETF Inflows Beat Bitcoin and Ethereum With SOL Eyeing $190 Target

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Filed under: Bitcoin - @ January 1, 2026 4:00 am