Yeliz Akmaca 
Ethereum has reclaimed the $2,000 level and is currently trading around $2,087. At first glance, this appears positive. However, the price is struggling to build sustained momentum, and the market is showing hesitation.
The main challenge is not only technical resistance but also uncertainty among major holder groups. Whales are selling, then buying back, and long-term holders, after months of accumulation, are slowing their buying. This lack of alignment keeps Ethereum in a narrow trading range.
Whales Sell and Buy Back
Addresses holding between 100,000 and 1 million ETH sold approximately 1.3 million ETH between February 9 and February 12, roughly $2.7 billion in value. Yet, within the following 48 hours, the same addresses repurchased about 1.25 million ETH, around $2.6 billion.
This rapid back-and-forth creates liquidity without directional bias. As a result, Ethereum remains range-bound rather than trending decisively higher or lower.
Long-Term Holders Ease Off
Long-term holder metrics show that accumulation trends since December 2025 have slowed. In early February, long-term holders began modest distribution. This selling is not aggressive, but it signals reduced conviction.
Combined with mixed whale activity, bullish momentum is limited. Ethereum needs clear accumulation from these groups to push above major resistance levels.
ETH Price Stuck Near $2,000
Ethereum trades at $2,087, holding above the $2,000 threshold. The next significant resistance is $2,241. Without decisive bullish signals, consolidation is the most likely scenario. Ethereum may hover near $2,000 while defending support around $1,902. Sideways movement could continue until stronger directional conviction emerges.
Technical Outlook
Short-term, Ethereum avoided a new low, absorbed liquidity, and produced a breakout structure. The first upside target is $2,149. If price retraces to the $1,959 demand zone, reactive buying is likely. Should Ethereum reclaim $2,149 decisively, the next technical target could reach $3,050.
Currently, Ethereum remains above $2,000. Charts move, on-chain data whispers, but the market has yet to show strong conviction.
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