

Ethereum jumped more than 2% in the latest session and managed to reclaim the $3100 zone. ETH price was holding firm above $3000 at the time of writing. Price volatility stayed tight, signaling accumulation rather than trend exhaustion. ETH has traded sideways for several sessions while absorbing supply without losing key support. This behavior places focus on the $2900 to $3400 range as pressure continues to build.
Market structure now suggests a coiling phase that often precedes sharp movement. Traders are watching closely as compression increases across multiple timeframes. Is Ethereum preparing for a decisive volatility expansion after weeks of price compression?
Ethereum continues to trade above $3000 while daily volatility remains unusually low. This pattern reflects a balance between buyers and sellers rather than fading demand. Price action shows ETH refusing to break lower despite repeated tests of support. As a result, supply appears absorbed within a narrow band.
The $2900 to $3400 range now defines the short-term battlefield. Any move outside this zone could trigger strong directional momentum. Weekly structure adds further context to current conditions. ETH continues to consolidate near a high-volume area on longer timeframes.
This positioning often appears before trend resolution. Traders continue to monitor weekly closes for confirmation signals.
The weekly chart shows Ethereum forming an inverse head-and-shoulders structure, according to the analyst’s post. Price continues to compress near the upper volume shelf. This pattern typically precedes bullish continuation once confirmed. A decisive weekly close above $3400 would validate the structure.
Such a move could open space for accelerated upside. For now, ETH is locked within its wider range and risk levels remain clearly defined. A breakdown below $2900 would invalidate the bullish structure. If this happens then ETH will be exposed to a deeper downside.
This setup places equal importance on both breakout and breakdown scenarios. Market participants remain cautious while compression persists.
Vitalik Buterin outlined a long-term vision for Ethereum focused on durability and independence. He said the network must survive even if developers disappear. He described the “walkaway test,” where Ethereum should continue operating safely without active builders. The goal centers on user control and system resilience.
He also outlined goals like quantum resistance, higher transaction capacity and decentralized proof-of-stake security. On-chain data reveals shifting holder behavior. HODL Waves show the 1-week to 1-month cohort dropped from 7.44% to 3.92% between January 6 and January 9.
Meanwhile, the 1-day to 1-week cohort rose from 1.34% to 2.21%. This group often reacts quickly to short-term price moves. Accumulation trends also slowed. Hodler Net Position Change stayed positive, yet inflows fell from about 179,000 ETH to roughly 135,500 ETH over the same period.
These metrics suggest reduced long-term buying strength while short-term activity increased. Price continues to compress as market participants await direction.
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Ethereum price is still trading above $3000. Meanwhile, volatility tightens and range compression persists in the market. The $2900 to $3400 zone defines near-term direction. Still, weekly structure and on-chain data signal growing tension. A confirmed break from this range could set the next major move.