See More

Assessing Ethereum (ETH) Network Activity Ahead of Shanghai Upgrade

2 mins
Updated by Ali M.
Join our Trading Community on Telegram

In Brief

  • Positive social sentiment surrounding the recent network testnets continues to impact Ethereum's short-term price movements.
  • Long-term ETH holders seem to be abstaining from recent price speculations.
  • Ethereum 2.0 stakers could pose a major threat to the ETH price rally after the Shanghai upgrade.
  • promo

Ethereum price retraced slightly after climbing above $1,700 for the first time in six months. Will the recent abstinence among long-term ETH holders trigger another price rally in March 2023?

Ethereum Holders Appear to Sit Tight 

Ethereum’s (ETH) Shanghai upgrade has been one of the hottest crypto topics in 2023. The scheduled network upgrade is set to enable ETH 2.0 stakers to withdraw nearly 16 million ETH. 

This has become the subject of intense price speculation among short-term traders within the Ethereum ecosystem. 

However, on-chain Age Consumed data from blockchain forensics firm Santiment has shown that Ethereum long-term holders have continued to hold tight.

Ethereum ETH Age Consumed
Ethereum Age Consumed, March 2023. Source: Santiment

The chart above shows a decline in ETH Age Consumed. This metric depicts the volume of ETH tokens that have recently moved multiplied by the number of days they last moved. Low values of this metric indicate that ETH long-term holders have been placing fewer sell-orders. 

Judging by the historical correlation, if ETH long-term holders continue to sit out the recent price speculation, the resulting decline in sell pressure could power a strong March performance. 

Notably, the net flow of ETH across prominent exchanges has steadily declined since mid-January. This metric measures the difference between the inflow and outflow of ETH across top exchanges. 

Ethereum ETH Net Flows
Ethereum (ETH) Exchange Netflows. March 2023. Source: IntoTheBlock

Since hitting a 2023 peak of 108,470 ETH positive netflow on January 14, it has declined steadily to bottom out at a negative flow of 76,000 ETH following the recent successful testnets. Two new lows have cooled even the recent surge on Feb. 24. 

Declining values of exchange netflow is a strong bullish signal which indicates that a lesser volume of ETH is available on exchanges to fill up short-term sell orders.

Historically, such downward trends in ETH Netflow have often coincided with previous price booms. And if this condition holds, ETH could be poised to continue the uptrend in March 2023.

ETH Price Prediction: A Test of $2,000 

Santiment’s market-value-to-realized-value (MVRV 30d) data indicates upcoming bullish price action. Although most holders who bought ETH in the last 30 days are sitting in net-positive positions, the chart below depicts current prices are still far from the usual 20% euphoric profit-taking lines.  

As things stand, Ethereum price might be on course to test the $1,950 area. A successful test of price could see an extended rally toward $2,300 where the majority of ETH 2.0 stakers may start to book profits.

Ethereum ETH Price MVRV
Ethereum (ETH) MVRV Ratio. March 2023. Source: Santiment

However, a dip below $1,450 – which appears to be the historical stop-loss of 13% – could trigger a panic sell-off. This could see ETH decline to $1,300 before testing resistance levels. 

Top crypto projects in the US | April 2024

Trusted

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.

jsn.jpeg
Ibrahim Ajibade
Ibrahim Ajibade Ademolawa is an experienced On-chain research analyst who began his career in Commercial Banking. He has worked with several Web3 startups and financial institutions —analyzing technical concepts and spectacular events that link the DeFi and TradFi worlds. He holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Economics and is currently pursuing an MSc. in Blockchain & Distributed Ledger Technologies.
READ FULL BIO
Sponsored
Sponsored