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Ethereum Outshines Bitcoin Even As Price Remains Stuck Under $3,000

19 December 2025 18:00 UTC
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  • Ethereum fails to reclaim $3,000 despite strong network participation and active address.
  • Exchange outflows of nearly 400,000 ETH signal accumulation and reduced sell-side pressure.
  • ETH holds $2,762 support; breakout above $3,000 targets $3,131 next.
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Ethereum continues to struggle with price recovery as it repeatedly fails to close above the $3,000 level. ETH has shown brief upside attempts, only to retreat under selling pressure. 

While price action remains frustrating for holders, underlying network data points to strengthening fundamentals that may support future recovery.

Ethereum Holders Are Staying

Ethereum leads all major cryptocurrencies in non-empty wallet count. The network hosts more than 167.9 million active addresses holding balances. Bitcoin, by comparison, has about 57.62 million. Other top-cap assets trail significantly behind both networks.

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This dominance highlights Ethereum’s broad user base and diverse use cases. Decentralized finance, NFTs, and smart contract activity continue to drive engagement. Strong participation reflects confidence, which plays a critical role in sustaining demand.

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Ethereum Holders Data
Ethereum Holders Data. Source: Santiment

Macro indicators further support a constructive outlook. Ethereum balances on centralized exchanges have declined steadily. Since the start of the month, roughly 397,495 ETH have been withdrawn from exchanges, reducing immediate sell-side supply.

These outflows suggest accumulation at current price levels. The withdrawn ETH is valued at over $1.17 billion, signaling confidence among long-term investors. Lower exchange balances often precede reduced selling pressure, which can support price recovery when demand strengthens.

Ethereum Balance on Exchanges
Ethereum Balance on Exchanges. Source: Glassnode

ETH Price Could Breach The Critical Barrier

Ethereum trades near $2,946 at the time of writing, remaining below the psychological $3,000 level. The asset has consistently bounced off the $2,762 support zone over recent weeks. This behavior indicates buyers are defending lower levels despite broader uncertainty.

If supportive trends continue, ETH could attempt another breakout above $3,000. A successful move may open the path toward $3,131. Continued momentum could extend gains toward $3,287, signaling improving confidence among both retail and institutional participants.

ETH Price Analysis.
ETH Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

Risks persist if selling pressure intensifies. A breakdown below $2,762 would weaken the recovery narrative. Losing this support could send Ethereum toward the $2,681 level, marking a four-week low and invalidating the bullish thesis outlined by improving on-chain metrics.

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 Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.

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