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Ethereum Price Stuck Near $2,000 as Holder Exodus Slows Recovery

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Written & Edited by
Aaryamann Shrivastava

16 February 2026 18:00 UTC
  • Ethereum SOPR is currently at 0.92 signaling realized losses are saturating.
  • New addresses have dropped by 34%, in 2 days limiting fresh capital inflows.
  • ETH price is trapped between $1,902 support and $2,051 resistance.
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Ethereum continues to trade in a narrow range near $2,000. ETH has struggled to generate sustained upside momentum in recent weeks.

While on-chain data suggests selling pressure may be nearing exhaustion, another concern is emerging. A decline in new network participation could restrict fresh capital inflows. 

Ethereum Holders Are Realizing Losses

Ethereum’s Spent Output Profit Ratio, or SOPR, recently slid to 0.92. This marks the deepest level since April 2025. A reading below 1 indicates that investors are selling at a loss. Such behavior often reflects panic and fear during prolonged consolidation phases.

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Historically, extreme lows in SOPR have preceded reversals. Selling at a loss tends to saturate at these levels. As panic fades, investors often shift to holding rather than exiting positions. Many choose to accumulate at discounted prices. Similar behavior could support ETH stabilization if confidence gradually returns.

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Ethereum SOPR
Ethereum SOPR. Source: Glassnode

Despite potential loss exhaustion, broader network metrics raise caution. The number of new Ethereum addresses recently fell to an eight-week low. New participants typically inject fresh liquidity and support recovery phases.

Over the past 48 hours, new addresses declined by 34%. The figure dropped from 336,000 to 221,000. This sharp contraction suggests waning retail interest. Reduced onboarding can limit capital inflows, which may constrain short-term Ethereum price appreciation despite improving sentiment among existing holders.

Ethereum New Addresses.
Ethereum New Addresses. Source: Glassnode

ETH Price Is Stuck At $2,000

Ethereum is trading at $1,970 at the time of writing. The asset remains above the $1,902 support level. However, it continues to struggle below the $2,051 resistance, which aligns with the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level. Failure to reclaim this zone keeps upside limited.

Current indicators suggest continued consolidation between $1,902 and $2,241. ETH may face repeated rejection near $2,051 until stronger demand emerges. Without confirmation of this level as support, recovery attempts are likely to remain capped, reinforcing range-bound price action.

Ethereum Price Analysis
Ethereum Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

However, a decisive breakout could shift sentiment quickly. If Ethereum secures $2,051 as support and breaches the $2,241 resistance, bullish momentum may strengthen. Such a move could propel ETH toward $2,395 and higher, invalidating the prevailing bearish outlook and signaling renewed market confidence.

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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