Ethereum Price’s Rise To $5,000 Could Be Blocked By These Holders Selling

Ethereum (ETH) has shown a steady recovery over the past few days, fueled by improving sentiment across the broader crypto market. 

The world’s second-largest cryptocurrency is trading near multi-month highs, but its path to reclaiming the $5,000 mark could face resistance due to weak investor accumulation.

Ethereum Accumulation Is Recovering

The Holder Accumulation Ratio for Ethereum currently sits at 30%, well below the 50% threshold that typically signals strong accumulation behavior. A ratio above this mark often suggests that long-term investors are actively buying ETH, reflecting confidence in sustained growth

Historically, Ethereum’s accumulation ratio has tended to rise between 40% and 45% during periods of steady price increases. The recent uptick, while modest, does hint at gradually improving sentiment. 

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Ethereum’s “Age Consumed” metric has spiked twice this month, indicating a notable increase in long-term holder activity. This on-chain metric measures when previously dormant coins begin moving again, often signaling that older holders are selling. Repeated spikes suggest that confidence among long-term investors may be weakening.

Consistent selling from long-term holders typically precedes short-term price corrections, as it introduces new supply into the market. If these spikes persist, Ethereum could face mounting resistance on its climb toward new highs. 

ETH Price Is Struggling To Rise

Ethereum is currently priced at $4,147, trading just below the key $4,222 resistance level. A successful breach of this barrier could enable ETH to climb toward $4,500. This would attract stronger inflows from institutional and retail investors alike.

If accumulation strengthens and confidence returns, Ethereum could advance toward $4,956 — its previous all-time high — and potentially touch $5,000. This would represent a decisive signal of market recovery and renewed bullish momentum.

However, if bearish sentiment grows or long-term holders continue offloading their holdings, Ethereum could slip below $4,000. A deeper correction could pull the price down to $3,872 or lower, invalidating the bullish thesis and signaling renewed selling pressure in the market.