Ethereum is poised for a major bullish continuation, with a confirmed inverse head-and-shoulders pattern still valid and a crucial EMA crossover rapidly approaching. The upside projection targets a powerful move to $3,710. However, the path is fraught with internal risk: a key on-chain metric shows that Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (NUPL) is rising, pushing ETH into the “Optimism Anxiety” zone. This surge in paper profits increases the likelihood of short-term holders taking gains, a factor that could delay or even temporarily stall the anticipated breakout.
I. Technical Strength and Breakout Targets
Ethereum’s price structure suggests buyers are in control, setting up a clear roadmap for gains:
Valid Breakout Pattern: The price move holds the validity of the late-November inverse head-and-shoulders pattern, which remains intact as long as ETH stays above the right-shoulder support at $2,710.Crossover Trigger: A powerful technical trigger is the impending bullish crossover between the 20-period and 50-period Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs). This cross signals that short-term momentum is accelerating and is typically followed by price expansion.Upside Roadmap: If the bullish crossover completes and selling is contained, a 12-hour close above $3,390 would confirm the next leg up, targeting $3,570, and ultimately unlocking the full 20% measured move to $3,710.
II. The Profit-Taking Risk That Creates Delay
The primary risk to the immediate rally is not technical failure, but investor psychology driven by mounting paper profits:
NUPL Anxiety Zone: Ethereum’s NUPL (Net Unrealized Profit/Loss) has climbed to 0.296, entering the Optimism–Anxiety zone. This level, the highest since early November, signals that a large number of holders are sitting on significant unrealized gains.Historical Warning: The last time NUPL reached a similar level, ETH promptly fell by over 5% as holders booked profits. This psychological window increases the chance that sellers will step in near resistance, potentially preventing the EMA crossover from finalizing and forcing a pause in upward momentum.
III. Conclusion and Outlook
Ethereum is positioned for a major, structurally sound rally to $3,710, but the move is highly dependent on managing the psychological overhead supply. The short-term outlook is a struggle between the bullish technical crossover and the selling pressure from profit-taking short-term holders. While the long-term setup remains valid above $2,710, any sustained profit-taking that pushes ETH under $2,610 would invalidate the entire pattern and point to a deeper, drawn-out pullback.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This analysis is for informational and educational purposes only and is based on analyst commentary, technical patterns, and on-chain metrics. It is not financial advice, nor should it be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or cryptocurrency. The cryptocurrency market is highly speculative, volatile, and subject to external factors. Readers must conduct their own comprehensive research (DYOR) and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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ETH EYES $3,710: RISING PAPER PROFITS THREATEN TO DELAY BULLISH CROSSOVER!
Ethereum is poised for a major bullish continuation, with a confirmed inverse head-and-shoulders pattern still valid and a crucial EMA crossover rapidly approaching. The upside projection targets a powerful move to $3,710. However, the path is fraught with internal risk: a key on-chain metric shows that Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (NUPL) is rising, pushing ETH into the “Optimism Anxiety” zone. This surge in paper profits increases the likelihood of short-term holders taking gains, a factor that could delay or even temporarily stall the anticipated breakout. I. Technical Strength and Breakout Targets
Ethereum’s price structure suggests buyers are in control, setting up a clear roadmap for gains: Valid Breakout Pattern: The price move holds the validity of the late-November inverse head-and-shoulders pattern, which remains intact as long as ETH stays above the right-shoulder support at $2,710.Crossover Trigger: A powerful technical trigger is the impending bullish crossover between the 20-period and 50-period Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs). This cross signals that short-term momentum is accelerating and is typically followed by price expansion.Upside Roadmap: If the bullish crossover completes and selling is contained, a 12-hour close above $3,390 would confirm the next leg up, targeting $3,570, and ultimately unlocking the full 20% measured move to $3,710. II. The Profit-Taking Risk That Creates Delay
The primary risk to the immediate rally is not technical failure, but investor psychology driven by mounting paper profits: NUPL Anxiety Zone: Ethereum’s NUPL (Net Unrealized Profit/Loss) has climbed to 0.296, entering the Optimism–Anxiety zone. This level, the highest since early November, signals that a large number of holders are sitting on significant unrealized gains.Historical Warning: The last time NUPL reached a similar level, ETH promptly fell by over 5% as holders booked profits. This psychological window increases the chance that sellers will step in near resistance, potentially preventing the EMA crossover from finalizing and forcing a pause in upward momentum. III. Conclusion and Outlook Ethereum is positioned for a major, structurally sound rally to $3,710, but the move is highly dependent on managing the psychological overhead supply. The short-term outlook is a struggle between the bullish technical crossover and the selling pressure from profit-taking short-term holders. While the long-term setup remains valid above $2,710, any sustained profit-taking that pushes ETH under $2,610 would invalidate the entire pattern and point to a deeper, drawn-out pullback. ⚠️ Important Disclaimer This analysis is for informational and educational purposes only and is based on analyst commentary, technical patterns, and on-chain metrics. It is not financial advice, nor should it be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or cryptocurrency. The cryptocurrency market is highly speculative, volatile, and subject to external factors. Readers must conduct their own comprehensive research (DYOR) and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.