Ethereum hits 2-month low: Analyzing if ETH can reclaim $3k

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-01-30Last updated on 2026-01-30

Abstract

Ethereum (ETH) dropped to a two-month low of $2,681, declining 8.2% amid a broader crypto market sell-off. Long liquidations surged to $242 million, with one prominent trader losing $2 million. Despite the downturn, whale activity intensified: one purchased 20,000 ETH worth $56 million, while another opened an $18 million leveraged long position. Exchange outflows exceeded inflows, indicating aggressive accumulation. However, momentum indicators like RSI (35) and DMI (13) remain bearish, suggesting potential further downside to $2.5k. A recovery to $3k depends on sustained whale demand absorbing sell pressure.

The broader crypto market experienced a significant sell-off, losing more than $170 billion in total market value. Altcoins, especially Ethereum [ETH], were hit the hardest, and ETH fell to a low of $2,681, levels last seen in November 2025.

At press time, ETH traded at $2,714, down 8.2% on the daily charts, extending its long-week downtrend. With ETH dropping to a low of $2.6k, whale activity on both the spot and futures markets intensified.

Ethereum total long liquidation hits $242M

After Ethereum dropped to a low of $2.6k, investors holding long positions saw massive liquidations. In fact, long liquidations jumped to $242.4 million, at press time, adding $175 million from the day earlier.

Amid this soaring liquidations, a prominent ETH trader, MachiBigBrother, was fully liquidated on his 25x long position. The liquidation resulted in Machi recording a $2 million loss, bringing total losses to over $25.8 million.

Despite this liquidation, Machibigbrother returned to the market and took another long position. The whale deposited $144,573 in USDC into Hyperliquid, adding to his ETH positions.

Another whale returned after two years of dormancy, sold 699 ETH for $1.87 million, and deposited it into Hyperliquid, according to Onchain Lens. The whale then opened an ETH long position with 20x leverage, valued at $18 million.

With whales entering the market after such a slip, this indicates confidence, as they expect the correction to be short-lived.

A whale adds $56M amid the buying the dip spree

On the spot side, as ETH prices dropped, Ethereum whales rushed into the market to buy the dip.

According to Onchain Lens, a whale purchased an additional 20,000 ETH for $56.03 million. This brings the whale’s holdings to 110,154 ETH, valued at $311.26 million in staking.

The continued accumulation indicates whales’ conviction and suggests that they perceive the current conditions as ideal for strategic positioning.

Furthermore, exchange activity further echoed this buying-the-dip spree. According to CoinGlass data, $2.34 billion in ETH flowed out of exchanges, compared to the $2.19 billion in inflows, as of writing.

As a result, the Spot Netflow dropped 967% to $146.3 million, a clear sign of aggressive spot accumulation. Usually, a higher outflow tends to increase scarcity, thereby accelerating upward momentum, a prelude to price recovery.

Is ETH at risk of further slip?

Ethereum’s massive liquidations after the market crash further exacerbated downward pressure on the market. As a result, the altcoin’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) fell deeper into the bearish territory, dropping to 35 at press time.

At the same time, its Directional Movement Index (DMI) dropped to 13. further validating the downward momentum. When these momentum indicators drop to such low levels, they signal sellers’ dominance in the market.

Thus, although whales bought the dip and others opened long positions, these demand-side activities have failed to drive a trend reversal in Ethereum.

Therefore, prevailing market conditions indicate further losses for ETH. If the trend persists, ETH could drop again towards $2.5k.

However, if whales continue to buy the dip and absorb the sell pressure, the market will clear recent losses and reclaim $3k.


Final Thoughts

  • Ethereum declined 8.2% to a two-month low of $2,681, as long liquidations jumped to $242 million.
  • ETH whale bought the dip, adding 20,000 ETH worth $56.03 million.

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Related Questions

QWhat was the lowest price Ethereum (ETH) dropped to during the recent sell-off, and what was its price at press time?

AEthereum dropped to a low of $2,681, and at press time, it was trading at $2,714.

QHow much was the total long liquidation for Ethereum, and what was the increase from the day before?

AThe total long liquidation for Ethereum was $242.4 million, which was an increase of $175 million from the day before.

QWhat significant action did a prominent whale take on the spot market after the price drop?

AA whale purchased an additional 20,000 ETH for $56.03 million, increasing their total holdings to 110,154 ETH valued at $311.26 million in staking.

QWhat do the RSI and DMI indicators suggest about the current market momentum for Ethereum?

AEthereum's RSI fell to 35, and its DMI dropped to 13, both indicating bearish territory and seller dominance in the market, validating the downward momentum.

QAccording to the article, what are the two potential price scenarios for Ethereum if the current trend persists?

AIf the trend persists, ETH could drop again towards $2.5k. However, if whales continue to buy the dip and absorb the sell pressure, the market could clear recent losses and reclaim $3k.

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