Ethereum sees 8M active users, yet ETH prices stall – Here’s why

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-01-17Last updated on 2026-01-17

Abstract

Despite a surge in on-chain activity with nearly 8 million active addresses and record-low transaction fees, Ethereum's price remains stalled below key resistance levels. The network demonstrated strong growth and adoption, yet ETH struggled to break above the 200-day EMA, keeping its price range-bound. Technical indicators like the MACD show weakening momentum, while the RSI remains neutral. A breakout above resistance could push prices toward $3,800–$4,000, while failure may lead to a decline toward $2,700. The next price move hinges on overcoming this technical barrier.

Ethereum [ETH] defied the odds, showing unexpected strength despite battling resistance. Its ecosystem thrived, driven by rising on-chain activity and transaction fees dropping to all-time lows.

Active Addresses increased, and Layer 1 solutions played a pivotal role in Ethereum’s growth, helping reduce fees. On the 17th of January, Ethereum’s network usage reached a new peak, signaling strong adoption.

This combination of higher activity and lower fees on the image above made Ethereum’s ecosystem more attractive than ever.

Active Addresses surge to nearly 8M

Ethereum also saw a surge in Active Addresses, with nearly 8 million users participating in the network. This marked a key milestone in Ethereum’s growth and showed strong new user adoption.

The growing number of active addresses showed that Ethereum continued to attract both individual and institutional users. This level of adoption could be a positive sign for Ethereum’s long-term potential, despite short-term market challenges.

Ethereum struggles below the 200D EMA

According to Ted Pillows, a market analyst, ETH remained below the 200-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA). It struggled to break above this key level, which has acted as a major barrier to further bullish continuation.

Failing to surpass the resistance kept ETH locked in a range, preventing a decisive rally.

The price action now points to two possible outcomes: a breakout if resistance is cleared or a pullback if the trend falters.

What’s next for Ethereum?

At the time of writing, the ETH showed strength as it traded above the upper line of a symmetrical triangle, signaling a potential breakout.

However, the MACD pointed to weakening momentum, suggesting that bears may be trying to counter the move. Meanwhile, the RSI stood at 53.86, reflecting neutral conditions, neither overbought nor oversold.

If Ethereum could break above key resistance levels, it might see a price increase toward $3,800–$4,000. On the other hand, a failure to hold above current levels could push ETH back toward the $2,700 lows.

Ethereum’s next move would likely depend on its ability to overcome resistance and maintain its bullish momentum.


Final Thoughts

  • Ethereum’s on-chain growth signaled strong new adoption, but price struggles below key resistance persisted.
  • A breakout or pullback depended on Ethereum’s ability to overcome technical resistance and maintain momentum.

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