Ethereum (ETH) is currently facing a challenging period as long-term holders (LTHs) are offloading their holdings at an alarming rate. On-chain analytics firm Glassnode reported that these holders, who have held ETH for 3 to 10 years, are selling approximately 45,000 ETH per day. This represents the highest level of selling pressure from this cohort since December 2021. The increased selling activity by long-term Ethereum holders has sparked concerns about the potential for a significant price correction.
The current sell-off equates to roughly $144 million daily. This relentless selling pressure has contributed to a recent price decline, with ETH trading around $3,211, reflecting a 10% drop in just 24 hours. Over a slightly longer period, the loss reaches 4%, confirming a well-established bearish momentum.
Historically, long-term holders represent a solid foundation for the Ethereum network. Their decision to take profits or limit losses suggests a lack of short-term confidence in the market. This behavior contrasts sharply with bullish periods, where these same investors typically accumulate during corrections.
Several factors could be driving this selling pressure. One possibility is that LTHs are securing profits after Ethereum's price appreciation over the past few years. Others may be anticipating a prolonged decline or have reached their price targets and prefer to de-risk. Macroeconomic conditions and uncertainty in the broader crypto market may also be contributing to the sell-off.
The increased selling pressure from long-term holders raises the question of whether Ethereum's price could drop to $2,500. Currently, the market sentiment leans bearish. Ethereum has broken its April 2025 explosive upward channel, tilting the picture more bearish. Multiple attempts to break resistances have been met with selloffs, leading to the formation of lower-highs.
However, various sources offer different predictions. CoinDCX expects an 8-10% uplift in the asset's value, potentially pushing the price to approximately $3,900 by late November 2025. They further predict a 10% increase in December, with the price hovering around $3,980. Other institutions, like Gov Capital, expect the Ethereum price to potentially reach $7,200 by 2025. Finder's panel of experts predicts ETH could jump to $5,800 by the end of 2025.
Technical analysis indicates that ETH is oscillating in a shorter timeframe descending channel. Breaking below its support line ($3,300 to $3,330) points at more aggressive selling. A break above $3,700 could lead to a more stable rebound.
While the selling pressure from long-term holders is a cause for concern, it is important to remember that the cryptocurrency market is inherently volatile. Ethereum's price is influenced by various factors, including network usage, developer activity, macroeconomic news, and protocol upgrades.
Ethereum's long-term prospects remain positive. The upcoming "Fusaka" upgrade in December aims to improve scalability and overall system efficiency, increasing Ethereum's utility and investor trust. The increasing DeFi usage, the demand for staking, and positive investor sentiment are expected to keep the price stable. Ethereum ETFs are also gaining traction, with $12 billion in assets under management as of July 2025. Major asset managers like Fidelity, BlackRock, and VanEck have brought ETH exposure to traditional finance.
Whether Ethereum's price will drop to $2,500 remains uncertain. The market is currently experiencing extreme fear. Investors should closely monitor market trends, conduct thorough research, and consider their own risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.
