Ethereum's influence in the crypto market is hard to ignore. Average returns of 21.2% in January have historically paved the way for altcoin optimism. But with a drop in mindshare and security issues, can Ethereum still lead an altseason in 2025?
Ethereum's Market Impact
Ethereum isn't just another token. As the second-largest cryptocurrency, its movements hold weight. The market often looks to Ethereum for cues on where to move next. However, there are some clouds on the horizon. The decline in mindshare and the presence of security vulnerabilities haven't gone unnoticed.
Historical Returns and Trends
January has been a strong month for Ethereum in the past. On average, it sees a 21.2% return. There were years like 2021 (+78.51%), 2018 (+52.01%), and 2020 (+39.28%) that saw big jumps. These kinds of increases have generally led to a positive atmosphere in the altcoin market.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Ethereum has also had its fair share of negative returns in January too, with dips in 2022 (-26.89%) and 2019 (-20.23%) to name a few. These bearish years serve as a reminder to be cautiously optimistic, though Ethereum still plays a crucial role in the market.
February has averaged a return of 17.13%, suggesting that the first quarter of the year usually remains strong. March averages +22.86%, indicating that early-year performance could prompt Ethereum's potential for growth, driving altcoin sentiment. If this trend continues in 2025, Ethereum might ignite a bullish January, spurring altcoin rallies. However, external factors could twist the narrative.
Resistance and Support Levels
The price action of Ethereum has made it clear where to look for key levels. The $3,555 threshold is an important resistance, while $3,000 serves as a critical support level. It looks likely that Ethereum will try to touch the equal highs close to $3,555, only to get pushed back down somewhere in the $3,640 to $3,650 supply zone.
For long-term investors, these levels offer significant buying opportunities. $3,000 is a reasonable target for long-term accumulation, aiming for higher highs. Ethereum has been trading in a mid-range zone, with major movements expected only upon reaching these critical levels. The reaction to the supply zone near $3,650 will help clarify the next steps. If we break above $3,700, it could lead to a bullish trend, but if we don't hold $3,500, things might turn south.
Security Issues
On another note, Ethereum didn't have a smooth ride in 2024. It faced the most attacks among blockchains, racking up 66 incidents and $844 million in losses. Centralized Exchanges came in second with 10 attacks and $724 million. BNB Chain had 27 attacks, but no loss totals were shared. Arbitrum (14 attacks), Base (7 attacks), and Solana (5 attacks) were also in the mix.
Despite being the most attacked, Ethereum is still the most used blockchain. But these attacks bring to light the need for even tighter security. Hopefully, the overall heightened activity in the market won't lead to creator's becoming targets. If these trends continue, Ethereum and CEX will likely be on the hit list for attackers.
Summary
Ethereum has long been a key player in the crypto market, and its performance in January has often set the stage for market trends. But with declining mindshare and security issues, the road ahead isn't entirely clear. To lead an altseason in 2025, Ethereum must overcome these challenges and regain its market influence. The historical performance trends, the potential for a reversal in mindshare, and the growing confidence among long-term holders suggest that there is still a possibility for Ethereum to regain its dominance and drive an altcoin rally if market conditions improve. The coming months will be crucial in determining Ethereum's future trajectory and its ability to maintain its market influence amidst these challenges.
