Ethereum (ETH) is closing in on its 2021 all-time high as institutional demand surges, fueled by record-breaking inflows into U.S. spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
On Wednesday alone, Ethereum ETFs pulled in $729.1 million, their second-largest daily inflow since launch, with BlackRock’s ETHA accounting for $500.9 million and Fidelity’s FETH adding $154.7 million. Over the past six days, these funds have attracted more than $2.3 billion, driving ETH prices above $4,900.
Standard Chartered has raised its year-end price forecast for ETH from $4,000 to $7,500, citing ETF inflows, institutional buying, and strengthening network fundamentals. Since June, ETFs have absorbed 3.9% of Ethereum’s circulating supply, outpacing even corporate treasury accumulation.
Whale Activity Signals Confidence in Ethereum’s (ETH) Future
As Ethereum trades at $4,730, just 2.5% below its record peak, large holders, or “whales,” are making decisive moves. A mysterious investor recently purchased 379,000 ETH worth $1.8 billion in just 10 days, while another whale re-entered the market with a $70 million buy after previously selling.
Not all large-scale activity is bullish, some early ICO participants and even the Radiant Capital hacker have taken profits, but the sheer volume of strategic accumulation suggests strong confidence in Ethereum’s long-term trajectory.
On-chain data shows significant withdrawals from major exchanges, reducing immediate selling pressure and supporting the bullish case.
ETH's price trends to the upside on the daily chart. Source: ETHUSD on Tradingview
Breakout or Rejection? Key Levels to Watch
ETH now faces what analysts call the “final boss” resistance at $4,800. A decisive weekly close above this level could trigger a price discovery rally toward $5,200 and potentially $6,400, according to technical models.
Failure to hold above $4,630, however, could lead to an 18% pullback to the $3,760 support zone.
Institutional adoption, regulatory clarity from the U.S. GENIUS Act, and booming stablecoin usage, much of it on Ethereum’s network, are reinforcing its investment appeal.
With Standard Chartered also projecting a $25,000 target for 2028, analysts say $4,700 could still be a strategic entry point for those betting on Ethereum’s role in the next phase of blockchain-powered finance.
Cover image from ChatGPT, ETHUSD on Tradingview
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