Ethereum has suffered a massive decline, losing over 50% of its value since late December, fueling fear and panic selling across the market. The downturn has led many analysts to question the possibility of an altseason this year, as Ethereum and most altcoins struggle to reclaim key bullish levels. With ETH failing to break above critical resistance zones, investors remain uncertain about its short-term direction, and market sentiment continues to lean bearish.

Despite the pessimism, there are signs of potential recovery. On-chain data from IntoTheBlock shows that $1.8 billion worth of ETH left exchanges last week, marking the largest weekly outflow since December 2022. Large outflows from exchanges typically indicate that investors are moving ETH into private wallets, suggesting long-term accumulation rather than immediate selling. This trend could imply that whales and institutional players are viewing current prices as an opportunity, despite the broader market uncertainty.

If Ethereum can hold key support levels and stabilize, it may be positioned for a strong rebound in the coming weeks. However, for ETH to confirm a true recovery, bulls must reclaim critical resistance zones and sustain buying momentum. Until then, traders remain cautious, watching whether Ethereum will stage a comeback or if further downside is ahead.

The next few weeks will be crucial, as ETH’s ability to hold above key demand zones could determine whether a trend reversal is possible or if continued selling pressure will push prices lower.

Ethereum Bulls Must Hold $2K Support

Ethereum is currently trading above the $2,000 mark, but bulls are finding it difficult to reclaim higher levels amid persistent selling pressure. The market remains in a fragile state, with investors closely watching whether ETH can establish a recovery or continue its downward trajectory.

For a meaningful recovery, ETH must reclaim the $2,350 level, which would set the foundation for a potential rebound. However, the main resistance zone for bulls remains at $2,500—a critical level that has historically acted as a strong barrier. A break and hold above $2,500 would likely spark a recovery rally, shifting momentum back in favor of buyers.

On the flip side, failing to hold $2,000 could extend Ethereum’s downtrend, increasing the likelihood of further declines. Losing this key level would put ETH at risk of testing lower demand zones, potentially leading to more aggressive selling pressure.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

• BBVA customers in Spain will soon be able to trade Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
• The bank will roll out the crypto trading services in phases.
• First, the bank will allow a select group of customers to test the services before expanding it to retail customers.

Spain’s Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), the country’s second-largest bank, has received regulatory approval from the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV) to offer Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) trading services.

Following the approval by the securities regulator, BBVA announced that its clients will soon be able to buy, sell, and manage BTC and ETH directly through its mobile banking app, a move that underscores the growing convergence of legacy banking and digital assets.

This development positions BBVA as a trailblazer among European banks, capitalizing on the increasing demand for crypto-related services. With Bitcoin (BTC) trading at approximately $82,808 and Ethereum (ETH) at $2,118, the bank aims to tap into a market that has seen explosive growth and institutional interest.

Notably, BBVA’s decision reflects a broader trend of traditional financial institutions adapting to the evolving preferences of tech-savvy customers, many of whom view cryptocurrencies as both an investment opportunity and a hedge against economic uncertainty.

A phased rollout approach

BBVA will roll out its crypto trading in phases. Initially, the service will be available to a select group of users, allowing the bank to test and refine its platform before a wider rollout.

Afterwards, the lender will gradually expand access to all private banking customers across Spain.

This cautious yet deliberate strategy highlights BBVA’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and secure experience for its clients, leveraging its own cryptographic key custody platform to maintain full control over digital asset holdings without relying on third-party providers.

The bank’s proprietary custody solution is a key differentiator. By keeping customer assets in-house, BBVA aims to enhance security and trust—crucial factors in a sector often plagued by concerns over hacks and mismanagement. This move also aligns with the bank’s long-standing emphasis on technological innovation, positioning it as a leader in the digital transformation of finance.

Building on the rising crypto adoption trends

BBVA’s crypto journey is not a sudden leap but a calculated expansion of efforts that began years ago. In June 2021, the bank launched Bitcoin custody and trading services for private banking clients in Switzerland, where regulatory clarity provided an early foothold.

Since then, BBVA’s Swiss branch has broadened its offerings to include ETH and the USDC stablecoin after partnering with Ripple’s Metaco, catering to a sophisticated clientele comfortable with digital assets.

More recently, in January 2025, BBVA’s Turkish subsidiary, Garanti BBVA Kripto, introduced crypto trading services to the public, further solidifying the bank’s global footprint in this space.

The approval in Spain builds on these successes, adapting lessons learned from Switzerland and Turkey to meet the unique needs of the Spanish market.

With each step, BBVA is demonstrating a strategic vision to integrate cryptocurrencies into its core offerings, aligning with shifting regulatory and consumer landscapes.

Notably, the timing of BBVA’s Spanish rollout coincides with the full implementation of the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which took effect at the end of 2024. MiCA establishes a harmonized framework for crypto services across the EU, providing banks and firms with the legal clarity needed to operate confidently.

Under this regulation, companies have until July 2026 to achieve full compliance during an 18-month transitional phase, giving BBVA ample time to refine its operations.

Ethereum (ETH) has been struggling around the $2,200 level, with bulls unable to reclaim higher prices despite multiple attempts. The market sentiment remains bearish, as ETH continues to face selling pressure even after Thursday’s announcement of the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, which many had expected to boost overall confidence in the crypto sector.

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As ETH hovers near critical demand levels, analysts believe that the next week will be crucial in determining its short-term direction. If bulls can defend key support zones, Ethereum may have a chance to regain momentum. However, failure to hold these levels could lead to further downside pressure.

Top analyst Carl Runefelt shared a technical analysis on X, highlighting that Ethereum is breaking out of a pattern that often signals a potential breakout. If ETH follows this setup, it could push into higher resistance zones and reclaim key price levels above $2,500. However, confirmation of this breakout is needed, as market volatility remains high.

Ethereum Bulls Hope For A Recovery

Ethereum has suffered a steep decline, losing over 50% of its value since late December, triggering fear and panic selling across the market. Once a leader in previous bull cycles, ETH is now struggling to regain momentum, leading many analysts to question whether the long-awaited altseason will happen this year. With Ethereum and most altcoins unable to reclaim bullish structures, the market remains under bearish control, keeping investors cautious.

Despite the negative sentiment, there is still hope for a recovery as Ethereum approaches key technical levels that could determine its next move. Runefelt’s remarks reveal that ETH is breaking above a descending triangle pattern, a setup that often signals a trend reversal. However, confirmation is crucial, as many past breakouts have turned into fakeouts, trapping traders in further downside moves.

For Ethereum to solidify a bullish breakout, it must push above and close above $2,300. This level is a key resistance zone, and flipping it into support would indicate renewed buying strength, potentially opening the door for a push toward $2,500 and higher price targets.

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Until this confirmation happens, Ethereum remains at risk of further declines if sellers regain control. Traders and investors are closely watching whether ETH can maintain its breakout attempt or if it will face another rejection, extending its bearish trend into the coming weeks.

ETH Key Levels To Watch

Ethereum is currently trading above the $2,000 support level, a crucial last line of defense for bulls hoping to see strong performance this year. Holding this level is essential, as a breakdown below $2,000 could trigger further downside, reinforcing bearish sentiment in the market.

Despite this, bulls have struggled to reclaim higher prices, leaving investors frustrated with ETH’s lack of momentum. Recent price action has been choppy and indecisive, with each attempt at a breakout quickly met with selling pressure. This has kept ETH stuck in a tight range, preventing a clear shift in market sentiment.

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However, a decisive reclaim of $2,300 could mark a turning point. If ETH pushes above and holds this level, it would likely open the door for a move toward $2,500, strengthening the case for a recovery rally. Until then, traders remain cautious, as Ethereum’s struggle to gain traction continues to weigh on the broader altcoin market.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView