Ethereum traded near a key resistance zone as traders monitored whether buyers could push price above $2,450.
The latest derivatives data showed speculative pressure easing after Ethereum’s sharp rebound from February lows. Analysts said the leverage reset may reduce liquidation risks, but spot demand still remains critical for any sustained breakout.
Ethereum’s recent rebound was accompanied by a sharp increase in derivatives activity. According to Darkfost, open interest rose by about $4.5 billion during the recovery, showing that traders added exposure as ETH climbed back into its current range. That buildup made the market more sensitive to sudden moves, especially as price moved closer to resistance.
Binance’s estimated leverage ratio reached 0.76 on March 16, marking a high point for leveraged positioning. The metric has now dropped to 0.57 as Ethereum retests the $2,450 area. This decline shows that traders have reduced borrowed exposure, which may lower the risk of forced selling or sudden liquidation-driven swings.
Ethereum Estimated leverage ratio | Source: X
Recent Ethereum news revealed the top reasons ETH bulls are targeting a possible $15,000 rally as ETH holds a long-term accumulation zone near $2,314. Analysts point to stronger institutional activity from BlackRock, JPMorgan, Robinhood, and BNY Mellon as major support for Ethereum market outlook.
Ethereum price has spent nearly a month trading inside a narrow band between $2,250 and $2,450. That range has become the main short-term structure for ETH traders. A move above the upper level could shift attention toward higher targets.
The $2,450 level matters, as it has capped Ethereum’s recovery attempts during the latest rebound. Buyers have defended the lower part of the range, but without a clear breakout. As a result, analysts continue to watch whether ETH can turn the resistance zone into support during the next move.
Meanwhile, Ali Martinez noted in recent Ethereum news that the $2,200 to $2,400 range remains a no-trade zone for ETH. He said only a sustained close outside this range could define Ethereum’s next major move.
ETHUSD CHART | Source: X
The chart showed ETH trading near $2,333, with resistance at $2,398 and support at $2,298. This setup keeps traders focused on whether ETH can break above the upper range or lose support near the lower boundary.
Darkfost noted that lower leverage does not automatically confirm a bullish breakout. Instead, it creates a healthier setup for Ethereum if real buying demand strengthens. Derivatives can support momentum, but spot demand often gives a rally more durable backing.
This makes Ethereum’s next phase dependent on buyers outside the futures market. If spot participation increases near the resistance zone, ETH may have a better chance of breaking above its current range. However, weak spot demand could leave Ethereum news exposed to another pullback toward the middle or lower end of the range.
Ethereum’s setup also comes as Bitcoin continues to lead the broader market recovery. XWIN Research reported that Bitcoin gained more than 11% since April, while Ethereum rose 7.28% during the same period. That gap shows that large capital flows have favored Bitcoin during the latest market phase.
The report linked Bitcoin’s strength to institutional buying, including more than $4 billion from Strategy and $1.197 billion in ETF inflows led by BlackRock. Ethereum recorded weaker ETF demand, with about $356 million in inflows compared with nearly $3 billion for Bitcoin.
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