Ethereum News: Ethereum Hits $4,300 Before Pullback — Traders Eye $4,400 as Next Milestone

Key TakeawaysETH briefly touched $4,300 before easing to $4,270 amid profit-taking.$4,400 remains the next major upside target, supported by short gamma positioning in options markets.Strong open interest and elevated funding rates suggest bullish momentum but raise risk of liquidation cascades.On-chain data shows whale accumulation slowing near $4,300 as sellers defend key resistance.Ethereum (ETH) surged to $4,300 early Saturday before slipping back to $4,270, as traders locked in gains after a week-long rally driven by derivatives positioning and broader crypto market strength. The move marks ETH’s highest price since March 2024 and comes amid heightened speculation over a potential “quick-fire” rally to $4,400.According to Amberdata, the net gamma exposure of dealers in the Deribit-listed ETH options market remains negative between $4,000 and $4,400. This configuration forces market makers to buy ETH as its price rises to hedge exposure — a feedback loop that can accelerate upside moves. The gamma profile flips positive near $4,400, making that level a likely “price magnet” for traders.Key Resistance & Support LevelsImmediate Resistance: $4,300 (psychological level) and $4,320–$4,340 (seller concentration zone).Major Resistance: $4,400, where options market gamma turns positive and sellers may intensify.Support Levels: $4,250 (short-term floor) and $4,180 (last consolidation zone).Breakdown Risk: Below $4,150 could trigger long liquidations toward $4,000.Futures & Derivatives OutlookOpen Interest: ETH futures OI on major exchanges hit a multi-month high, indicating leveraged positioning is building.Funding Rates: Remain positive and above the quarterly average, suggesting long dominance but also higher squeeze risk.Options Positioning: Short gamma between $4,000–$4,400 creates conditions for amplified moves if momentum persists.On-Chain & Supply DynamicsExchange Flows: Whale deposits increased slightly at $4,300, signaling potential distribution.Supply Staking: Over 27% of ETH supply remains staked, reducing immediate sell pressure.Network Activity: Gas usage stable, with DeFi protocols accounting for the bulk of transaction fees.Market Context & Next StepsEthereum’s performance tracks the CoinDesk 20 Index, which is up 4.5% over the past 24 hours, alongside rising risk appetite in the broader crypto market. The bullish case hinges on ETH maintaining above $4,250, allowing derivatives dynamics to push toward the $4,400 milestone.However, if sellers cap the move and profit-taking intensifies, a retracement toward $4,180–$4,200 could unfold before any renewed breakout attempt. Traders are watching for confirmation in options flows, spot demand, and whale positioning before committing to aggressive upside bets.