Ethereum may be flashing the same global liquidity signal that preceded its massive 2021 bull run, as onchain accumulation and macro indicators begin to align once again.Analysts say the setup — which previously delivered a 226% ETH rally — is reappearing across global liquidity metrics, US small-cap equities and Ethereum’s price structure, raising expectations of a potential multi-month upside move.Key takeawaysEthereum rallied 226% in 2021 after a rare global liquidity breakout sequence.The same macro pattern is now forming again in early 2026.ETH accumulation addresses show rising realized price near $2,720, reinforcing structural support.Analysts say liquidity — not short-term technicals — may drive the next major move.Global liquidity signal mirrors 2021 ETH breakoutCrypto analyst Sykodelic highlighted a recurring three-step macro pattern that historically precedes major Ethereum rallies:Global liquidity breaks outUS small-cap equities (Russell 2000) followEthereum rallies with a delayed responseAccording to the analyst, this exact sequence played out ahead of Ethereum’s 2021 bull market — and is now appearing again on monthly charts.Global liquidity has already broken higher, with the Russell 2000 confirming its own breakout shortly after. Historically, Ether tends to lag these moves by several weeks before entering a strong expansion phase.In the previous cycle, ETH began its rally approximately 119 days after the Russell 2000 breakout, ultimately climbing more than 226% between March and November 2021.If the same timing holds, analysts suggest Ether could be approaching a similar inflection window around March 2026.The current Russell 2000 monthly structure is also closely resembling its 2021 setup — a signal that broader risk appetite may be returning beneath the surface.Russell 2000 leadership strengthens ETH thesisSupporting the macro view, Max — CEO of BecauseBitcoin — noted that the Russell 2000 has historically acted as a leading indicator for Ethereum price discovery.The index recently printed a new all-time high near 2,738, a development that previously preceded periods of aggressive ETH upside.If correlations remain intact, analysts say small-cap equity strength could once again act as a tailwind for Ethereum in the weeks ahead.ETH whale accumulation reinforces downside supportOnchain data adds another layer of confirmation.According to CryptoQuant, Ethereum accumulation addresses — wallets that consistently buy without distributing — continue to increase their realized price, which now sits near $2,720.Historically, this metric has served as a strong structural support zone, and in prior cycles, ETH has not sustained breakdowns below the realized price of accumulation addresses.With spot ETH trading relatively close to this level, analysts estimate potential downside may be limited to roughly 7%, placing a potential local bottom near the same zone.The $2,700–$2,750 range also aligns with key external liquidity clusters, increasing the probability of a technical and behavioral response if price revisits the area.Liquidity — not narratives — may drive the next ETH moveWhile short-term volatility continues across crypto markets, analysts argue that Ethereum’s larger trajectory is increasingly tied to global liquidity conditions, rather than headlines or isolated technical indicators.In previous cycles, ETH’s strongest rallies began only after liquidity expanded and risk appetite quietly returned — often before broader sentiment shifted.If the current macro alignment continues to hold, Ethereum may be positioning for a delayed but powerful breakout, echoing the structure that fueled its last triple-digit rally.
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