Ethereum News: ETH Rebounds Above $3K As Options Expire

Key TakeawaysEthereum price rises 1.21% to reclaim the $3,000 levelETH options expiry above $2,950 max pain eases selling pressureBitMine’s $97.6M ETH purchase shows some institutions remain bullishEthereum price moved back above $3,000 on Thursday as derivatives dynamics, improving risk sentiment, and steady institutional activity supported a short-term rebound. The move is notable as ETH attempts to stabilize after weeks of subdued momentum. Ethereum Price Climbs Above $3K After Options ExpiryEthereum rose 1.21% over the past 24 hours to around $3,012, slightly outperforming Bitcoin and broadly matching gains across the crypto market. The advance followed the settlement of $395 million in ETH options, with prices holding above the $2,950 max pain level.Derivatives data showed a 0.62 put/call ratio, reflecting heavier bullish positioning into expiry. Analysts noted that holding above max pain likely reduced post-expiry selling pressure, allowing ETH to stabilize. Market Context Improves As Risk Appetite ReturnsBroader risk sentiment improved alongside gains in Asian equity markets, with Hong Kong and South Korea stocks posting solid advances. A softer U.S. dollar also supported digital assets, reinforcing Ethereum’s role as a liquidity proxy during risk-on phases.The ETH/BTC ratio increased 0.6% to 0.0339, signaling mild altcoin rotation. Ethereum’s correlation with traditional markets remains elevated, reflecting its sensitivity to macro-driven flows. Technical Indicators Show Short-Term StrengthFrom a technical perspective, Ethereum reclaimed several short-term averages. The 10-day EMA at $2,973.8, 20-day EMA at $2,984.2, and 30-day EMA at $3,013.5 now sit close to spot levels, suggesting improving near-term structure.Momentum indicators also turned constructive. The MACD histogram moved positive for the first time since mid-December, while RSI readings remain in neutral territory, leaving room for further upside. Overhead resistance remains near $3,110, followed by longer-term levels around the 200-day EMA at $3,358.6.Source: TradingView Institutional Accumulation Offsets Thin LiquidityOn the institutional front, Ethereum treasury firm BitMine Immersion Technologies revealed that in the week ending December 29, 2025, they added 44,463 ETH, and the company now holds over 4 million ETH, reinforcing ongoing institutional confidence despite muted year-end conditions.Fundstrat’s Tom Lee attributed recent price pressure to tax-loss selling and low holiday liquidity, noting that reduced participation leaves markets more sensitive to flows. BitMine’s accumulation and additional staking activity point to confidence beyond short-term volatility. ETH Outlook: Momentum Builds But Confirmation NeededEthereum’s recovery above $3,000 improves short-term sentiment, but analysts caution that sustained volume above $11.5 billion daily is needed to confirm a broader trend shift. Open interest remains elevated, keeping volatility risks in focus.