Ethereum has struggled to maintain momentum after failing to clear the $3,220 resistance zone. The rejection triggered a controlled pullback, pushing ETH into a short-term corrective phase rather than a sharp sell-off.
This price behavior reflects broader market hesitation. Bitcoin also faced resistance at higher levels, keeping Ethereum from attracting aggressive follow-through buying.
Price Holds Key Support as Buyers Regroup
ETH dipped below $3,200 and $3,120 before finding demand near $3,050. That level has now emerged as a critical short-term floor.
The recovery attempt gained some technical support after Ethereum broke above a previously restrictive bearish trend line around $3,100. While this does not confirm a full trend reversal, it suggests sellers are losing immediate control.
Ethereum remains below the 100-hour Simple Moving Average, highlighting that bulls still have work to do before confidence fully returns.
Resistance Zones Define the Next Move
On the upside, $3,150 is the first area where sellers are expected to defend aggressively. A stronger barrier sits near $3,180, which aligns with a key Fibonacci retracement level from the recent decline.
If Ethereum manages a clean break above $3,210, momentum could accelerate. In that scenario, price may attempt a move toward $3,250 and potentially retest the $3,300 to $3,320 range.
Such a move would signal that buyers are no longer reacting defensively, but actively positioning for continuation.
Downside Risks Still in Play
Failure to reclaim $3,180 would keep Ethereum vulnerable to renewed selling pressure. Immediate downside support rests near $3,080, followed closely by the $3,050 zone.
A confirmed break below $3,050 would weaken the short-term structure and could open the door toward $3,020 and the psychologically important $3,000 level.
These levels are closely watched by both short-term traders and long-term participants assessing risk exposure.
Indicators Show Mixed Momentum
Technical indicators paint a nuanced picture. The hourly MACD is building strength in bullish territory, hinting that upward pressure is slowly increasing.
However, the RSI remains below the 50 mark, indicating that buying momentum has not yet reached dominant levels.
According to market analysts, Ethereum is entering a compression phase where price action tightens before a decisive move.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and risky. Always conduct your research before making any investment decisions
