Ethereum is trading above $3,050 after enduring weeks of intense selling pressure and a deep capitulation phase among short-term holders. While fear continues to dominate sentiment, new data suggests that market participation has remained surprisingly strong throughout the year. According to a CryptoQuant report by Arab Chain, Ethereum’s real-time trading volume across all major platforms highlights a pivotal period in its 2025 trajectory. Throughout the year, ETH’s monthly trading activity fluctuated widely. Volume initially dipped into the $280–$380 billion range during the market’s early-year slowdown. However, a major resurgence followed mid-year, driven by heightened volatility, renewed institutional activity, and broader macro shifts. This surge pushed Ethereum’s total monthly trading volume to a cycle peak of over $599 billion in August—one of the strongest liquidity expansions in recent years. Although activity cooled afterward, the market remained far from inactive. By the end of November, total trading volume still hovered around $375 billion, underscoring persistent engagement from both retail and institutional participants despite bearish price action. Institutional Activity and Exchange Liquidity Strengthen Ethereum’s Market Structure Arab Chain explains that the sharp rise in Ethereum’s trading volume reflects significantly improved market liquidity and strong trader engagement amid rapid price swings throughout 2025. Volatility has been a defining feature of the year, and macroeconomic developments—from shifting futures positioning to broader risk sentiment—have amplified trading behavior. Large traders, in particular, have played an increasingly influential role, responding to futures market dynamics and macro shifts with high-volume transactions that fueled liquidity spikes. Within this environment, Binance has remained the central hub for Ethereum trading. Data shows that ETH spot volume on Binance alone reached around $198 billion in November, underscoring the exchange’s unmatched influence over real-time liquidity flows and short-term price discovery. Both institutional and retail traders continue to rely heavily on Binance’s depth, efficiency, and tight spreads, reinforcing its role as the dominant marketplace for major crypto assets. Meanwhile, Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have provided a parallel channel for institutional involvement. ETF trading volume climbed to nearly $35 billion in November, demonstrating substantial interest from traditional investors seeking regulated exposure to ETH. This structured liquidity has added a stabilizing layer to the ecosystem, further strengthening Ethereum’s overall market profile during a period of heightened uncertainty. Testing Support After a Deep Multi-Week Correction Ethereum is attempting to stabilize above the $3,000 level after a sharp multi-week decline that pushed the asset to its lowest point since early 2025. The weekly chart shows that ETH has bounced from a key confluence zone near the 200-week moving average, a historically important region where long-term investors often step in. This rebound suggests that buyers are defending structural support, but momentum remains fragile. The chart reveals a clear breakdown from the mid-2025 uptrend, with price slipping below the 50-week and 100-week moving averages. These moving averages have now turned into overhead resistance, reflecting a shift in market sentiment. For ETH to regain bullish traction, reclaiming these moving averages will be crucial. Despite the current bounce, the broader structure shows lower highs forming since the September peak, keeping Ethereum in a vulnerable position. Bulls must protect the $3,000 region and push toward a higher low to avoid a deeper retracement. The coming weeks will determine whether this is a temporary relief rally or the beginning of a larger recovery trend. Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com
