December 30th, Ethereum (ETH) price fluctuated around $3,000. Different data sources show slight variations due to different reporting times.

· Latest Price: approximately $2,979.47 (as of 3:11 AM today)
· Intraday Dynamics: Brief rebound above $3,000.29 occurred this morning.
· Recent Trend: Price remains within a clear downtrend channel, unable to effectively break through key resistance levels.

Key Price Level Analysis

Below are the current technical levels that require close attention, as they determine the short-term bullish or bearish direction:

Resistance Levels (Key pressures to break through for upward movement)

· Primary Resistance: around $3,080. This is the upper boundary of the current downtrend channel and the 0.5 Fibonacci retracement level. Breaking this level is the first signal of trend reversal.
· Strong Resistance Zone: between $3,080 and $3,300. Analysis suggests that only if the price consistently stays above $3,300 can a larger rebound be initiated.
· Breakout Target: if successfully stabilizing above $3,150, the next key target is $3,700.

Support Levels (Key positions to defend during downward movement)

· Recent Support: $2,830. This is the first significant support during the decline.
· Critical Consensus Support: near $2,700. On-chain data shows a large accumulation of chips (about 17.9 million ETH) here, widely regarded as a strong support zone.
· Deep Correction Support: if $2,700 is lost, the next important supports are around $2,400 and $2,115.

Market Status and Strategic Outlook

Based on various sources, the current market exhibits the following characteristics, requiring special attention during trading:

1. Unclear trend, contesting key levels: ETH is in an overall downtrend but attempting to stabilize above key supports ($2,700-$2,800). Bulls and bears are vying around the $3,000 mark and the $3,080 resistance.
2. Low market liquidity: Due to year-end holidays, overall crypto market trading is light, with thin liquidity. This makes prices near key levels (like $3,000) more prone to sharp but unsustainable volatility.
3. Potential turning points: Some research institutions indicate that the market is "building undercurrents," and ETH may see a trend reversal in January 2026. The short-term bull-bear dividing line is around $2,991.
4. Diverging institutional behaviors: On one hand, large institutions (such as Bitmine) have been making large ETH purchases throughout December, showing long-term confidence; on the other hand, fund flow data indicates recent net outflows from Ethereum investment products.

Strategic Recommendations:

· For short-term traders: The current environment is characterized by high volatility and low trend clarity. Focus on breaking through the $3,080 resistance and the $2,830-$2,700 support zones. Before effective breakthroughs, range trading with high sell-high, buy-low strategies may be appropriate, but with light positions and strict stop-losses.
· For medium- to long-term investors: The consensus support zone around $2,700 is crucial. Consider using this area as an important observation and phased entry zone. Also, monitor whether the trend will shift as expected after liquidity recovers in January 2026.