markets awaiting a big move

Ethereum is quickly regaining ground, approaching its all-time highs as financial markets discreetly prepare for a possible significant shift. 

According to Jag Kooner, Head of Derivatives at Bitfinex, a combination of strong inflows into ETFs, renewed institutional interest, and a favorable macroeconomic environment are bringing traders back to risky assets. 

In this scenario, both bitcoin and ether are recording an increase in long positions, while the options data show low implied volatility and an increase in open interest. All signals that, according to Kooner, indicate that the market is preparing for a decisive move.

The key elements of Ethereum (ETH) recovery

ETF and institutional accumulation

The main engine of this new bullish phase of Ethereum is represented by the strong inflows into the ETFs dedicated to the cryptocurrency. The interest of institutional investors, who are steadily accumulating positions, helps to consolidate confidence in the market.

This phenomenon not only supports the price of ether, but also represents a sign of maturation of the entire cryptocurrency sector, now increasingly integrated into the portfolios of professional operators.

The favorable macroeconomic context

Another determining factor came from the macroeconomic front. The recent data on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), lower than expected, have strengthened expectations of a possible interest rate cut. This scenario has pushed traders to return to riskier assets, such as bitcoin and ether, further fueling the ongoing rally. The prospect of a more accommodative monetary policy indeed represents a tailwind for the entire cryptocurrency sector.

Market dynamics: volatility and open interest

A particularly interesting aspect highlighted by Kooner concerns the options data. Currently, the market shows a very low implied volatility and a growing open interest. This combination suggests that traders are accumulating positions in anticipation of a possible sudden movement, but at the same time, they are hedging against downside risk. In practice, the market is in a phase of volatility compression: a situation that often precedes sharp and decisive movements, both in bull and bear directions.

Risks and short-term prospects

Sustainability of momentum

According to Kooner’s analysis, the current momentum of Ethereum appears sustainable in the short term, provided that bitcoin manages to stay above certain key technical levels. The correlation between the two main cryptocurrencies remains very tight, and a potential drop in bitcoin could trigger corrections on ether as well.

The role of compressed volatility

The current low volatility represents a double-edged sword. On one hand, it favors orderly growth without excesses, but on the other, it exposes the market to the risk of sudden movements in case of macroeconomic shocks or unforeseen events. In these conditions, even a negative news could have an amplified impact on prices, generating significant swings in a very short time.

The forecasts for Ethereum: the scenario for 2025

Looking beyond the short term, the consensus among institutional investors focuses on a price range between 6,000 and 7,500 dollars for ETH by the end of 2025. This forecast is based on some key conditions: the continuation of ETF demand, a stable macroeconomic environment, and the absence of significant regulatory hurdles. In the presence of these factors, according to Kooner, Ethereum’s growth path could continue without particular interruptions.

However, achieving these objectives will depend on the market’s ability to maintain the current momentum and the sustainability of favorable conditions. Any changes in regulation or macroeconomic shocks could quickly alter the scenario. It is therefore essential to constantly monitor both the flows in ETFs and the dynamics of volatility and open interest, to anticipate any reversal signals.

Conclusions: Ethereum at the center of attention

In summary, Ethereum is in a crucial phase, driven by inflows into ETFs, institutional accumulation, and a favorable macroeconomic context. Market data suggests that operators are preparing for a significant movement, while compressed volatility indicates that the next shock, positive or negative, could have amplified effects. Institutional investors’ forecasts for 2025 remain optimistic, but the path will inevitably be influenced by the evolution of the macro and regulatory framework.

For observers and investors, the advice is clear: stay vigilant, monitor key signals, and be prepared to seize opportunities that may arise in an increasingly mature and dynamic market.

Source: https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2025/08/14/ethereum-approaches-all-time-highs-markets-await-a-big-move/