Ethereum's 2026 Setup Draws Attention as Key On-Chain Metrics Align
$ETH is drawing attention as analysts highlight patterns that mirror previous cycle expansions. With a combination of long-term technical structure and whale-level cost basis signals, ETH could be preparing for a major breakout heading into 2026.
Key Takeaways:
ETH's current setup mirrors past Ethereum cycles (2017 and 2021), where consolidation, a shakeout, and then a parabolic run followed.
Ethereum is now trading near its whale cost basis, a level historically associated with accumulation and upcoming upward trends.
The chart suggests
$ETH is poised for a breakout heading into 2026, as momentum from previous cycles points to a potential rally.
Technical and On-Chain Signals Align
The 2025 shakeout tested long-term support, similar to previous behavior before significant rallies. Whale cost basis data, provided by CryptoQuant, shows that ETH is now trading at levels seen during periods of accumulation by large holders.
Despite the evolving market conditions, the combination of long-term technical structure and on-chain data points to a familiar, strong setup for Ethereum as it enters 2026, with increased accumulation signals and the potential for a major breakout.