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Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, seems to be drawing attention as analysts observe market metrics that indicates the possible next move for ETH. Recent data from CryptoQuant has highlighted patterns in accumulation and exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows, providing a detailed look at Ethereum’s potential trajectory as it underperforms relative to Bitcoin in the current cycle. Related Reading: Ethereum Price Faces Pressure: Bulls Tested After Setback Analyzing Trends in Accumulation and ETF Inflows In a series of posts shared on social media platform X, CryptoQuant analysts dissected Ethereum’s key metrics. One of the standout observations was Ethereum’s balance in accumulation addresses. These addresses now hold approximately 19.5 million ETH, valued at around $78 billion. For comparison, Bitcoin accumulation addresses hold about 2.8 million BTC, worth $280 billion. While the dollar value of Bitcoin held is four times larger than Ethereum, this aligns with their relative market capitalizations, offering insights into investor behaviour. Another critical metric spotlighted was the steady inflow into Ethereum-focused ETFs over the past months. Notable spikes were recorded on several key dates, including $1.1 billion on November 11 and $839 million on December 4, 2024. According to the CryptoQuant analysts, these consistent inflows are a strong indicator of institutional buying interest, reinforcing Ethereum’s growing appeal among large-scale investors. The Ethereum ETF has seen steady inflows in recent months. Key spikes on: Nov 11, 2024: $1,100M Nov 21, 2024: $754M Nov 25, 2024: $629M Nov 27, 2024: $883M Dec 4, 2024: $839M These inflows reflect strong buying pressure. pic.twitter.com/OIwWNmRPYB — CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) December 10, 2024 Despite the strong ETF demand, Ethereum’s price movements have been less dramatic compared to Bitcoin’s performance in this cycle. Historically, Ethereum’s price peaks have trailed Bitcoin’s, as seen during the 2021 bull run. At that time, Bitcoin hit an all-time high (ATH) in March with a 480% gain, while Ethereum peaked few months after with roughly 1,114% increase. However, in the current cycle, Ethereum appears to be underperforming, signaling a shift in market dynamics. Taker Volume and Potential Growth Furthermore, a significant area of concern the analysts mentioned is the Ethereum’s taker volume, which reflects market sentiment by comparing aggressive buying and selling activity. CryptoQuant reported that Ethereum’s taker-seller volume has hit a record low of -400 million. This aggressive selling activity is reminiscent of patterns observed before its ATH in 2021. While the current selling pressure may seem bearish, it could also signal a market nearing a critical pivot point. Ethereum Taker Volume is at its lowest level on record. Ethereum’s price weakness is due to high taker-seller volume, now at a record low of -400 million, indicating aggressive selling. A similar pattern occurred before Ethereum’s peak in May 2021. Despite this, there may still… pic.twitter.com/OmRYvAzjxI — CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) December 10, 2024 The analysts emphasized that Ethereum’s underperformance in this cycle does not preclude the possibility of significant growth. Related Reading: Ethereum Price Breakout: Charting The Uncertain Part Of ETH To $18,000 The interplay between accumulation patterns, ETF inflows, and taker volume suggests that Ethereum could still have room for upward momentum. Featured image created with DALL-E, Chart from TradingView