Ethereum Leads Market-Wide Drawdown As Altcoin Correlation Spikes – Details

Ethereum saw a powerful recovery this week, rebounding sharply from a $1,380 low and surging over 21% within hours. The rally was fueled by a temporary shift in macro sentiment following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for all countries except China, which remains under a 125% tariff. The news sparked a relief rally across financial markets, with Ethereum leading the bounce in the crypto sector.

Despite the strong move, ETH remains below key technical levels, and price action is showing signs of consolidation as bulls attempt to build momentum. The broader altcoin market continues to struggle, with sector-wide weakness weighing on investor confidence.

According to data from Glassnode, all major altcoin sectors have experienced sharp declines in recent months. The correction has been broad-based and highly correlated, offering little in terms of idiosyncratic performance. Even Bitcoin and Ethereum—typically seen as the most resilient assets in crypto—have posted negative returns over the same period.

As Ethereum enters a consolidation phase, traders are watching closely to see whether this bounce marks the beginning of a sustained recovery or just another short-lived reaction in a broader downtrend.

Ethereum Faces a Crucial Test Amid Macroeconomic Headwinds

Ethereum is once again at a pivotal point in the market, following weeks of intense selling pressure and uncertainty. After plunging to fresh lows, ETH bulls are finally stepping in, attempting to reclaim key levels after a strong bounce from the $1,380 mark. The move comes amid heightened volatility across global markets—not just in crypto, but in equities as well—as fears of a global recession and extended trade disputes between the U.S. and China continue to rattle investor sentiment.

Despite the bounce, Ethereum remains in fragile territory. The market is clearly divided: some investors see this rebound as the beginning of a recovery, while others caution it could be just a temporary pause in a deeper correction. The macroeconomic environment remains hostile, with U.S. tariffs still posing a major risk to both traditional and digital assets.

Glassnode data adds context to Ethereum’s struggle, showing that all altcoin sectors have moved sharply lower in recent months. There has been little differentiation between projects, with the drawdown being broad-based and highly correlated. Even Bitcoin and Ethereum—typically viewed as the strongest assets in crypto—have posted negative returns.

Ethereum has led this decline, losing over 60% of its value since late December. The sharp drop has triggered growing speculation about a potential bear market forming across the broader altcoin space. Whether this recent bounce will evolve into a sustainable rally or falter under macroeconomic pressure remains to be seen. For now, Ethereum faces a defining moment in its current cycle.

Bulls Struggles to Reclaim Key Levels But Defend $1,500

Ethereum is trading at $1,560 after failing to hold above the $1,600 mark and reclaim the critical $1,800 level. Despite the recent bounce from lower lows, ETH remains in a fragile position as market volatility rises and macroeconomic uncertainty continues to pressure risk assets.

Bulls are starting to build momentum, but the recovery is far from confirmed. Holding above $1,500 is now essential to prevent a continuation of the downtrend. This level has acted as a psychological support zone in previous market cycles, and losing it could trigger another wave of panic selling—especially as sentiment in the broader altcoin market remains subdued.

If bulls can defend the $1,500 level and consolidate above it, there’s a chance to reclaim higher levels in the short term, potentially challenging $1,600 again. However, a decisive break below $1,500 would likely lead to further downside, with price targets potentially extending into the $1,300–$1,200 range.

As volatility continues to drive erratic price action, ETH holders remain cautious. A confirmed push above $1,600 would help restore some confidence, but for now, Ethereum remains in a critical battle to hold its ground.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView