Since Ethereum’s (ETH) price fell below $4,000 on December 17, it has struggled to reclaim that level, fueling speculation that ETH might not return to the zone before the end of 2024.

However, a 5% price increase in the last 24 hours suggests sentiment might be shifting. For Ethereum to retest the $4,000 mark, several key factors must align. Here’s what needs to happen.

Ethereum Holders Get Set to Break the Hurdle

According to the In/Out of Money Around Price (IOMAP), Ethereum price holds strong support at $3,352. At this point, 3.34 million Ethereum addresses hold 3.18 million coins and are in profit. 

The IOMAP classifies addresses based on unrealized profits, losses, or breakeven points. The larger the volume or addresses at an accumulation range, the stronger the support or resistance. Therefore, a higher volume out of the money signals stronger resistance, while a higher volume in the money indicates stronger support.

As seen below, the major resistance for Ethereum price to surpass lies at $3,508. Here, 3.90 million Ethereum addresses purchased 1.62 million ETH. Therefore, if buying pressure increases, the cryptocurrency’s value might surpass this hurdle and trade closer to $4,000.

Another indicator supporting the bullish bias is the Coins Holding Time. As the name states, the coin holding Time measures the period a cryptocurrency has been held without being sold or transacted.

The higher the holding time rises, the longer holders have refrained from selling. Also, when the holding time decreases, it indicates that investors are selling. 

Based on IntoTheBlock’s data, Ethereum’s holding time has increased by 332% in the last seven days. Should this trend continue, then Ethereum’s bullish thesis mentioned above might be validated.