In recent days, Ethereum (ETH) has encountered challenges, with its price declining notably alongside a decrease in network activity. However, amidst these setbacks, there are signs of potential support from whale investors, raising questions about the network's future trajectory.
Activity on the Ethereum network has experienced a notable downturn, reflected in various metrics. The median gas price on Ethereum plummeted to its lowest level of the year, reaching as low as 12.5 gwei, with the current gas standing at 8 gwei, according to Dune Analytics. This decline coincided with a growing preference among users for alternative blockchains like Solana (SOL) and Base.
Source: Dune Analytics
While lower gas fees may initially appear beneficial, they could indicate reduced demand for transactions on Ethereum, potentially signaling a slowdown in user engagement and dApp usage. Moreover, the deployment of smart contracts on the Ethereum network has also seen a decline, suggesting a potential decrease in developer activity and innovation within the ecosystem.
Source: Dune Analytics
Despite Ethereum's challenges, there has been a recent uptick in its price, experiencing a growth of 5.61% in the last 24 hours, with ETH trading at $3,242.75 at press time. This resurgence in price has been attributed to increased interest from whale investors, as indicated by Santiment's data.
While whale-driven price surges may initially be perceived positively, they could introduce risks to Ethereum's ecosystem, including heightened market manipulation and volatility. The concentration of ETH in the hands of large addresses raises concerns about the potential impact of their trading activities on price movements.
Furthermore, the growth in the total number of addresses holding ETH suggests not only whale interest but also participation from retail investors. However, the decline in ETH's velocity, indicating a decrease in trading frequency, may pose challenges for price stability in the future.
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