Ether Supply on Exchanges Hits Record Low, Analysts Predict Potential Price Squeeze
According to Cointelegraph, the amount of Ether (ETH) held on centralized cryptocurrency exchanges has reached an unprecedented low, raising concerns about a potential supply squeeze. Data from Glassnode reveals that ETH exchange balances fell to 8.7% last Thursday, marking the lowest level since the Ethereum network's inception in mid-2015. By Sunday, this figure slightly increased to 8.8%, yet it remains significantly low. Since the beginning of July, the amount of ETH on exchanges has decreased by 43%, coinciding with a surge in digital asset treasury (DAT) purchasing.
The macro investment research platform, Milk Road, highlighted that Ether is entering its tightest supply environment ever, a situation not previously observed. In contrast, Bitcoin's presence on exchanges is higher, standing at 14.7%, according to Glassnode. Milk Road further explained that ETH is being absorbed into areas that do not typically sell, such as staking, restaking, layer-2 activities, DATs, collateral loops, and long-term custody. This absorption could lead to a supply squeeze, potentially driving price momentum. Despite current market sentiment feeling heavy, the tightening ETH supply is occurring in the background, and once the gap closes, prices are expected to follow.
Analyst Sykodelic noted a breakout in the On-Balance Volume (OBV) indicator, a volume-based momentum tool, above resistance last Friday. Although the price faced rejection, this divergence often signals hidden buying strength that could precede upward movements. Sykodelic emphasized that while indicators do not guarantee outcomes, OBV is considered one of the most reliable leading indicators. Coupled with bullish price action, there is an expectation of a rise before any significant pullback.
Ether prices have largely remained above $3,000 over the past five days, though resistance at $3,200 has not been breached. In the last 24 hours, ETH has consolidated around the $3,050 mark. The performance of Ether against Bitcoin also drew attention last week, as the ETH/BTC pair broke above a downtrend line, indicating potential bullish momentum.
