Ethereum Eyes $5,000 in “Most Hated Rally” – Is the Market Ready?

Ethereum may be on the verge of a 100% rally, and barely anyone’s ready for it.

A potent chart formation known as the “Power of 3” is flashing loud on ETH’s price chart — a setup that could catapult the second-largest crypto asset to $5,000 this quarter. If it plays out, it would mirror Ethereum’s explosive 2017 run… but with a lot more at stake this time.

What’s the “Power of 3” Setup?

This institutional pattern follows three stages:

1. Accumulation: Quiet sideways action (May 9–June 20), where smart money loads up.
2. Manipulation: A fake-out drop below $2,200, meant to trigger panic-selling (✓ done).
3. Distribution: The current phase — where price violently reverses and heads for new highs.

This final stage targets a massive liquidity sweep above $5,000, especially as trapped shorts get squeezed.

“We’re entering the most hated rally of the year,” said Bitmine’s new chief Thomas Lee, citing similarities to Ethereum’s pre-ICO bull era.

Spot ETF Inflows Validate the Pattern

Backing the bullish case, institutional flows are surging.

According to Glassnode, spot ETH ETFs recorded 106,000 ETH in net inflows last week — the 7th straight week of gains. That kind of quiet accumulation often signals a major institutional push in progress.

But Bears Haven’t Given Up Yet

Despite the bullish technicals, Ethereum isn’t out of the woods:

• A whale shifted $237M in ETH from staking to Binance, likely to sell.
• ETH still struggles to break $2,500, a key psychological and technical level.
• Open interest in shorts has risen, funding has turned negative, and spot volume is fading.

Some analysts warn of a 25% downside toward $1,600 if Ethereum breaks key multi-year support.

“Shorts are stacking up. Bears are circling. But if ETH holds above $2,350, the breakout scenario is still alive,” noted analyst @‌exitpump.

ETH Price: What to Watch

Key SupportKey ResistanceBull TargetBear Target$2,275$2,500$5,000$1,600

Bullish scenario: Above $2,500 confirms the distribution phase. Next stop: $2,879 and beyond.

Bearish scenario: A rejection here opens the door to $2,111, with deep liquidity sitting under $2,200.