Ethereum is currently navigating a precarious technical landscape as it teeters on the edge of the psychological $2,000 barrier.
February 17, 2026 — Ethereum (ETH) is entering a high-stakes period of price discovery as it battles persistent bearish momentum. After failing to sustain a move above the $2,000 mark earlier this week, the second-largest cryptocurrency is now eyeing critical support levels that could determine its trajectory for the remainder of Q1.
The Technical Outlook: Bearish Dominance
The daily chart for ETH/USD currently paints a cautious picture for investors. The price action is characterized by diverging bearish Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), a classic signal that the downtrend is gaining strength rather than exhausting itself.
While ETH saw a modest rebound after testing the $1,740 support zone, the "relief rally" lacks the volume typically associated with a definitive bottom. As long as the price remains suppressed under these EMAs, the market bias remains firmly to the downside.
The Bear Case: A Drop to $1,500
The $1,740 level is now the line in the sand for bulls. Technical analysts suggest that a clean break and a daily close below this support could trigger a "liquidation cascade," as stop-loss orders for long positions are likely clustered just beneath it.
Target: If $1,740 fails, the next major historical support sits at $1,500.Sentiment: Current derivatives data shows a slight increase in short positioning, suggesting that traders are bracing for a potential breakdown.
The Bull Case: The Path to $2,630
Despite the bearish pressure, a reversal is not off the table. For a bullish trend reversal to be confirmed, Ethereum must achieve a decisive breach of the $2,125 resistance.
The Catalyst: Reclaiming $2,125 would flip the script, potentially turning previous resistance into a new floor.The Target: Once cleared, the path opens toward the $2,630 resistance zone, which served as a significant distribution point in early January.
As of today, ETH is trading in a tight range between $1,937 and $1,980. The market's indecision is reflected in the Relative Strength Index (RSI), which is currently hovering in neutral-to-bearish territory. Investors are advised to watch the $1,740 level closely; the reaction there over the next 48 hours will likely set the tone for the coming weeks.
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