2026: Towards a New Record for Ethereum?
In January 2026, Ethereum sparked intense debate. After a 36% drop from its August 2025 peak, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency showed low social sentiment. However, this trend eerily resembled the period preceding the previous surge in 2025. Experts wondered: was this drop signaling a historic recovery for the cryptocurrency?
Sentiment around Ethereum is low, but historically, this has preceded major rallies, as seen in 2025.
Forecasts for 2026 range between $4,250 and $10,000, according to experts and platforms such as Kalshi or Polymarket.
Investors should monitor key levels ($3,000 and $3,500) and use the Fear & Greed index to optimize their cryptocurrency strategies.
Ethereum: Is a drop in social sentiment a sign of an imminent increase?
While Ethereum dominates the DeFi market, sentiment around ETH is currently at its lowest point, according to Brian Quinlivan. In January 2026, the cryptocurrency traded around $3,089, far from the $4,878 peak reached in August 2025. However, this drop in investor confidence is not necessarily bad news. Historically, negative sentiment has preceded major rallies, such as the 70% increase Ethereum experienced in just a few months in 2025.
Data shows that 59% of Kalshi traders believe Ethereum will exceed $4,250 by 2026, while 40% predict it will surpass $5,000. Additionally, the Fear & Greed index, currently at 29, confirms this "fear" trend, a level typically associated with buying opportunities. This dynamic, where widespread pessimism can precede a rebound, is a well-known phenomenon among experienced investors. It requires close monitoring of upcoming market movements.
