ETH open interest jumps $654M as price tumbles to $2.8K — traders return amid oversold signals

Ethereum (ETH) saw a sharp uptick in futures activity after its price dipped to around $2,800. Open interest in ETH futures rose by roughly $653.8 million (about +4.3%) following the drop, while 24-hour trading volume exceeded $23.8 billion. Analysts noted the Stochastic RSI on the weekly chart moving into a lower range, historically associated with bounces from oversold conditions. Commentators Maartunn and Michaël van de Poppe highlighted that traders are re-entering leverage positions and that ETH is holding support against BTC near 0.0315–0.0325 BTC, with the pair above its 50-day moving average. Technical watch points include resistance near $3,055 — a breakout could trigger bullish setups — and downside risk if support fails. Separately, a Hashed dashboard estimates ETH’s fair value near $4,869, implying significant upside versus the current price. Key takeaways for traders: elevated open interest signals renewed leverage and higher short-term volatility; oversold technicals suggest potential for a rebound; monitor $3,055 and the ETH/BTC support band for trade triggers and risk management.
Neutral
The news is neutral-to-cautiously bullish for ETH but not unambiguously positive. The sharp rise in open interest (+~$654M) after a drop to $2.8K signals that leveraged traders are re-entering — which increases short-term liquidity and volatility but also raises liquidation risk if momentum continues downward. Technical indicators (weekly Stochastic RSI at oversold levels) and historical patterns suggest a credible chance of a rebound, supporting a mildly bullish case. ETH holding its BTC pair support (0.0315–0.0325 BTC) and remaining above the 50-day MA are constructive signs. However, the 8% 24-hour price fall and high leverage exposure mean downside risk remains if support fails or if a cascade of liquidations occurs. Key levels to watch: upside breakout above $3,055 could validate bullish setups; failure below the stated ETH/BTC support or key spot supports would tilt the market bearish. For traders: expect elevated short-term volatility, use tighter risk controls around leverage, and monitor open interest and volume changes for confirmation of trend continuation or reversal.