The Ether price has held above $1,820 for the past three weeks, despite facing a 13.7% correction between April 18-21. Still, analyzing a broader time frame provides a more constructive view, as Ether (ETH) has gained 20.8% in three months while the S&P 500 stock market index has stood flat. However, according to ETH options and futures metrics, the gains have not been enough to make professional investors bullish.
Worsening macroeconomic conditions have driven cryptocurrencies’ positive momentum in 2023, including the ongoing banking crisis. According to Arthur Hayes, former CEO of crypto derivatives exchange BitMEX, if the government refuses to bail out First Republic Bank, it could set off a dangerous chain reaction of insolvencies.
Recession risks increased after the United States economy grew at a modest 1.1% annualized pace in the first quarter, well below the 2% expected. Meanwhile, inflation continues to hurt the economy, as the personal consumption expenditures price index rose 4.2% in the first quarter.
Driving the bearishness from whales and market makers is the diminishing total value locked (TVL) and average transaction fees above $4 since February on the Ethereum network. According to DefiLlama data, Ethereum decentralized applications…
