Ethereum Open Interest Hits Record $50 Billion – Volatility Incoming?

[Ben Graham]

Ethereum is holding firm above the $3,500 level, a key support reclaimed last Friday, signaling renewed strength in the market. After surging over 70% since late June, ETH appears to have entered a new bullish phase driven by rising demand and institutional interest. The momentum has shifted clearly in favor of the bulls, with technical structure and price action aligning to support further upside.

Adding to the bullish outlook, CryptoQuant data shows that Ethereum open interest has reached an all-time high, pointing to growing trader activity and rising capital in ETH derivatives markets. This surge in open interest often precedes large price movements, suggesting that Ethereum could see heightened volatility and expansion in the coming days.

The combination of sustained price levels, strong trend continuation, and increasing participation sets the stage for a potentially explosive move. If bulls can maintain control above $3,500, Ethereum could be gearing up for a fresh leg higher in the short term. As the market awaits confirmation, all eyes are on ETH to see whether this momentum can drive it toward new 2025 highs. The coming week could prove pivotal for Ethereum’s medium-term trend.

Ethereum Open Interest Hits Record ATH

Ethereum’s market setup continues to strengthen, with open interest in ETH derivatives reaching a new all-time high of $50 billion, according to CryptoQuant data shared by analyst Ted Pillows. “Buckle up and enjoy the Ethereum ride,” Pillows stated, highlighting the elevated volatility ahead as a potential springboard for aggressive price action. This level of open interest is historically significant and often signals that large players are positioning for a major move.

Such a dramatic increase in capital committed to ETH futures and options suggests rising investor confidence and heightened anticipation of directional momentum. While high open interest can lead to either a sharp rally or a correction, current on-chain and macro fundamentals indicate that the market may be leaning bullish.

Ethereum’s network growth remains steady, with rising active addresses, validator participation, and increased activity on Layer 2s. More importantly, the recent passage of the GENIUS Act in the US provides legal clarity for stablecoins and lays the foundation for broader crypto regulation, benefiting Ethereum directly as the base layer for DeFi and real-world asset tokenization.

ETH Breaks Out With Eyes On Key Resistance

Ethereum (ETH) has confirmed a powerful breakout above the psychological $3,500 level, closing at $3,588.26 on the 3-day chart. The move follows a strong rally from late June lows, with the price now up over 70% in less than a month. Importantly, ETH has broken past all major moving averages, including the 50, 100, and 200 SMAs, signaling a shift toward bullish momentum across longer timeframes.

Volume has increased significantly during this breakout, reinforcing the strength of the move. The next major resistance lies at $3,742.95, a level that previously acted as a local top earlier in the year. A successful close above this mark could open the door for a retest of the $4,000–$4,200 range.

On the downside, $2,852.16 now serves as a key support level. This level marked previous consolidation and breakout, aligning with the confluence of former resistance and the 200-day moving average. Holding above this zone is critical to maintain the current bullish structure.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView