Ethereum Breaks $4K, Analysts Target $10K in Bull Run

Ethereum’s breakthrough above the psychologically important $4,000 resistance level has triggered a significant price surge, with ETH jumping to $4,300 and gaining roughly 4% in a single day. The move was accompanied by substantial trading volume exceeding $34 billion, indicating strong market participation and conviction behind the breakout. This technical milestone represents the latest step in what analyst Merlijn The Trader describes as Ethereum’s price “ladder,” where each breakout establishes a higher base for subsequent rallies.

Merlijn The Trader’s analysis identifies three major historical breakout levels that have defined Ethereum’s long-term trajectory: the $1,440 peak in 2018, the $4,400–$4,800 highs in 2021, and the recent breakout above $4,000 in 2025. His chart analysis shows ETH moving within a long-term ascending channel with projected targets at $6,500, $8,000, and ultimately $10,000. “Ignore the fear. Five-digit Ethereum is inevitable,” he stated, noting that the $4,000 level may now serve as solid support following its successful retest.

While long-term projections remain bullish, traders are implementing careful risk management strategies. IncomeSharks presented a trading plan based on staged selling, where 10% exits are placed at different resistance levels. Their analysis shows ETH experiencing a temporary crash from above $4,600 before reclaiming support at $4,000, which they characterize as another “fakeout” pattern typical of volatile crypto markets.

IncomeSharks’ strategy aims to protect profits while maintaining exposure for potential upside, particularly focusing on October’s historical seasonal strength—commonly referred to as “Pumptober” in crypto circles. They suggest that if the reclaimed $4,000 support holds, seasonal factors could support a run toward $5,000 in the coming weeks. This balanced approach reflects the market’s current tension between bullish technical structure and the need for prudent profit-taking.

Current market conditions present a complex but ultimately bullish picture according to analyst CryptoJack. His weekly view shows ETH consolidating above the $3,800–$4,000 zone, which previously acted as resistance and has now transformed into support. He highlighted Ethereum’s earlier breakout from a descending broadening wedge pattern, noting that the recent pullback appears to be standard consolidation rather than a trend reversal.

CryptoJack observed that despite negative funding rates, high fear levels, and massive liquidations occurring in the market, these conditions often mark oversold environments that can rebound strongly if key support levels hold. His analysis points to potential targets between $6,000 and $6,500 if buying pressure returns. Meanwhile, funding rates show an aggregated level of 0.0121, signaling increasing demand for long positions in derivatives markets, though analysts note that sharply rising funding can sometimes indicate potential short-term corrections.

The institutional landscape has shifted significantly in Ethereum’s favor, according to reporter Cas Abbé. Ethereum has now surpassed Bitcoin in the percentage of supply held by digital asset treasury companies, with treasuries holding 4% of ETH compared to 3% of BTC. “It seems like ETH has become the new institutional favourite,” Abbé noted, highlighting a growing appreciation of Ethereum as an institutional asset class. This shift in institutional preference, combined with strong technical positioning above $4,000, has analysts watching closely to see if ETH can continue climbing what Merlijn The Trader describes as its price “ladder” toward the higher targets set within the long-term ascending channel.