Ethereum is facing fresh pressure as traders watch whether bulls can break through the important $2,400 resistance zone.
According to crypto.news price data, Ethereum traded near $2,270, down about 1.41% over the past 24 hours. ETH moved between $2,240 and $2,320, keeping the token close to a short-term pivot level that traders are watching closely.
The latest caution comes after Santiment data showed Ethereum realized profits rising to $74.58 million, the highest level in three weeks.
Profit-Taking Rises During ETH Pullback
Santiment said the rise in realized profits may seem unusual because it happened while Ethereum was falling. ETH dropped around 5.5% over three days, yet some holders still sold at a profit.
The reason is simple. Many traders bought ETH below $2,000 during February and March. Even after the recent decline, those holders were still sitting on gains and may have used the latest move to take profits.
Santiment said this does not automatically mean Ethereum is turning bearish. However, it does show that some profitable holders are distributing coins, which can slow upside momentum if selling continues.
$2,270 Becomes the Short-Term Trigger
Traders are now watching the $2,270 level closely.
CryptoWZRD said Ethereum closed in an indecisive way and could decline further if it remains below $2,270. A move back above this level could give bulls another chance to push higher.
This makes $2,270 an important short-term trigger. If ETH holds above it, the market may attempt another move toward resistance. If it fails, sellers may try to push the price lower.
$2,400 Sell Wall Limits Upside
The biggest challenge for Ethereum remains the $2,400 to $2,450 resistance area.
Reports suggest Binance whales have formed a sell wall near $2,400. Coinbase whales also appear to be limiting short-term upside. This means large sellers may be waiting near that level, making it harder for ETH to break higher without strong buying demand.
Ethereum has already struggled in this range for several sessions. The token has mostly traded between $2,250 and $2,450 after rebounding from its February low.
Technical Signals Remain Mixed
Ethereum’s technical picture is not fully bearish, but it is also not clearly bullish yet.
One recent analysis pointed to a bearish RSI divergence near $2,400. This raised the risk of a possible retest of the $2,200 support zone.
At the same time, another update noted a bullish crossover between the 20-day and 50-day simple moving averages. That signal suggests medium-term momentum may still improve if Ethereum can break above resistance.
For bulls, a clean move above $2,400 would be important. It could open the path toward $2,600. But without that breakout, ETH may remain stuck in a tight range.
$2,200 Remains the Key Support
If Ethereum fails to hold current levels, traders may look toward $2,200 as the next major support zone.
A break below $2,200 could weaken the short-term structure and increase the chance of a deeper pullback. However, if buyers defend this area, ETH may continue consolidating while waiting for stronger spot demand.
Schwab Adds Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading
Separately, Charles Schwab has started rolling out spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading for select retail clients.
The new Schwab Crypto service supports BTC and ETH at launch, with Paxos handling execution and sub-custody. This move adds another traditional finance player to the crypto market and could support broader access to Ethereum over time.
Ethereum Outlook
Ethereum is now trading at a sensitive point. Profit-taking has increased, whale sell walls remain active near $2,400, and traders are watching whether ETH can hold above the $2,270 pivot.
A breakout above $2,400 could restore bullish momentum and bring $2,600 into focus. But if Ethereum loses momentum and falls below key support, the market may retest $2,200.
