Ethereum’s staking metrics have reached historic levels, signaling strong confidence among investors even as the cryptocurrency market faces periods of consolidation. With nearly 48% of Ethereum’s (ETH) total supply now locked in staking, it’s clear that demand for securing the proof-of-stake network remains robust.
Strong Staking Metrics and Rising Validator Queues
Recent on-chain data highlights Ethereum’s evolving staking ecosystem. Staked ETH has surged to almost 36 million tokens, accounting for approximately 30% of the circulating supply. This indicates reduced liquidity in the short term but also reduced sell pressure, a potential precursor to bullish momentum. Meanwhile, Ethereum’s deposit contract balance has reached 77.85 million ETH, representing 46.6% of the total supply in some trackers.
The validator entry queue is another notable metric. Over 2.5 million validators are currently waiting to stake their ETH, the highest figure ever recorded. Conversely, the validator exit queue remains near zero, indicating minimal interest in withdrawing staked funds, further reducing sell-side pressure.
Increasing Network Activity: A Bullish Signal?
Ethereum’s network activity is another area of growth. The 7-day moving average of new addresses has spiked sharply in early 2026, exceeding 400,000 at its peak. This surge in activity could signal the early stages of a bull run, especially given the historical correlation between rising active addresses and price breakouts.
Currently, daily active addresses remain steady between 110,000 and 160,000, reflecting a strong baseline of adoption. This consistent activity builds a foundation for potential upward momentum as consolidation phases often precede major market movements.
Price Consolidation: What to Expect Next
Ethereum’s price continues to trade between significant support and resistance levels, ranging from $3,150 to $3,300. Analysts suggest that this consolidation period could precede a major breakout, with volatility compressing and bulls preparing for their next move. Should Ethereum surpass the $3,463 resistance, it could target $3,500 or beyond by the end of the month.
However, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) currently sits just below the overbought zone, indicating a potential retracement if price action doesn’t gather enough strength. For long-term investors, these consolidation phases often present opportunities to accumulate.
Next Steps for Crypto Enthusiasts
As staking demand surges and network activity remains strong, Ethereum continues to showcase its potential as a leading cryptocurrency. Investors interested in capitalizing on these trends may consider staking their ETH to join the growing validator network. For those new to staking, platforms like Coinbase and Kraken offer user-friendly staking services.
If you’re looking to stay informed about Ethereum and the broader cryptocurrency market, platforms like CoinPedia are excellent resources for timely updates, in-depth analysis, and market insights. Remember to conduct your own research before making financial decisions.
