Ethereum’s network has reached an impressive milestone, recording over $8 trillion in stablecoin transfer volume in the last quarter of 2025. This achievement not only showcases Ethereum’s dominance in the cryptocurrency landscape but also signals a significant bullish trend for 2026, with potential price targets of $3,500 and beyond.
Ethereum Price Outlook: Momentum Builds for the Bulls
The price of Ethereum (ETH) has been steadily climbing, fueled by optimism in the broader cryptocurrency market. At the time of writing, ETH is trading at $3,171, with analysts suggesting a breakout towards $3,500. This rally aligns with Bitcoin’s exceptional performance, which has crossed the $93,000 mark, creating a ripple effect across altcoins.
Ethereum’s recent rebound from a December low of $2,700 to peaks above $3,200 marks a notable recovery. Bulls have regained control, with daily trading volume jumping 40% to over $17 billion. This rise was further supported by gains in equities and declining oil prices, following strategic geopolitical developments, such as the U.S. operations in Venezuela.
Record $8 Trillion Stablecoin Transfer Volume
Data from Token Terminal highlights Ethereum’s unprecedented stablecoin transfer volume, crossing $8 trillion in Q4 of 2025. This milestone is nearly double the previous year’s volume and underpins Ethereum’s role as a hub for stablecoin transactions. Unlike speculative trading, real-world payment use has driven this growth, emphasizing Ethereum’s continued relevance in the global financial ecosystem.
QCP Group analysts note a trend where cryptocurrencies are aligning more closely with broader risk assets, signaling a potential shift in investor sentiment. This convergence might strengthen the bullish narrative for Ethereum and other major digital assets in 2026.
Short-Term Targets and Risks
From a technical perspective, Ethereum has the potential to break above $3,500, with further targets at $4,000 or higher. However, caution is warranted as large-scale shorts—such as a $63 million position by a major whale—could trigger a reversal. If Bitcoin falls below $90,000, Ethereum could retreat to $3,000 or lower, signaling profit-taking among traders.
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Final Thoughts
Ethereum’s unprecedented growth in stablecoin transactions and its price recovery point to a strong start for the new year. While risks remain, the broader outlook for Ethereum remains optimistic, with potential for continued bullish performance.
