From 16:00 to 16:15 UTC on February 17, 2026, Ethereum (ETH) achieved a +1.04% increase, with the price rising from $1,966.04 to $1,986.75, outperforming mainstream cryptocurrencies such as BTC and SOL in the short term. Trading activity significantly increased, with 24-hour trading volume reaching $18.88 billion. Market attention continued to rise, and volatility intensified.
The main drivers of this movement stem from macro-level liquidity improvements and technical positive factors. First, the Federal Reserve initiated a moderate rate cut cycle in mid-February, boosting overall risk appetite and redirecting funds into the crypto market, with ETH as a leading asset benefiting noticeably. Second, two major technological upgrades in 2026 (Glamsterdam & Hegota) are approaching, fostering optimistic expectations for ETH’s scalability and zero-knowledge proof prospects. Institutional capital inflows accelerated, exemplified by Harvard University Fund’s large purchase of $86.8 million in related assets on February 16, reinforcing bullish confidence.
Additionally, on-chain activity remains strong, with high trading volume and user engagement supporting ETH’s upward momentum. ETF capital saw a net inflow of $250 million in mid-February. Progress in EU regulatory compliance and industry developments also boosted internationalization expectations. Meanwhile, retail long positions remain high (reaching 72%), with leveraged funds dominating short-term speculation, pushing ETH past the $2,000 resistance level. Technical indicators show a strong short-term rebound momentum. Market sentiment of extreme fear has prompted some funds to position at lows, with oversold rebound effects becoming evident. Multiple factors resonated to amplify the short-term rally.
However, caution is advised as the market remains highly volatile, and the risk of a pullback after the rally has increased. Under leveraged trading conditions, sudden news can magnify price swings. It is recommended to monitor resistance around $2,000 and on-chain fund flows, and remain alert to macroeconomic or policy shifts that could reverse sentiment. Close attention should be paid to key indicators such as price, volume, and capital flow, along with tracking market news to manage risk effectively.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
Data: In the past 24 hours, the entire network has liquidated $274 million, with long positions liquidated at $189 million and short positions at $85.9469 million.
ChainCatcher reports that, according to Coinglass data, the total liquidations across the entire network in the past 24 hours amounted to $274 million, with long positions liquidated at $189 million and short positions at $85.9469 million. Among these, Bitcoin long positions were liquidated at $72.5955 million, Bitcoin short positions at $31.1138 million, Ethereum long positions at $38.5414 million, and Ethereum short positions at $24.8499 million.
GateNews3h ago
Data: If ETH breaks through $2,168, the total liquidation strength of long positions on mainstream CEXs will reach $624 million.
ChainCatcher reports that, according to Coinglass data, if ETH breaks through $2,168, the total liquidation strength of long positions on major CEXs will reach $624 million. Conversely, if ETH drops below $1,964, the total liquidation strength of short positions on major CEXs will reach $305 million.
GateNews4h ago
Bitcoin Price Predictions Flip Bullish, But Ethereum Is Still Stuck
Predictors have turned bullish on Bitcoin's near-term price, suggesting a rise to $84,000 before a potential drop. However, analysts remain divided on sustainability, while sentiment for Ethereum is bearish, with expectations of a decline to $1,500.
Decrypt6h ago
Best Crypto to Buy Now: SOL and LINK Rally, but Pepeto Targets 100x as Ethereum Foundation Plans to Make ETH the Trust Layer for AI
The Ethereum Foundation just announced plans to position the network as the trust layer for artificial intelligence, with the foundation’s AI lead saying ETH will act as the coordination and verification layer in an increasingly AI mediated world, and when the biggest smart contract platform on
CaptainAltcoin6h ago
Data: In the past 24 hours, the entire network has liquidated $339 million, with long positions liquidated at $182 million and short positions at $157 million.
ChainCatcher reports that, according to Coinglass data, the total liquidations across the entire network in the past 24 hours amounted to $339 million, with long positions liquidated at $182 million and short positions at $157 million. Among these, Bitcoin long positions were liquidated at $67.776 million, Bitcoin short positions at $69.678 million, Ethereum long positions at $38.385 million, and Ethereum short positions at $50.239 million.
GateNews6h ago
