ETH Buyers Finally Show Up to Work, Discover $2K Support Still Standing

Ethereum analysts say buyers are back in control, but holding the $2,000 support remains crucial for reversing the market structure. Because apparently, even in crypto, you gotta show up to work before things actually happen.

Ether buyers are "prevailing"

Ether's net taker volume suggests the "formation of a stronger bottom" as demand for ETH derivatives has returned, according to data from CryptoQuant. Net taker volume, a metric measuring the imbalance between aggressive buyers and sellers in derivatives markets, has remained positive since March 6. Think of it as the crypto equivalent of that one coworker who actually replies to emails—revolutionary behavior, really.

The chart shows that while net taker volume remained negative most of the time since 2023, it is now positive, rising to $140 million on March 16. Currently, the indicator shows "buying pressure is prevailing, with $104 million," CryptoQuant analyst Darkfost said in an X post. For those keeping score at home, that's $104 million worth of people who apparently just remembered ETH was a thing.

"This is the first time since the previous bear market that we are witnessing such a regime shift in Ethereum derivatives," the analyst noted, adding: "If this dynamic persists and the spot market and ETFs begin to support the move, Ethereum could potentially restart a positive trend." In other words, strap in, because volatility is basically Ethereum's love language.

Futures open interest (OI), the total number of outstanding futures contracts not yet settled or closed, further reinforces this picture. The metric stands at 6.4 million ETH, close to its all-time high of 7.8 million ETH reached in July 2025. "After falling to 5 million ETH in October, open interest has gradually recovered," Darkfost said, adding: "Derivatives markets on Ethereum remain highly active." Which, if you think about it, is a polite way of saying degen activity never really left the building—it just took a smoke break.

Meanwhile, spot Ether ETF flows flipped positive, with these investment products recording $120 million in net inflows on Monday—the highest since mid-March. This pointed to a return in demand from US investors following a couple of days of outflows. Looks like someone's paying attention again. Cute.

**Ether price must hold