Foreign media commentary suggests that Ethereum, having dropped to $1,500 during the crypto market sell-off in June 2026, has declined approximately 70% from its August 2025 high of $4,953. The market’s current focus has shifted from how steep the decline has been to whether $1,500 can hold as support.
The downtrend is driven by multiple layers of pressure.
The article notes that this downturn was not triggered by a single event, but rather accelerated after a prolonged period of weakness. As Bitcoin dropped below $70,000 and then $62,000, Ethereum's decline intensified, with its price falling below $1,900 and then $1,800, before reaching $1,500.
The text notes that short-term pressure stems from several factors: stronger-than-expected U.S. employment data, which weakened market expectations for near-term Fed rate cuts; rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, putting downward pressure on risk assets overall; and continued outflows from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, with Ethereum ETFs weakening in tandem. Meanwhile, over $1 billion in crypto leveraged positions were liquidated in a concentrated manner, with Ethereum longs particularly affected.
Why is ETH weaker than Bitcoin?
The article suggests that Ethereum's decline has been greater than Bitcoin's, primarily due to its higher volatility. ETH tends to exhibit stronger upside momentum but also amplifies losses during market downturns. Compared to Bitcoin, Ethereum has lower liquidity and a weaker institutional investor base, making it more susceptible to selling pressure during periods of heightened risk aversion.
Another factor highlighted is the sustained decline in the ETH/BTC ratio. The article notes that since 2021, this ratio has generally been on a downward trend. Since the launch of Bitcoin spot ETFs in 2024, they have attracted more stable institutional buying, while Ethereum ETFs have not seen comparable levels of capital inflow. This has left ETH with weaker demand support during market pullbacks.
$1,000 Scenario: Four Key Metrics
The article argues that ETH falling toward $1,000 is no longer just a fringe scenario. If $1,500 is breached, the market may turn its attention to lower round levels. Key conditions cited include: Bitcoin continuing to decline toward the $50,000–$55,000 range, the ETH/BTC ratio remaining weak, ETF fund flows showing no improvement, and the Fed’s prolonged delay in rate cuts continuing to pressure risk appetite.
The article also notes that a common feature in deep bear markets is prices briefly falling below levels explainable by fundamentals. During periods of panic, passive selling, and liquidations, Ethereum may briefly touch the $1,000 level, even if it does not remain there long-term. However, the article also mentions that $1,500 could serve as a temporary bottom if Bitcoin stabilizes, ETF inflows improve, or the macro environment turns more favorable.