Foreign media report that Ethereum is nearing an unflattering milestone: if there is no significant rebound before the end of the quarter, ETH could experience its first-ever three consecutive quarterly declines. This assessment is based on recent persistent price weakness and reflects growing market concerns about internal issues within the Ethereum ecosystem.
Quarterly performance continues to face pressure
As of press time, CoinGecko data shows ETH trading at approximately $1,732. The article states that ETH fell 28.28% in the fourth quarter of 2025, and the downward trend continued into 2026, with a further 29.26% decline in the first quarter. So far this quarter, it has dropped another 18.29%; if ETH fails to recover in the final days, it will mark three consecutive quarterly declines.
This means Ethereum not only faces a price decline but may also set a new negative record in its history. The article notes that ETH has dropped approximately 65% from its all-time high.
Funding and personnel issues have been amplified.
The article argues that factors beyond the overall crypto market performance are weighing on ETH, including funding and organizational issues within Ethereum itself. Citing Trent Van Epps, the article states that the Ethereum network is facing gradually emerging funding pressures, with these issues potentially surfacing as early as this year.
According to the article, maintaining the operations of researchers, the client team, and the coordinating organization requires approximately $30 million per year. It is currently unclear whether this funding is secure.
The foundation has recently seen several departures.
The article also mentions recent personnel changes at the Ethereum Foundation. Hsiao-Wei Wang, who served as co-executive director for nearly nine years, has announced her departure, making Bastian Aue one of the de facto primary executive leaders.
In addition to the above changes, the article states that at least eight other senior developers and researchers will leave by 2026, including co-executive director Tomasz Stańczak, who resigned in February.
Overall, this review article attributes Ethereum’s current weakness to three factors: sustained price declines, pressure on ecosystem funding, and accelerated changes in foundation leadership and core researchers. If these issues do not improve in the short term, Ethereum’s quarterly performance may continue to face pressure.