Ethereum's Shaky Rise: A Closer Look

Ethereum's recent price surge has caught the eye of a well-known crypto analyst. Taiki Maeda, who made a significant profit by betting against Ethereum in the past, is now doubling down with a $1 million short position. He believes the current price is not a true reflection of market demand. Maeda argues that Ethereum's strength is not due to genuine interest but rather artificial buying. He points to a specific company, BitMine, which is allegedly buying large amounts of Ethereum each week. This buying is not based on market price but is tied to executive bonuses and equity grants. These bonuses are linked to Ethereum's price and accumulation targets ahead of a January 15 board meeting.The analyst notes that Ethereum's price is influenced by capital rotation rather than new money coming into the market. He recalls that when Bitcoin was last around $85, 000, Ethereum was trading near $1, 600. This suggests that Ethereum's current price might not be sustainable. Maeda expects Ethereum to drop once the incentive-driven buying stops after January 15. He sees two major risks converging on that date: the end of BitMine's bonus conditions and a separate deadline involving another company that could trigger a broader market downturn. While Maeda is bullish on Ethereum's technology, he warns that the token's value is not aligned with its fundamentals. He advises investors to be cautious and not get carried away by the recent "altseason" narrative. His key message is clear: when temporary buyers disappear, the market will correct itself.