Ethereum Price Outlook Turns Critical After Harvard Portfolio Switch From Bitcoin ETF
Institutional capital flows and volatile market momentum are changing at a critical time for Ethereum (ETH), which puts the second largest cryptocurrency at a time of change.
The adjustment of a large portfolio by the endowment of Harvard University, combined with decreasing prices and changing chain-chain signals, has strengthened the debate that the price of Ethereum is approaching the bottom or preparing for another lower leg.
A recent regulatory filing shows that Harvard Management Company reduced its exposure to Bitcoin exchange-traded funds when it launched its first stake in an Ethereum ETF. The move comes as ETH trades below the psychological level of $2,000, a price area that has increasingly served as resistance rather than support.
ETH's price trends to the downside on the daily chart. Source: ETHUSD on Tradingview
Harvard’s Crypto Rebalance Signals Institutional Rebalancing
During the fourth quarter of 2025, Harvard cut its stake in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF by about 21%, reducing its holdings to about $265.8 million. At the same time, the endowment bought about $87 million worth of shares in BlackRock’s Ethereum Trust, marking its first ETF exposure to Ether.
The correction occurred amid a broader pullback in the crypto market, with Bitcoin dropping the most since late 2025 and Ethereum falling alongside it. Analysts suggest that this change may reflect a rebalancing of the portfolio rather than a direct change in sentiment, which may be linked to sophisticated institutional trading strategies.
However, this move is in line with the wider behavior of the institution. Records show total ownership of the largest Bitcoin ETF has fallen significantly over the same period, indicating that investors may be reassessing risk exposure while exploring other crypto allocations.
Despite the change, cryptocurrency ETFs remain a small part of Harvard’s $56.9 billion endowment, accounting for less than 1% of total assets.
Ethereum Price Stuck Below Key Resistance
Ethereum price has struggled to regain strength after a steep selloff. The stock recently hovered around $1,980 after falling nearly 40% in the past month and remains well below the 2025 peak above $4,900.
Technically, the market continues to print lower highs and lower lows, maintaining the broad bearish trend. Analysts are eyeing the $2,150–$2,200 range, which should be re-searched to signal a potential reversal. Failure to hold support near $1,900 would expose targets between $1,700 and $1,600.
Derivatives data shows a decline in open interest and trading volumes, suggesting that traders are reducing risk rather than aggressively taking out positions. ETF flows are also mixed, with recent net outflows highlighting cautious institutional sentiment in the short term.
On-Chain Data and Network Infrastructures Offer Mixed Signals
While Ethereum price action remains weak, blockchain data paints a more complex picture. Large holders have continued to accumulate Ether, whale wallets adding large balances as prices have fallen. Stack addresses now hold record amounts of ETH.
Network usage has also been strengthened. Ethereum recently processed a record 17.3 million weekly transactions while average fees dropped to fractions of a dollar, reflecting improved efficiency and continued user activity.
Meanwhile, Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin reiterated that the long-term value of the network is neutrality and resistance to censorship, emphasizing open participation regardless of individual opinions. His comments come amid debates about decentralization and ecosystem management.
Cover image from ChatGPT, ETHUSD chart from Tradingview
Planning process because bitcoinist focuses on delivering well-researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We maintain strict sourcing standards, and each page is diligently reviewed by our team of senior technical experts and experienced editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content to our readers.
