Ethereum has held above the $2,600 psychological resistance level over the weekend, prompting an assessment that it has broken out of a sideways range that had lasted for months.

U.Today, a blockchain outlet, reported on Sept. 19 that the move followed Ethereum’s departure from the $1,800 to $2,000 range where it stayed this summer, and that markets are treating it as a testbed for gauging the possibility of a trend change.

The rise gained momentum after a strong breakout candle closed near the daily high following a tight price squeeze. With Ethereum, the No. 2 cryptocurrency by market capitalisation, breaking out of a long-lasting range, some see it as a “global trend reversal signal” for investors tired of market uncertainty.

The move has also been seen as aligning with an earlier outlook by crypto analyst Axel Kibar (악셀 키바르). Kibar anticipated such a scenario in mid-August during a market downturn and presented $2,163 as an interim target. The September breakout helped confirm that view, but Kibar said it was still too early to be reassured.

Kibar’s “ideal scenario” is not about immediately printing a new all-time high. The key is whether buyers can defend the newly secured price area. He noted that the breakout itself was strong, but that the market now needs a “domino effect”. A single sharp rise is not enough, and a series of bullish moves must follow for a multi-month base formation to be completed.

The level the market is focusing on is around $2,550. If Ethereum holds firmly above that price zone without a deep pullback, the area could serve as a platform for further gains. It will also test whether the newly raised trading range is sustainable. If hesitation near the current highs drags on, the price could be pushed back into a sluggish sideways range.

Ethereum has now entered a typical phase of validating follow-on buying. Whether the post-breakout rise proves a temporary spike or a starting point for cementing a new upper range depends on the persistence of buying. Kibar warned that the current rise toward $2,630 could remain a temporary spike within a long-term range if the $2,550 defence fails.

As a result, the near-term focus is on whether Ethereum can turn the upper range formed after the breakout into an actual support level. The market is treating the ability to hold $2,600, defend $2,550 and produce consecutive bullish candles as the next criteria for judgment.

Ideally, price getting out of a tight consolidation like this, should resume strong with long white candles. Breakout candle was strong with a close at the highs. Follow through should not be hesitant. Another long daily candle can complete the multi-month long base. $ETHUSD https://t.co/4javyQYWFF pic.twitter.com/1T81T6Lm4l