Ethereum (ETH) encountered resistance and fell back after reaching the $5,000 mark in August, as profit-taking pressure weakened short-term long positions momentum. However, historical data and technical structure suggest that the pullback in September may be the golden opportunity for positioning ahead of the year-end market.
Cumulative net short positions: fell to below -2.4 billion USD, indicating that market orders are dominant and sentiment is bearish.
Open Interest (OI): Decreased from 11 billion USD in August to 9 billion USD, reflecting a reduction in ETH exposure.
Interpretation: Traders are reducing positions, and short-term upward momentum is limited.

(Source: Validatorqueue)
Redemption queue: A record-breaking 986,408 ETH queued for withdrawal, with a wait time of 17 days and 3 hours.
Investor Grubles warns: “Every day there are new holders waiting to exit, this is not a good sign.”
Interpretation: September may face large-scale unlocking and selling pressure.

(Source: Coinglass)
Since 2016, the average pullback rate of ETH in September is -6.42%, with a median of -12.55%.
Average return rate in October +4.77%
Average return rate in November +7.88%
Average monthly return rate in December +6.85%
The average return rate for the entire Q4 exceeded 23%.
Interpretation: The pullback in September often paves the way for an increase in Q4.

(Source: Trading View)
Analyst Axel Bitblaze predicts: “After breaking the bullish structure of 4 years, ETH may pull back to $4,200 in September, and then soar to $6,800–7,000 in Q4.”
Potential trend: pullback → rebound breakthrough → new high by the end of the year
Short-term key levels:
Support: $4,200
Resistance: $5,000 → $6,800
Q4 Historic Strong Performance
Capital inflow after the release of redemption pressure
If the macro environment turns towards easing (interest rate cuts)
Federal Reserve interest rate decision on September 17:
Interest rate cuts → Support for ETH and other risk assets
Maintaining high interest rates → Intensifies selling pressure
Global macroeconomic and regulatory policy variables
Short-term: September pullback or test of the $4,200 support, suitable for gradual positioning.
Medium to long-term: If history repeats itself, Q4 is expected to drive ETH to challenge 6,800–7,000 USD.
Risk Control: Pay attention to the actual impact of Federal Reserve policies and redemption pressures, and avoid over-leveraging to chase highs.