Ethereum drops 7% as retail buys dip

Ethereum fell roughly 6.6% over 24 hours to trade near $1,947, as broader crypto markets grappled with continued volatility and macroeconomic headwinds.

Coinbase chief executive Brian Armstrong said retail investors on the platform are showing resilience by increasing their native unit holdings despite the downturn.

“Retail users on Coinbase have been very resilient during these market conditions, according to our data,”

Armstrong wrote, adding:

“They’ve been buying the dip.”

Armstrong added that most retail customers held equal or greater balances of Bitcoin and Ethereum in February compared with December, framing the trend as evidence of so-called “diamond hands” conviction.

The exchange’s data comes after Coinbase reported declining trading volumes in the fourth quarter of 2025 alongside an 11% drop in overall crypto market capitalisation.

Critics argue that holding through steep drawdowns may reflect unrealised losses rather than genuine confidence, while some community members have called for expanded access to stablecoin yields and looser accredited investor rules to bolster participation.

Historically, sustained retail accumulation has preceded market recoveries, though near-term price action remains uncertain as investors weigh volatility against signs of long-term positioning.

At the time of reporting, Ethereum price was $1,954.69.