Ethereum's Price Decline and DeFi Impact
The Ethereum price under $3K is once again making headlines, sending ripples through the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. With Ether dropping beneath the critical $3,000 mark, many decentralized autonomous treasuries (DATs) now sit on deep unrealized losses. This price zone had been seen as a key support level by traders and analysts alike.
As of this writing, ETH is hovering just below $3,000, triggering concerns among crypto investors and protocol treasuries that accumulated significant amounts of ETH at higher levels. These assets, once seen as bullish treasury holdings, are now under pressure as portfolio values shrink.
DATs Under Pressure: Unrealized Losses Grow
Decentralized Autonomous Treasuries (DATs), which hold large portions of ETH to fund operations, grants, and incentives, are being hit hard. The falling price not only reduces the value of these treasuries but also creates hesitancy in community spending and protocol development plans.
Some treasuries are considering whether to rebalance or hedge, but many are locked into governance rules that prevent quick action. This rigidity has left several DAOs vulnerable in bear market conditions, with ETH’s continued slide adding more strain.
INSIGHT: $ETH DATs are under pressure as Ether crashes under $3K, leaving treasuries deep in unrealized losses and price fractals hinting at a potential test of $2,500. pic.twitter.com/ylauwP8zuQ
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) November 21, 2025
Potential $2.5K Retest on the Horizon
According to fractal analysis and historical chart patterns, Ethereum could be gearing up to test the $2,500 level—a zone not seen since early 2023. If the bearish momentum continues, traders may brace for more downside volatility.
Market sentiment remains cautious, and many are watching macro indicators, including Federal Reserve signals and BTC’s movement, to assess whether ETH can recover or slip further.