As the year 2026 approaches, Ether (ETH) has emerged as a pivotal point for major cryptocurrency firms. While some companies are aggressively increasing their investments, others are bracing for potential downturns. Recent blockchain data reveals a split in strategies among firms regarding Ether, highlighting differing expectations for price movement, liquidity conditions, and the pace of cryptocurrency adoption across the financial landscape.
Trend Research Expands Its Holdings
The Hong Kong-based investment firm, Trend Research, has ramped up its Ether holdings, acquiring additional ETH amid growing concerns over potential risks in early 2026. Blockchain data from Lookonchain indicates that the company has recently invested approximately $35 million into Ether, bringing its total assets to over 601,000 ETH, valued at about $1.83 billion at current prices.
Trend Research has reportedly borrowed around $958 million in stablecoins from the decentralized lending protocol Aave to finance these purchases. The average acquisition price stands at around $3,265 per ETH. According to an article by founder Jack Yi, the firm plans to continue accumulating Ether despite short-term price fluctuations, affirming its strong commitment to cryptocurrency. In addition to ETH, Trend Research maintains significant holdings in World Liberty Financial tokens, tied to the Trump family, emphasizing its broader cryptocurrency strategy for the coming year.
Shifts in Corporate Holdings of Ether
With over 601,000 ETH, Trend Research is now the third-largest corporate holder of Ether, trailing behind BitMine Immersion Technologies and SharpLink Gaming. Notably, as Trend Research is privately held, it is not featured on several widely followed tracking platforms, such as StrategicEthReserve.
BitMine, the largest corporate holder, has historically employed a dollar-cost averaging strategy rather than making significant single-phase accumulations. This difference underscores how companies with substantial balance sheets are adopting varied tactics in light of uncertainty surrounding the upcoming market cycle.
Fundstrat Issues Bearish Forecast
While some companies continue to accumulate Ether, others are taking a more cautious stance. Fundstrat Global Advisors recently circulated an internal research note predicting that Ether could fall to around $1,800 in the first quarter of 2026. Screenshots of this note surfaced on December 21 and were attributed to co-founder and managing partner Tom Lee.
The analysis indicated a significant pullback in major cryptocurrencies during the first half of 2026, potentially leading to a durable bottom either in the first or third quarter, followed by a recovery towards the end of the year. This forecast garnered attention as Lee is also the president of BitMine, which holds approximately $12.3 billion in Ether, making it the largest known corporate holder of ETH.
Prudent Moves by Smart Money
Positioning data suggests that professional traders are leaning towards a defensive strategy as well. According to blockchain intelligence platform Nansen, so-called “smart money” traders are significantly short on Ether, with positions totaling around $117 million. However, in the past 24 hours, these traders have added approximately $15 million in long positions, indicating a slight uptick in risk appetite, although overall positioning still reflects caution regarding short-term price directions.
John is a seasoned journalist at The Bothside News, specializing in balanced reporting across news, sports, business, and lifestyle. He believes in presenting multiple perspectives to help readers form informed opinions. His work embodies the publication’s philosophy that truth emerges from examining all sides of every story.
