Ethereum, as the core asset of the cryptocurrency market, is under intense scrutiny regarding its subsequent trends. Currently, Ethereum is at a critical juncture where opportunities and risks coexist, and its price will be influenced by multiple factors.

1. Positive Factors and Potential Opportunities

1. Long-term positive effects of ETFs: The approval of the US spot Ethereum ETF is undoubtedly the most significant positive development in recent times. Although there may be 'buy the rumor, sell the news' fluctuations initially due to market sentiment and procedural issues, in the medium to long term, this will open a compliant and convenient funding channel for traditional capital markets. The influx of substantial institutional funds is expected to replicate the capital inflow model observed after the Bitcoin ETF approval, providing solid support for Ethereum's price base and long-term upward momentum.

2. Ecological Development and Technological Upgrades: Ethereum's robust ecosystem is its most core competitive advantage. The continuous prosperity of DeFi, NFTs, GameFi, and Layer 2 solutions further solidifies its position as the 'global settlement layer.' Additionally, upcoming technological upgrades, such as 'Verkle Trees' and 'Proto-danksharding,' aim to enhance the network's scalability and throughput, reducing gas fees, which will directly boost Ethereum's practical value and attractiveness.

3. Shift in Macroeconomic Environment: The market generally expects that the Federal Reserve's interest rate hike cycle has ended, and it will soon enter a rate-cutting phase. Gradual loosening of liquidity will benefit all risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. As a 'tech stock' in the crypto market, Ethereum is particularly sensitive to changes in liquidity and is expected to experience valuation recovery amid a macroeconomic tailwind.

2. Risk Factors and Potential Challenges

1. Regulatory Uncertainty: Although the ETF has passed, the investigation by the U.S. SEC into whether Ethereum is considered a security is not yet fully concluded. Any adverse regulatory news could impact market sentiment in the short to medium term, leading to significant price fluctuations.

2. Intensified Market Competition: Emerging public chains like Solana and Avalanche have unique characteristics in performance and technology, continuously diverting Ethereum's ecosystem and users. Although Ethereum has significant advantages in security and decentralization, competitive pressure cannot be ignored.

3. Technical Risks and Market Sentiment: The cryptocurrency market is inherently highly volatile, significantly influenced by market sentiment and leverage. Any black swan events (such as exchange collapses or smart contract vulnerabilities) could trigger chain reactions, leading to substantial price corrections.

3. Market Outlook and Key Levels

In summary, Ethereum's long-term narrative remains strong, with the ETF and ecological development as core driving forces. However, short-term trends may be relatively volatile, requiring digestion of favorable news and coping with potential risks.

· Short-term (1-3 months): It is expected to fluctuate widely between $3,000 and $4,000. Close attention should be paid to the capital inflow data after the ETF officially begins trading, as well as the impact of macroeconomic data on market sentiment.

· Medium to Long-term (6 months or more): If ETF capital inflows stabilize and the macro environment cooperates, Ethereum is expected to challenge and break through historical highs, starting a new bullish market. Key support levels below are around $3,200 and $2,800.

Summary: Investors should maintain a cautiously optimistic attitude. While focusing on key technical levels, they should also pay attention to Ethereum's long-term ecological value and development potential, adopting strategies like phased investments and dollar-cost averaging to smooth out risks and seize the era's dividends brought by blockchain technology.