Market Overview for Ethereum Classic/Tether (ETCUSDT)

Friday, Jan 16, 2026 12:45 pm ET1min read
Aime RobotAime Summary

- Ethereum Classic/USDT (ETCUSDT) dropped from $12.85 to $12.33, testing key support at 12.44–12.51 amid bearish technical signals.

- RSI and MACD confirmed downward momentum, while surging volume during the selloff validated weakness and aligned with price declines.

- Bollinger Bands widened during the sell-off, and a 50% Fibonacci retracement at $12.54 may act as near-term resistance if buyers emerge.

- A breakdown below 12.44 could target $12.30, but a sustained rebound above $12.6 might reinvigorate short-term bullish sentiment.

Summary
• Price declined from 12.85 to 12.33, with key support identified near 12.44–12.51.
• RSI and MACD signaled bearish momentum, with no immediate overbought conditions.
• Volume surged during the sharp drop, aligning with price movement and confirming weakness.
• Bollinger Bands widened mid-day, indicating increased volatility during the sell-off.
• A potential 50% Fibonacci retracement level at 12.54 may act as a near-term resistance.

Ethereum Classic/Tether opened at 12.81 on 2026-01-15 12:00 ET, reached a high of 12.85, fell to a low of 12.32, and closed at 12.33 as of 2026-01-16 12:00 ET. Total volume was 176,635.69 units, with turnover of $2,198,314.94.

Price Structure and Patterns


The 24-hour OHLC data reveals a strong bearish bias, with a significant breakdown from prior resistance near 12.6–12.65. A key bearish engulfing pattern formed around 18:30–19:00 ET, confirming a shift in sentiment. Notable support levels emerged at 12.44–12.51, with price testing this zone multiple times without a strong rebound.

Trend and Momentum



MACD remained in negative territory for most of the period, with bearish crossovers reinforcing the downtrend. RSI readings dipped into oversold territory near 12.32 but failed to trigger a sustained rally, indicating weak follow-through. The 20-period and 50-period moving averages on the 5-minute chart were trending lower, reinforcing the bearish bias.

Volatility and Turnover


Bollinger Bands expanded sharply during the selloff, particularly between 15:30 and 16:00 ET, as price dropped from 12.44 to 12.35. Notional turnover spiked during this time, aligning with the volume and reinforcing the bearish conviction. A divergence between price and turnover was not observed, suggesting the sell-off was broadly supported.

Fibonacci and Projections


On the 5-minute chart, a key Fibonacci retracement level at 12.54 (50%) appears to be a potential resistance. On the daily timeframe, 12.44 marks a critical support level that, if broken, could open the path to 12.30 or below.

Over the next 24 hours, a test of the 12.44–12.51 range may determine the immediate direction. While the short-term bias remains bearish, a sustained recovery above 12.6 could reinvigorate buying interest. Investors should remain cautious of further downside risk if this support fails.