Ethereum, the second largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, saw a slight 0.17% price increase over the past hour to $1,650.12. Though a relatively small gain, this continues an upward trend for ETH over the past week. After analyzing key Ethereum market data from August 26, 2023, several insights emerge:

In the past 24 hours, Ethereum's price is down just 0.13% after a week of declines totaling 1.16%. Trading volume over the past day amounted to $1.61 billion, suggesting active trading interest in ETH remains strong. Over the past month, Ethereum has seen more significant losses of 12.20% as the broader crypto market has pulled back from 2022 highs. However, zooming out further, ETH remains up 0.98% over the past 6 months, showcasing its long-term upward trajectory.

Ethereum's market capitalization stands at a formidable $198.33 billion, cementing its status as the preeminent smart contract and Web3 development platform. As decentralized applications, NFTs, DeFi protocols, and more continue being built on Ethereum, strong developer activity and real-world use cases support ETH's underlying fundamental value.

Analyzing Ethereum's recent price action, it appears to be establishing support around the $1,600 level after correcting from 2022 highs above $2,000. Moving forward, if ETH can break through overhead resistance around $1,800, a move back toward its all-time highs is likely. A 'higher high' above the 2022 peak would signal a resumption of Ethereum's long-term uptrend.

On the downside, key support levels to watch include the 2022 low near $1,400 and the 2021 breakout level around $1,550. As long as ETH holds above these zones, the technical picture remains constructive in favor of the bulls. If selling pressure does intensify, revisiting the May 2022 troughs would come into play.

Overall, Ethereum retains its standing as the top smart contract platform in crypto, and ETH remains a bellwether for the broader digital asset complex. While recent price action has been choppy amid a risk-off macro environment, ETH appears to be establishing a base between $1,400-$1,800.

Looking ahead, below $1,400 would compromise Ethereum's technical posture, while reclaiming prior all-time highs is needed to signal the next bull run is underway. As developers continue flocking to build on Ethereum, strong on-chain activity and adoption should support prices in the long run.

Should You Buy Ethereum While It Trades Sideways?

With Ethereum trading sideways in recent months after falling from its 2022 highs, investors may be wondering if now is the time to buy the dip before the next leg higher. There are several factors to consider:

On the bullish side, development activity and dApp usage continue growing on Ethereum, suggesting strong project fundamentals. Additionally, 'smart money' investors like institutions have been accumulating ETH during the recent drawdown. From a technical perspective, ETH has established support around $1,550-$1,600, providing a solid floor.

However, macroeconomic headwinds persist, including rising interest rates and recession fears. Additionally, ETH remains in a downward trend below its 2022 highs and has yet to break out above key resistance around $1,800. The bottoming process takes time, so patience is warranted.

Overall, dollar cost averaging into ETH around current levels could be prudent for long-term investors. While more choppy price action is likely in the short-term, Ethereum retains excellent long-term blockchain adoption prospects. With a modest portion of your crypto portfolio allocated to ETH, holding through any further volatility could generate strong returns during the next bull cycle.

Is Ethereum's Developer Activity Enough to Overcome Macro Pressures?

As a leading smart contract platform, Ethereum benefits greatly from its robust developer ecosystem. With countless DeFi, NFT, metaverse, and Web3 applications being built on Ethereum, its real-world utility continues growing. However, in the short-term, macroeconomic challenges have weighed on ETH price momentum.

Ethereum's strong developer activity and on-chain fundamentals may not be enough to entirely overcome near-term headwinds like monetary tightening and recession worries. As a result, ETH could remain directionless in the coming months as macro uncertainty persists.

However, Ethereum's long-term investment case remains intact. While macro pressures will pass, Ethereum's dominance as the blockchain of choice for decentralized applications is only increasing. Once tailwinds return, Ethereum's strengthening network effects and utility should translate to upside price potential.

In summary, developer activity is steadily building Ethereum's blockchain adoption and use cases, cementing future demand. But near-term macro challenges could limit upside until global economic conditions stabilize. Long-term investors should stick with ETH while its platform continues maturing.