**Ether's Funding Rate Holds Key to Potential Bull Rally**

Ether (ETH) traders are eyeing a slight uptick in sentiment to confirm a potential significant price spike. CryptoQuant's Burak Kesmeci suggests that ETH’s funding rate needs to rise above 0.015 to break the current calm.

- **Funding Rate Insight**: This small market fee aligns futures with spot prices, stabilizing perpetual contracts. A higher rate indicates stronger market optimism.

- **Historical Context**: In September 2023, a similar rate increase preceded a 166% price surge over six months.

- **Current Status**: ETH's funding rate is around 0.0056%, with its price up 47.57% over the past year. However, it struggles to close above $2,500.

- **Market Skepticism**: Doubts linger about ETH reaching this level soon, risking $576.28 million in short positions.

ETH's all-time high was $4,810 in September 2021. As always, conduct thorough research before making investment decisions.