Ethereum Wallets Surge: ChatGPT Predicts $5,000 ETH by End of January

Ethereum is starting 2026 with significant growth indicators, including a surge in wallet addresses, increased network activity, and rising demand from Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Interest is rekindling among investors regarding Ethereum's potential, making it a focal point for those seeking promising cryptocurrencies as the market heats up.

Key Takeaways

Ethereum's wallet addresses saw a record increase, suggesting a strong influx of new users.
On December 29, 2025, there were approximately 1.009 million daily active Ethereum addresses, a significant year-over-year increase.
Predictions driven by artificial intelligence suggest Ethereum could hit $5,000 by January's end, based on increasing network usage and capital inflows.
Key resistance levels for Ethereum are set at $3,200, $3,800, and $4,500, with potential bullish implications if these levels are converted to support.

Ethereum's Price Supported by Record Growth

Ethereum has recently witnessed an unprecedented day in the growth of new wallet addresses, a vital indicator of user engagement. According to Scott Melker, on one single day, the number of new Ethereum addresses surged to 393,600—the highest recorded figure.

Ethereum's Price Supported by Record Growth

Source: CoinMarketCap

Moreover, since early December, the pace of new addresses has been approximately 110% higher than before, averaging around 292,000 new addresses daily. This kind of growth can enhance the optimistic outlook for Ethereum, as a more extensive network typically signals more transactions and increased demand for ETH. New entrants into the market are often searching for guidance on how to purchase crypto, which indicates the potential for all-time high address growth for Ethereum.

Spike in Active Addresses and Gas Usage

Not only have new addresses increased, but daily activity has shown significant growth as well, raising questions about which cryptocurrencies might rise next. On December 29, 2025, Ethereum recorded nearly 1.009 million daily active addresses, while on January 12, 2026, this figure stood at approximately 860,774. This represents a substantial year-over-year increase of 92.89% (from 446,241 to 860,774), reflecting a busier network. Additionally, gas usage—a metric often associated with network transactions—has also risen notably. On December 23, 2025, daily gas usage was around 217.60 billion, compared to 108.31 billion the previous year, indicating around a 100.9% year-on-year increase. In simple terms, greater activity could support Ethereum's price if buying pressure continues to rise.

AI Predicts $5,000 by End of January

Artificial intelligence predictions for cryptocurrency often hinge on three straightforward factors: increased network usage, growing capital inflows, and a rising price structure.

AI Predicts $5,000 by End of January

AI-driven models, including ChatGPT predictions, are linking this potential surge to market momentum and inflows. Specifically, the influx of capital through Ethereum ETFs is considered an additional catalyst. For example, in the first week of January 2026, a net inflow of $160.8 million was reported into U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs. On January 2, 2026, ETH was trading around $3,110, showing that this capital inflow occurred while the market was already on the rise.

If the price continues to establish higher lows and buyers return quickly, AI may project an acceleration towards $5,000 before the end of January. However, it's important to note that this is an ambitious target for such a short period, and shocks to the global economy or rising Bitcoin dominance may temporarily inhibit altcoin performance.

Resistance Levels: $3,200 – $3,800 – $4,500

In the short term, traders are monitoring these resistance levels closely, often comparing them to the best cryptocurrencies for short-term trading:

$3,200: This is typically the first zone where profit-taking and uncertainty arise.
$3,800: Here, the price may struggle again if buyers don’t maintain their momentum.
$4,500: This represents a strong psychological barrier leading towards a possible new phase.

If Ethereum can convert these resistance levels into support progressively, the outlook for Ethereum will become increasingly positive, steering conversations more towards "the best altcoins" rather than just Bitcoin. As the market rallies, the focus often shifts from established coins to emerging cryptocurrencies, with some investors looking not just for the best coins to buy but also for those with explosive growth potential or the next "1000x crypto."

Emerging Crypto alongside ETH: Maxi Doge - Ethereum Wallet Growth

Maxi Doge ($MAXI) is an example of a meme project currently in its presale phase, where prices typically increase incrementally as the sale progresses. The advantage of such a presale is primarily based on timing: you enter before a potential market listing, making even minor increases felt more significantly than with well-established coins. However, the associated risks are clear, highlighting the need for critical attention to transparency, terms, and the project's overall plan.

Explore the Maxi Doge presale today!