Ethereum is facing a persistent challenge at the $4,000 resistance level, having briefly surpassed it earlier in December. Despite this struggle, bullish sentiment remains strong, as indicated by a rising Taker Buy-Sell Ratio, a positive funding rate, and increasing On-Balance Volume, suggesting that a breakout above this critical barrier may be imminent. However, a failure to maintain upward momentum could lead to a decline to $3,673, which would invalidate the bullish outlook.