Ethereum (ETH) struggles at $3,000 as this new crypto under $0.1 nears V1 protocol launch

January 4, 2026

Crypto markets often reveal change before headlines catch up. When major assets slow down at key levels, investors begin to look elsewhere. This does not happen overnight. It starts with hesitation. Momentum fades. New narratives begin to form quietly.

Ethereum has entered one of those moments. Price action has stalled near a major level. At the same time, a new cryptocurrency has moved through a very different phase. While Ethereum struggles to regain strength, this emerging DeFi crypto has already climbed nearly 3x and is preparing for its next step. That contrast is shaping current market behavior.

Ethereum (ETH) 

Ethereum is trading near $2,900. Its market cap remains massive, placing it among the largest assets in crypto. This size brings stability, but it also limits speed. The $3,000 level has become a clear resistance zone. ETH has tested this area multiple times. Each attempt has faced selling pressure. Buyers step back. Momentum slows again.

From a growth view, expectations are modest. Even optimistic models often point to a 1.5x or 2x move over a longer cycle. For many investors, that is no longer attractive when compared to smaller assets with higher upside potential.

Ethereum remains important. It anchors DeFi. It powers thousands of apps. But its current structure makes rapid growth harder. This is why some capital is now rotating toward newer crypto projects with lower entry prices and clearer expansion paths.

Mutuum Finance (MUTM)

Mutuum Finance is a new crypto that focuses on decentralized lending and borrowing. The goal is simple. Create a system where users can supply assets, earn yield, and borrow under clear rules.

The protocol is designed around utility usage. Lenders provide liquidity. Borrowers access funds with defined limits. Interest flows back into the system. This creates a loop tied to activity, not hype.

Mutuum Finance has confirmed that V1 is approaching based on official X statements. V1 matters because it marks the shift from preparation to live usage. Many DeFi protocols change behavior at this point. Users move from waiting to participating. This upcoming stage is one reason MUTM is gaining attention as a DeFi crypto rather than a short term trend.

Structure and Participation Growth

Mutuum Finance has followed a phased distribution model since early 2025. Instead of a single price, the token has moved through structured stages. The current token price is around $0.04 in presale Phase 7. This phase introduced a price increase of nearly 20%. From Phase 1 at $0.01 to Phase 7, MUTM has risen about 300%.

Participation has grown alongside price progression. Funding has reached about $19.45M. The holder count is now around 18,650. This shows steady distribution rather than quick rotation. These figures matter because they show balance. Supply is moving. Demand is consistent. Price changes follow structure rather than spikes.

Beyond numbers, engagement tools also play a role. Mutuum Finance runs a 24 hour leaderboard. This feature tracks activity and rewards consistent participation. It encourages users to return rather than act once.

MUTM payment options add another layer. Card payments reduce friction. This allows broader access beyond crypto native users. Ease of entry often affects adoption speed for new cryptocurrency projects.

Roadmap Plans

Mutuum Finance is not limited to lending alone. The roadmap includes plans for a protocol level stablecoin. Stable assets help reduce volatility within lending systems. They also attract users who want predictable borrowing and lending terms.

Oracle integration is another key focus. Accurate price feeds are critical for DeFi crypto protocols. They protect against manipulation. They support fair liquidations and lending ratios. These components help shape long term stability. They also signal that the protocol is designed for scale, not just early use.

Security remains one of the most important topics in DeFi. Mutuum Finance has addressed this early. The protocol completed a CertiK audit with a strong 90/100 score on the token scan. A Halborn Security finished review is also part of the process. 

On top of that, a $50K bug bounty program invites independent code testing. These layers reduce risk as the protocol moves closer to V1. For many investors, security readiness marks the point when attention increases.

Positioning Ahead of the Next Crypto Phase

Ethereum and Mutuum Finance operate at different stages. ETH represents maturity and slow momentum. MUTM represents expansion.

ETH at $2,900 must fight through $3,000 resistance with a massive market cap behind it. MUTM at $0.04 operates in a range where price reacts faster to growth and usage expectations.

Mutuum Finance stands out because it combines structure, participation growth, and a clear path toward V1. The project has moved beyond concept. It is approaching execution.

With Phase 7 underway, supply tighter, and infrastructure nearly ready, MUTM represents a different type of opportunity than large caps like ETH. It reflects how market focus often shifts when leaders slow down. In crypto, these moments tend to define the next wave.

For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below:

Website: https://www.mutuum.com

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance