$235mln Ethereum whale buying follows $2.8K breakdown – What happens next?

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-01-26Last updated on 2026-01-26

Abstract

Ethereum broke below the $2.8K support, dropping to $2,787, extending a week of bearish momentum. Despite the decline, large investors seized the opportunity to accumulate. A new wallet bought 61K ETH ($171M) from Binance, while another whale purchased 70K ETH ($203.6M) over five days. Additionally, an institution swapped WBTC for 2,868 ETH. In total, whales accumulated 83,868 ETH worth $235.41 million, signaling strong conviction. Exchange data showed significant outflows, confirming aggressive accumulation. However, panic selling persisted, with some whales selling at a loss. Technical indicators like the MACD and RVI remain bearish, suggesting potential further downside to $2,633, though whale demand could support a rebound to $3,070 if sustained.

Ethereum breached the $2.8k support and dropped to a low of $2787 before buyers stepped in to defend the key support.

In fact, as of this writing, ETH traded at $2863, down 2.63% on the daily charts, extending a week-long bearishness.

With the altcoin’s weakness persisting and the price continuing to decline, whales and institutions keep buying the dip.

Ethereum whales and institutions continue to buy the dip

After Ethereum [ETH] fell below $2.8k, it created another buying window for investors, especially large entities. According to Onchain Lens, a newly created wallet purchased 61,000 ETH, worth $171.15 million, from Binance.

Lookonchain also reported another whale purchase. According to the on-chain monitor, OTC Whale bought another 20K ETH for $56.13 million.

Over the past 5 days, this whale has bought 70,013 ETH, valued at $203.6 million, and now holds 100,130 ETH, worth $283.79 million.

Additionally, World Liberty Financial [WLFI] rotated from Bitcoin [BTC] into ETH as Ethereum becomes increasingly affordable.

According to Lookonchain WLFI team swapped 93.77 WBTC, worth $8.08 million, for 2,868 ETH. In total, these whales accumulated 83,868 ETH worth $235.41 million.

Often, when whales and institutions accumulate during a prolonged period of weakness, it speaks of conviction. As such, these market players perceive the current conditions positively and see them as short-lived.

Furthermore, exchange activities echoed this whale-driven accumulation phase. According to CoinGlass, Ethereum has recorded negative Netflow for three consecutive days, with $2.69 billion in ETH flowing out of exchanges.

At press time, Netflow was -$68.9 million, a significant drop from -$224 million the previous day. A sustained negative netflow suggested higher outflows, a clear sign of aggressive spot accumulation.

Panic sellers remain extremely active

While some whales and institutions have turned to accumulate ETH at a discount, others panicked amid a prolonged stay below $3k.

According to Lookonchain, a whale panic-sold 5,500 ETH for $16.02 million at $2,912. Just days ago, the whale purchased 2000 ETH for $5.97 million at $ 2,984.

Historically, the whale has tended to purchase at higher levels and sell at lows, thereby realizing significant losses.

Additionally, a long-term dormant whale returned after nine years and deposited 50,000 ETH worth $145.25 million, according to Lookonchain.

When whales sell during a downtrend, it signals fear and a lack of conviction in the market, leading them to close to avoid further losses. This continued selling has further strained the market, leading to lower prices.

Bearish momentum is still prevalent

Despite continued whale accumulation, ETH has faced intense downside pressure, making whale demand inadequate for an upside reversal.

On the contrary, the downward momentum has remained elevated. In fact, the altcoin’s MACD dropped to -51, falling deeper into the bearish zone, signaling seller dominance.

Likewise, its Relative Vigor Index (RVGI) also fell into negative territory, currently holding at -0.3, validating downside strength.

These market conditions signal potential trend continuation, with ETH likely to drop below $2.8k again towards $2633. However, with whales accumulating, they have effectively held a $2.8k zone, and sustained demand from the group could lift ETH towards $3070.


Final Thoughts

  • Ethereum whales continue buying the dip, adding 83,868 ETH worth $235.41 million.
  • Ethereum [ETH] dipped to $2.7k before slightly rebounding to $2.8k amid intense bearish pressure.

Trending Cryptos

Related Questions

QWhat was the total amount of Ethereum purchased by whales and institutions as reported in the article?

AWhales and institutions accumulated a total of 83,868 ETH worth $235.41 million.

QWhat key support level did Ethereum breach before buyers stepped in?

AEthereum breached the $2.8k support level and dropped to a low of $2787 before buyers defended it.

QWhat on-chain metric indicated aggressive spot accumulation of Ethereum?

AA sustained negative netflow, with $2.69 billion in ETH flowing out of exchanges over three consecutive days, indicated aggressive spot accumulation.

QWhat are the two potential price targets mentioned for Ethereum's next move?

AETH could drop below $2.8k towards $2633 or, with sustained whale demand, lift towards $3070.

QWhich technical indicators showed that bearish momentum was still prevalent for Ethereum?

AThe MACD dropped to -51, falling deeper into the bearish zone, and the Relative Vigor Index (RVGI) fell into negative territory at -0.3, both signaling seller dominance and downside strength.

Related Reads

After Three Consecutive Quarters of Decline, Can the Crypto Market Find a Window for Stabilization in Q3?

The cryptocurrency market has just concluded its worst-performing quarter since 2022, with total capitalization dropping 12.6% to $2.1 trillion. All core metrics indicate capital is leaving the sector, not just rotating within it. Bitcoin fell 14.2% and Ethereum dropped 25.4% in Q2, breaking their previous correlation with US tech stocks. A key driver is the reversal in US spot Bitcoin ETF flows, which saw a net outflow of approximately $4.67 billion in Q2, including a record monthly outflow near $4.5 billion in June. While recent data suggests long-term holders are accumulating again, sustained ETF outflows mean continued selling pressure. Market focus is now singularly on the Federal Reserve. The upcoming July FOMC meeting is seen as the most critical event for Q3. A dovish signal could support Bitcoin reclaiming a $68,000-$84,000 range, while a hawkish stance might establish a new trading band around $50,000-$56,000. Additionally, regulatory uncertainty persists, with the progress of the crucial *CLARITY Act* stalling in the Senate, reducing its perceived 2026 passage probability to 40-45%. Despite the broad downturn, a few sectors showed growth. Prediction markets saw nominal volume surge 48.7% year-over-year to $113.8 billion, and tokenized collectibles transaction volume rose 143% quarterly to $1.4 billion. The Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization sector also continued steady growth, now representing ~$28.1 billion in on-chain value. The market's foundation for an extreme crash appears limited, with Bitcoin price hovering near its 200-week moving average. However, the trading paradigm has shifted from narrative-driven speculation to decisions based on price action, policy developments, and interest rate expectations, making a broad sentiment-driven rally unlikely in the near term.

marsbit10h ago

After Three Consecutive Quarters of Decline, Can the Crypto Market Find a Window for Stabilization in Q3?

marsbit10h ago

BIT Trading Moment: BTC Still Suppressed by Weekly 200 EMA, Rejection May Restart Decline; Storage and Semiconductors that Surged Last Night Begin Falling in Evening Trading

**Crypto & Stock Market Wrap: Bitcoin Tests Resistance, Stocks Retreat After AI Surge** Bitcoin consolidates around $66,000, facing key resistance near $68,000—an area seen as a major psychological and technical hurdle where previous rallies have failed. Analysts note the cryptocurrency is caught between its 200-week moving average (~$63,333) and 200-week EMA (~$68,328). A clear break above $68k is needed to signal a stronger bullish trend, while a rejection could lead to a retest of $63k support. Market sentiment remains cautious, with low futures open interest pointing to a low-liquidity rebound rather than a full bull market. Bitcoin spot ETFs saw another $203 million inflow. US stock futures pointed lower after a strong Tuesday session led by a massive rebound in semiconductors and memory stocks. The rally was fueled by renewed optimism about AI-driven hardware demand, with Micron, SanDisk, and SK Hynix surging. However, those gains reversed in pre-market trading. Super Micro Computer (SMCI) soared over 20% after hours on strong guidance and a record backlog. Other standouts included Rocket Lab and nuclear energy plays Oklo and X-Energy. Rising oil prices (Brent above $91) and climbing Treasury yields (10-year near 4.64%), however, are reigniting inflation concerns and acting as a headwind for equities. In Asia, markets were mixed. South Korea's KOSPI pared early gains to close slightly higher as semiconductor stocks like SK Hynix gave back initial surges. Japan's Nikkei edged lower as the yen hit a fresh 38-year low against the dollar, raising fears of potential market intervention. Key events to watch include the Samsung Galaxy launch, AMD's AI event, and a slew of major tech earnings from Alphabet, Tesla, and IBM after the close on Wednesday, followed by the ECB meeting and Intel's earnings on Thursday.

marsbit10h ago

BIT Trading Moment: BTC Still Suppressed by Weekly 200 EMA, Rejection May Restart Decline; Storage and Semiconductors that Surged Last Night Begin Falling in Evening Trading

marsbit10h ago

Former CFTC Chairman, Circle President Tarbert: Preaching Long-Termism While Cashing Out $30 Million Himself

Former CFTC Chairman and Circle President Heath Tarbert has consistently advocated for a long-term vision in public, urging patience from investors as Circle’s stock price has fallen significantly from its peak. However, it has been revealed that since Circle’s IPO, Tarbert has continuously sold his CRCL shares through pre-arranged trading plans, cashing out approximately $30 million, without making any public market purchases. This contrast between his public messaging and personal actions has drawn criticism. Tarbert joined Circle in July 2023 as Chief Legal Officer, leveraging his regulatory experience to help guide the company through its IPO and expansion. Despite promoting stablecoins as long-term infrastructure, he established a 10b5-1 trading plan just before Circle went public, leading to substantial stock sales over the following year. In March 2026, he initiated another plan to sell more shares. His career trajectory highlights a pattern of moving between high-level regulatory roles and influential positions in the financial sector. After resigning as CFTC Chairman in early 2021, he joined Citadel Securities as Chief Legal Officer just 27 days later, during a period of intense regulatory scrutiny for the firm. He later joined Circle, aiding its efforts to navigate regulatory challenges for its public listing. While Tarbert's expertise in policy and compliance is valuable to companies like Circle, his actions—advocating long-term confidence while personally divesting—raise questions about the alignment between his public statements and his private financial decisions, leaving investors who followed his advice to bear the market risks.

marsbit10h ago

Former CFTC Chairman, Circle President Tarbert: Preaching Long-Termism While Cashing Out $30 Million Himself

marsbit10h ago

Gate Research Institute: The 'Wall Street-ization' Wave of Crypto Financial Products – Competition or Integration?

The article titled "Gate Research Institute: Are Crypto Financial Products Sparking a 'Wall Street' Wave—Competition or Convergence?" explores the evolving relationship between the crypto ecosystem and traditional finance (TradFi). The piece begins by reflecting on Bitcoin's original 2009 vision of decentralization, disintermediation, and moving away from banks. It then contrasts this with the 2024 landscape, where key crypto assets like Bitcoin are increasingly held through Wall Street products like ETFs issued by giants like BlackRock. The article questions whether this signifies that TradFi is systematically taking over the rights to issue, price, custody, and distribute crypto financial assets. The core argument is that this is not a zero-sum takeover but rather a bidirectional convergence where each side addresses the other's weaknesses. Crypto offers 24/7 global markets, programmable settlement, and open access but lacks compliant channels, institutional-grade custody, deep fiat liquidity, and mainstream distribution. TradFi possesses these but is constrained by legacy systems, limited operating hours, and slow settlement. Two primary convergence paths are highlighted: * **Path A (CEX to TradFi):** Exemplified by Gate, which has progressed from offering tokenized stocks and CFDs to providing direct, real stock trading (US, Hong Kong, South Korea) within its platform, using USDT. * **Path B (TradFi to Crypto):** Exemplified by Robinhood, which has integrated crypto trading, acquired exchanges like Bitstamp, and is moving traditional assets like stocks onto the blockchain via tokenization and its own Layer 2. Both paths are ultimately competing to become the next-generation, unified financial account—a "super account" where users can seamlessly trade cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, RWA (Real World Assets), and tokenized treasury products in one interface. The growth of RWA and tokenized treasuries (e.g., BlackRock's BUIDL) is presented as the asset-layer fusion, providing stable, yield-bearing assets on-chain and acting as a bridge between the two worlds. In conclusion, the "Wall Street-ization" of crypto is framed as a mutual transformation. Decentralized ideals persist in the protocol layer, while at the application layer, a more efficient, global, and accessible unified capital market is emerging from this convergence. The future competition lies not between crypto exchanges and stockbrokers, but between platforms vying to offer the most comprehensive asset coverage, liquidity, and user experience within a single account.

marsbit10h ago

Gate Research Institute: The 'Wall Street-ization' Wave of Crypto Financial Products – Competition or Integration?

marsbit10h ago

Trading

Spot

Hot Articles

Discussions

Welcome to the HTX Community. Here, you can stay informed about the latest platform developments and gain access to professional market insights. Users' opinions on the price of ETH (ETH) are presented below.

活动图片