Ethereum: Will $43M ETH whale move test THIS danger zone?

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-01-16Last updated on 2026-01-16

Whales are known to sell at market tops and bottoms, but it’s how markets react that truly shapes price action.

On the 16th of January, Ethereum [ETH] faced selling pressure from large whales, with the price testing key resistance levels around $3,450.

Whale activity created turbulence, and the market awaited whether ETH could break through resistance or retreat toward support.

OG whale dumps 13,083 ETH

On‐chain tracker Lookonchain reported that Ethereum OG 0xB3E8 deposited 13,083 ETH (worth $43.35 million) into Gemini over the past two days, signaling a potential market shift.

Despite the large withdrawal, he still holds 34,616 ETH ($115M), showing confidence in Ethereum’s long-term prospects.

This move was seen by some as a classic profit-taking strategy, suggesting no intention of abandoning Ethereum for the long run.

Analyzing an 18,261 ETH short position

Another whale took a highly leveraged short position, betting against Ethereum. This whale deposited 3 million USDC into Hyperliquid and shorted 18,261 ETH ($60.32M).

If ETH had climbed to $3,380, the position could have been completely wiped out. This high‐risk move added significant pressure around the $3,400 level.

Liquidity clusters build around $3.4K

Ethereum’s price action was also influenced by liquidity clusters forming around the $3,400 mark.

These liquidity zones act as magnets during reversals, with traders closely watching to see if Ethereum could break the $3,450 resistance or retreat to lower support levels.

Any movement past this point could trigger large liquidations, shifting the market significantly.

What’s next for ETH?

Ethereum was testing the crucial $3,450 resistance. The next few hours were critical in determining whether ETH could break through or fall back toward support at $3,200.

Whale activity and liquidity pressure would heavily influence the outcome.

Final Thoughts

  • Whale activity created significant selling pressure near Ethereum’s $3,450 resistance, influencing key market reactions.
  • The market’s response to liquidity clusters and leveraged positions determined whether ETH could break through or retreat to support.

Related Questions

QWhat significant action did the Ethereum OG whale take on January 16th, and what was the value?

AThe Ethereum OG whale deposited 13,083 ETH, worth $43.35 million, into the Gemini exchange.

QDespite the large deposit, what does the whale's remaining ETH holding indicate?

AThe whale still holds 34,616 ETH, worth $115 million, which shows confidence in Ethereum's long-term prospects.

QWhat was the potential risk for the whale that took a highly leveraged short position of 18,261 ETH?

AIf the price of ETH had climbed to $3,380, the entire short position could have been liquidated and wiped out.

QWhy was the $3,400 price level significant for Ethereum's price action?

ASignificant liquidity clusters had formed around the $3,400 mark, making it a key level that could act as a magnet during price reversals and trigger large liquidations.

QWhat were the two possible price outcomes for ETH mentioned in the article, based on the resistance level?

AEthereum could either break through the $3,450 resistance level or fall back toward the $3,200 support level.

Related Reads

Will the Fed Still Cut Interest Rates? Tonight's Data Is Crucial

The core debate surrounding the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cuts is intensifying amid geopolitical conflict and rebounding inflation. The key question is whether high energy prices will cause persistent inflation or weaken consumer demand enough to force the Fed to cut rates. Citigroup presents a bullish case for cuts, arguing that oil supply disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz are temporary and will not lead to lasting inflationary pressure. They point to receding bond yields and oil prices as evidence the market is pricing in a short-lived shock. Citi's data also shows tightening financial conditions, a stabilizing labor market, and healthy tax returns, supporting their view that the path to lower rates remains open. Conversely, Deutsche Bank offers a starkly contrasting, more hawkish outlook. They argue the Fed's current policy is already neutral and expect rates to remain unchanged indefinitely. Their view is based on stalled disinflation progress and a shift toward more hawkish rhetoric from key Fed officials like Waller, who cited risks from prolonged Middle East conflict and tariffs. Other officials, including Williams and Hammack, signaled rates would likely stay on hold for a "considerable time." The market pricing has shifted dramatically, now forecasting zero cuts in 2026. The imminent release of the March retail sales "control group" data is highlighted as a critical test. This metric, which excludes gas station sales, will reveal if high gasoline prices are eroding consumer spending in other areas. A weak reading could support the case for imminent rate cuts, while a strong one would bolster the argument for the Fed to hold steady. This data is pivotal for determining the near-term policy path.

marsbitJust now

Will the Fed Still Cut Interest Rates? Tonight's Data Is Crucial

marsbitJust now

The Second Half of Macro Influencer Fu Peng's Career

Fu Peng, a prominent Chinese macroeconomist and former chief economist of Northeast Securities, has joined Hong Kong-based digital asset management firm Bitfire Group (formerly New Huo Group) as its chief economist. This move, announced in April 2026, triggered an 11% surge in Bitfire's stock price. Fu, known for his accessible macroeconomic commentary and large social media following, will focus on integrating digital assets into global asset allocation frameworks, particularly combining FICC (fixed income, currencies, and commodities) with cryptocurrencies for institutional clients. His career includes roles at Lehman Brothers and Solomon International, with significant influence gained through public communication. However, in late 2024, Fu faced temporary social media bans after a controversial private speech at HSBC on China's economic challenges, though he denied regulatory sanctions. He later left Northeast Securities citing health reasons. Bitfire, a licensed virtual asset manager serving high-net-worth clients, seeks to build trust and attract traditional capital through Fu’s expertise and credibility. The partnership represents a strategic shift for both: Fu enters the crypto sector after a traditional finance peak, while Bitfire aims to leverage his macro framework for institutional adoption. Outcomes remain uncertain regarding capital inflows and compatibility within corporate structure.

marsbit1h ago

The Second Half of Macro Influencer Fu Peng's Career

marsbit1h ago

Stablecoins Don’t Meet Core Requirements Of Money, BIS Says

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) General Manager, Pablo Hernández de Cos, stated that existing stablecoins fail to meet the core requirements of money, specifically "singleness" and "interoperability." Singleness refers to the need for different forms of money to be interchangeable at par value, which is ensured by central banks in traditional finance but not in decentralized stablecoins. Interoperability means seamless cross-platform transactions, which stablecoins currently lack due to fragmentation across multiple blockchains. These shortcomings limit stablecoins' network effects and widespread acceptance, keeping them a "niche" payment instrument. However, de Cos acknowledged their potential to improve cross-border payments, though he also warned of risks to financial stability and monetary policy. Despite a bearish crypto market, the stablecoin market cap has reached a new all-time high of over $320 billion.

bitcoinist1h ago

Stablecoins Don’t Meet Core Requirements Of Money, BIS Says

bitcoinist1h ago

What Does the Outcome of the Midterm Elections Mean for Trump and Crypto?

The article analyzes the potential impact of the upcoming US midterm elections on Trump and cryptocurrency policy. Historically, the president's party loses congressional seats in 90% of midterms since 1946, making a Republican loss in the House highly probable. Current predictions suggest Democrats may take the House while Republicans retain the Senate, resulting in a divided government. Despite potential losses, Trump could still advance crypto-friendly policies through executive orders, agency appointments (if the Senate is held), budget reconciliation, and veto power. However, major structural bills like the CLARITY Act or a comprehensive stablecoin law would likely stall without a Republican majority in both chambers. The crypto industry has invested heavily ($288 million) in the elections to push for favorable legislation before the midterm window closes in mid-2026. While Trump remains the most crypto-friendly US president to date, advancing key reforms may be delayed until after 2028 if the legislative window is missed. The overall pro-crypto shift in US politics is seen as irreversible, even if progress slows temporarily.

marsbit2h ago

What Does the Outcome of the Midterm Elections Mean for Trump and Crypto?

marsbit2h ago

Cardano Leadership Structure Comes Under Scrutiny, Clouding Its Future – See Why

Cardano is recognized as one of the most decentralized blockchains, yet recent criticism highlights its lack of clear leadership. Analyst Cardano Yoda argues that despite the introduction of on-chain governance—which involves DReps (governance decision-makers) and Pentad (leadership and execution)—the network remains centralized in practice. While DReps control treasury spending, they lack coordination and strategic direction, relying instead on founding entities like IOG, the Cardano Foundation, and EMURGO. This creates fragmented leadership and accountability issues. Yoda suggests that DReps should evolve into a more coordinated body, possibly through a board or DAOs, to define strategy and improve governance effectiveness. Enhanced cooperation between DReps, founding entities, and Intersect is essential for Cardano’s future leadership clarity and operational unity.

bitcoinist4h ago

Cardano Leadership Structure Comes Under Scrutiny, Clouding Its Future – See Why

bitcoinist4h ago

Trading

Spot
Futures

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

Top Questions