Ethereum Sell Pressure Expands As Short-Term Holder Supply Flow Turns Negative

bitcoinistPublished on 2026-02-11Last updated on 2026-02-11

Abstract

Ethereum is experiencing increased sell pressure as short-term holders shift into a distribution mode, contributing to the ongoing bearish price trend. On-chain data indicates that the short-term holder supply flow has turned negative, suggesting recent buyers are offloading their ETH holdings amid market volatility, reflecting declining confidence. However, while short-term investors are selling, large holders (whales) continue to accumulate ETH aggressively, even as the price drops below their initial accumulation price points. Analyst Michael Van De Poppe highlights that Ethereum's current Market Value to Realized Value (MVRV) ratio indicates significant undervaluation, presenting a major buying opportunity similar to past market bottoms.

Ethereum’s price and its short-term holders are currently and simultaneously exhibiting bearish activity. While the downward price trend has continued, the activity of short-term ETH holders has followed closely, as the group has simply transitioned into a selling mode.

Negative Supply Flow For Ethereum Short-Term Holders

As Ethereum’s price loses its upside momentum, on-chain data are now flashing a cautionary signal, one that demands close attention during volatile market conditions. This cautious signal is coming from the side of short-term ETH holders, who are collectively exhibiting bearish activity.

On-Chain Mind, a crypto and data analyst, has confirmed that Ethereum is shifting into negative territory on short-term holder supply flow. A trend of this kind suggests that the most recent buyers of ETH are choosing to sell their holdings, adding fresh supply back into the broader market in periods of uncertainty.

The analysis carried out using the Ethereum Short-Term Holder Net Change metric mainly tracks speculative positioning over a 30-day duration. When short-term holders begin to distribute frequently, it is a pattern that often hints at a decline in confidence and a rise in volatility sensitivity.

Data from the STH Net Change chart reveals that recent buyers are starting to distribute their holdings, and short-term capital is rotating out, not flowing in. During such scenarios, On-Chain Mind advocates a strategy that plays against the short-term crowd.

Short-term holders are dumping their ETH holdings | Source: Chart from On-Chain Mind on X

While short-term holders are displaying fear and uncertainty by selling their ETH stash, large holders or whales continue to find a reason to hold on to the altcoin and even buy more. CW on the X platform stated that Ethereum has dropped below the realized price of the accumulation wallet addresses.

Despite losing this key threshold, ETH whales have continued their buying activity. The expert highlighted that the full-scale accumulation of the altcoin by whales started back in June 2025. Meanwhile, the current price has now fallen below the price at which these investors kicked off their accumulation process.

This drop did not stop them as their buying spree is proceeding even more aggressively this time. At the same time, the latest price of ETH will likely appear attractive to whales.

Buying ETH Now Is An Opportunity

Even with a bearish state, Michael Van De Poppe has expressed bullish focus on Ethereum. Following an analysis of the ETH Market Value to Realized Value Ratio (MVRV), the market expert and MN Fund founder and CIO, declares that “it is a tremendous opportunity to be looking at ETH now.”

Van De Poppe stated that the major reason for this is a massive gap between the fair price and the market price. Based on the MVRV ratio, ETH’s present valuation is just as underpriced as it was during the extremely volatile times, such as the April 2025 crash, the June 2022 bottom after Luna tanked, the March 2020 crash triggered by COVID, and the peak bear market of December 2018.

In all of those cases, this offered a fantastic opportunity to purchase the leading altcoin, and this particular signal has unfolded once again in the current market cycle.

ETH trading at $1,953 on the 1D chart | Source: ETHUSDT on Tradingview.com

Related Questions

QWhat does the negative supply flow for Ethereum short-term holders indicate according to the article?

AThe negative supply flow indicates that short-term ETH holders are selling their holdings, adding fresh supply to the market and signaling a decline in confidence and increased volatility sensitivity.

QHow are Ethereum whales responding to the current price drop below the accumulation threshold?

AEthereum whales have continued their buying activity more aggressively, even though the price has dropped below the realized price of their accumulation wallet addresses, finding the current price attractive.

QWhat metric does Michael Van De Poppe use to declare that buying ETH now is a tremendous opportunity?

AMichael Van De Poppe uses the Ethereum Market Value to Realized Value Ratio (MVRV) to declare it a tremendous opportunity, noting a massive gap between the fair price and the market price.

QAccording to the article, what historical periods does the current ETH MVRV ratio compare to in terms of underpricing?

AThe current ETH MVRV ratio is as underpriced as during the April 2025 crash, the June 2022 bottom after Luna tanked, the March 2020 COVID crash, and the peak bear market of December 2018.

QWhat does the Ethereum Short-Term Holder Net Change metric track, and what does its current trend suggest?

AThe Ethereum Short-Term Holder Net Change metric tracks speculative positioning over a 30-day duration, and its current negative trend suggests that recent buyers are distributing their holdings and short-term capital is rotating out.

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