Crypto Whale Opens $325M Long Positions in BTC, ETH, XRP, and SOL

A crypto whale has opened long positions totaling $325 million in Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana, according to data from HyperDash. The trader previously engaged in short positions on BTC and ETH has now shifted strategy, with positions including 1,247 BTC, 36,249 ETH, over 506,000 SOL, and 14 million XRP according to Cryptobriefing.

The whale's unrealized profits stand at over $300,000 as of the latest report, suggesting a strategic move to capitalize on potential upward movements in these major assets. This activity follows a period of relative stagnation in Bitcoin's price action, with BTC trading near $90,000 but showing limited volatility as reported.

The broader crypto market has shown early signs of an altcoin season, with Ethereum, XRP, and Solana exhibiting stronger fundamentals compared to Bitcoin. Ethereum's active address count remains near cycle highs despite sideways price movement, and XRP holders are not moving coins to exchanges, indicating a buildup phase according to TradingView analysis.

Why Did This Happen?

Bitcoin dominance has hovered near 59% as total crypto market capitalization approached $3.2 trillion. Analysts have noted that when Bitcoin dominance fails at this resistance level, altcoins often rally as capital rotates away from BTC according to TradingView analysis.

The whale's decision to go long on BTC, ETH, XRP, and SOL aligns with this trend. Ethereum whales, however, have also been active sellers, with over 300,000 ETH sold in the last three days, totaling $971 million. This behavior reflects skepticism about ETH's ability to sustain gains as reported by BeInCrypto.

How Did Markets React?

Bitcoin ETFs saw inflows of $1.1 billion in the first two trading days of 2026, driven by the new year's "clean-slate effect." This contrasts with outflows in late 2025. Spot Ethereum ETFs also recorded inflows, with $168 million added in recent days according to CoinTelegraph.

Ethereum's price remains below the 50-day EMA at $3,127, with the RSI at 51 suggesting fading bullish momentum. A breakout above $3,000 would be critical for a resumption of the uptrend as noted by FXStreet.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are monitoring whether altcoin dominance continues to break long-term downtrends, as seen with Ethereum, XRP, and Solana. Crypto analyst Dr. Whale has highlighted this as a potential catalyst for a 40x to 50x rally in altcoins according to TradingView analysis.

Bitcoin's current stability near $93,600 has been attributed to steady demand and a shift toward more mature market behavior. This includes a $17.44 billion unrealized loss reported by Strategy Inc., the world's largest corporate Bitcoin holder according to Meyka.

The altcoin season index, at 57, suggests Bitcoin remains dominant, but early signs of strength in Ethereum, XRP, and Solana indicate a potential shift. Analysts like Moustache have compared this pattern to previous cycles, suggesting 2026 may see a stronger altcoin season following a breakout in 2025 according to TradingView analysis.

Bitcoin's recent price action remains cautious as traders await a catalyst. The market is also watching for any follow-through on the whale's $325 million in long positions, which could reinforce a bullish narrative in early 2026 as reported by Cryptobriefing.