Ethereum News Today: AguilaTrades opens 15x Ethereum short at $4,219, risking liquidation at $4,435

AguilaTrades, a pseudonymous on-chain trader known for high-leverage positions, has initiated a significant Ethereum short on Hyperliquid. The position involves 26,000 ETH at 15x leverage, with an entry price of $4,219 and a liquidation threshold of $4,435 [3]. This move comes after the trader closed several long positions, realizing $11.3 million in profit prior to opening the short [3]. The shift indicates a bearish stance on Ethereum and reflects a strategic reallocation of capital amid evolving market conditions.

The magnitude of the position suggests a high level of conviction in a short-term bearish outlook for ETH. On-chain analysts have highlighted the potential for increased volatility as the position is executed, with some tracking the development in real-time through platforms like Hyperdash.info [3]. The trader’s actions are likely to influence Ethereum’s price dynamics and liquidity, particularly given their track record of executing large, leveraged trades that have historically moved market sentiment.

Following the initial short on August 2, AguilaTrades took further action by opening another leveraged short with a notional value of approximately $128 million and a liquidation price of $4,383.66 just days later [2]. These aggressive moves indicate a continued bearish bias, despite previous losses such as a $700,000 loss incurred from a 25,000 ETH short closed on July 25 [4]. The trader has adjusted its approach in response to these losses, with reports suggesting a pivot toward more defensive trading strategies [1].

On-chain analysts have been closely monitoring AguilaTrades’ activities. Yu Jin, an on-chain analyst, noted that the trader increased its ETH short position using 25x leverage [7], while Ai Yi reported the addition of 9,000 ETH to the short portfolio, raising the total shorted amount [8]. These actions suggest a high-risk, high-reward approach that aligns with the trader’s history of leveraged positioning. The cumulative effect of such trades could amplify short-term price pressure, especially if Ethereum’s price trends downward.

From a broader perspective, Ethereum has demonstrated strong institutional support and regulatory clarity, with the SEC recently determining that liquidity staking tokens are not securities [1]. Despite these developments, AguilaTrades’ bearish bets reflect the challenges of navigating a volatile market where institutional buying and short liquidations have contributed to ETH’s upward movement in recent weeks [1]. The trader’s repeated attempts to profit from downward price swings highlight the inherent risks of leveraged trading in such an environment.

The market impact of AguilaTrades’ strategy remains to be seen, as Ethereum’s open interest and on-chain transaction volume have both risen. Short liquidations have played a role in pushing ETH’s price past the $4,000 level, reaching its highest point since the end of 2021 [1]. However, with ongoing institutional participation and positive regulatory signals, the success of bearish strategies may remain uncertain. Traders and analysts will continue to monitor real-time position updates to gauge the potential influence on Ethereum’s liquidity and price trajectory.

Source: [1] https://www.panewslab.com/en/articles/5c3d739c-a0fa-4584-9577-6e62579ebb92

[2] https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/08-12-2025-aguilatrades-engages-in-high-leverage-shorting-of-ethereum-28196461072954

[3] https://blockchain.news/flashnews/eth-short-alert-aguilatrades-opens-111m-ethereum-eth-15x-short-at-4-219-liquidation-at-4-435

[4] https://blockchain.news/flashnews/ethereum-eth-short-covering-alert-trader-closes-25-000-eth-short-at-700k-loss-avoids-2m-drawdown

[5] https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-aguilatrades-launches-25x-leveraged-10-000-eth-twap-sell-worth-42-million-2508/

[6] https://bitcoinworld.co.in/hyperliquid-whale-eth-loss-2/

[7] https://www.odaily.news/en/newsflash/442679

[8] https://m.economictimes.com/crypto-news-today-live-11-aug-2025/liveblog/123223005.cms