Ethereum News Today: Big ETH Move Sparks Debate: Profit-Taking or Market Signal?

Trend Research, an entity linked to the Yili Hua group, has transferred a total of 72,481 Ethereum (ETH) tokens to Binance in recent days, valued at approximately $319 million as of October 2, 2025. This activity marks the fifth deposit operation within a 24-hour period, according to on-chain analyst Ember. The transfers occurred after Ethereum rebounded above the $4,300 price level, a key threshold that has historically signaled potential bullish momentum in the cryptocurrency market.

The largest single transfer, amounting to 24,051 ETH ($104 million), was recorded over nine hours following the price rebound. This movement constitutes roughly 15.8% of Trend Research's reported holdings, which totaled 152,000 ETH ($660 million) prior to the transfer. The entity's average cost basis for these holdings was calculated at $2,869 per ETH, indicating a potential gross profit of $34.4 million if the transferred tokens are liquidated at $4,300. Notably, Trend Research had previously moved 16,800 ETH to Binance approximately 10 days earlier but later withdrew the funds, suggesting prior short-term trading activity.

Additional transfers from October 2 include 16,698 ETH ($73.38 million) withdrawn from the lending protocol Aave and deposited into Binance. This movement, combined with earlier inflows, suggests a coordinated strategy to consolidate liquidity on centralized exchanges. On-chain data indicates that Trend Research now holds approximately 82,000 ETH on-chain, with further transfers potentially influencing market dynamics.

Ethereum's recent price action has intensified speculation about the intent behind large holder activity. Analysts note that transfers of this magnitude often correlate with shifts in market sentiment. For instance, the $4,300 level has historically acted as a psychological support, and sustained trading above this threshold could attract institutional buyers. However, the immediate impact of Trend Research's sales remains uncertain. While the entity's cost basis implies a profit-taking motive, the rapidity of multiple deposits within a short timeframe raises questions about whether this represents a strategic accumulation or a hedging maneuver.

Market observers are monitoring broader implications for Ethereum's price trajectory. If Trend Research continues to offload holdings, it could introduce short-term selling pressure, particularly if the $4,300 level fails to hold. Conversely, a sustained rebound above $4,500, driven by positive on-chain flows or macroeconomic factors, might validate the bullish case. The transfer volume of 24,051 ETH alone represents a significant liquidity event, potentially amplifying volatility in Ethereum trading pairs on platforms like Binance.

The activity also highlights the growing role of institutional participants in cryptocurrency markets. Trend Research's movements mirror patterns seen in traditional asset classes, where large investors adjust positions in response to price milestones. Given Ethereum's market capitalization exceeding $200 billion, even a fraction of Trend Research's holdings could influence price action. However, the long-term trajectory of Ethereum remains tied to macroeconomic factors, including macroeconomic data and regulatory developments, rather than isolated on-chain events.

[1] Data: Trend Research has transferred a total of 72,481 ETH to ... (https://www.chaincatcher.com/en/article/2210540)

[2] Trend Research transferred 24,051 ETH to Binance in the past 9 ... (https://www.panewslab.com/en/articles/b9f6b3d9-bfb4-4057-8f9c-2756829f721c)

[3] ETH Whale Trend Research Moves 24,051 ETH ($104M) to Binance After $4,300 Rebound, 15.8% of Holdings and $2,869 Cost Basis | Flash News Detail | Blockchain.News (https://blockchain.news/flashnews/eth-whale-trend-research-moves-24-051-eth-104m-to-binance-after-4-300-rebound-15-8-of-holdings-and-2-869-cost-basis)

[5] EasyHua's Trend Research Withdraws 16,698 ETH From Aave, ... (https://en.coinotag.com/breakingnews/easyhuas-trend-research-withdraws-16698-eth-from-aave-deposits-6000-eth-to-binance-in-130m-ethereum-move/)