Ethereum News Today: Ethereum Nears All-Time High as Whale Buys $1.34B in 8 Days

Ethereum (ETH) is currently trading at approximately $4,620, just 6.4% away from its all-time high of $4,891 set on November 16, 2021. The price has surged by 27% over the past seven days, driven by renewed institutional interest and a wave of large-scale accumulation from whale investors [4]. On-chain data reveals that a single whale spent $1.34 billion over eight days in early August to acquire 312,052 ETH through platforms such as FalconX, Galaxy Digital, and BitGo, creating 10 distinct wallets in the process [1]. This buying pattern resembles over-the-counter strategies used by institutions to avoid market disruption [2].

Retail traders, on the other hand, have been offloading their holdings amid growing uncertainty about the sustainability of the price rally. Santiment reported that small investors are selling despite ETH’s recent gains, a trend that often precedes further price increases historically [4]. Data from Glassnode also shows that short-term holders are selling at higher rates than long-term holders, suggesting many are positioning for a potential correction [4].

The whale activity has occurred alongside broader institutional confidence in Ethereum, with record inflows into spot ETFs and corporate treasuries adding over $1 billion in ETH to their reserves [6]. Analysts suggest this large-scale accumulation reflects long-term positioning rather than speculative trading, with on-chain metrics pointing to a likely institutional or ultra-high-net-worth player [2]. Another $946.6 million in ETH was scooped up by whales in a single week in late July, further reinforcing the narrative of growing institutional demand [5].

Despite the bullish on-chain activity, analysts caution that whale movements alone do not determine price direction. Macroeconomic factors, including U.S. inflation data and Federal Reserve policy, remain critical in shaping market sentiment [2]. The Ethereum Fear and Greed Index currently sits in the "extreme greed" zone, reflecting widespread optimism among traders [7]. However, social media sentiment has turned increasingly bearish, with many retail investors questioning the longevity of the rally [4].

The identity of the $1.34 billion whale remains unknown, with speculation ranging from new institutional entrants to strategic pre-positioning ahead of upcoming product launches. No official confirmation has been provided by major holders or institutional players, and the market is closely watching for further developments and price reactions [5].

Source:

[1] "Anonymous Whale Scoops Up $1.34B In Ethereum In Just..." – Mitrade (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1033670-20250813)

[2] "Crypto Whale Buys $1.34B in Ethereum Ahead of Key US..." – CoinCentral (https://coincentral.com/crypto-whale-buys-1-34b-in-ethereum-ahead-of-key-us-inflation-data/)

[4] "Whale Accumulates 312052 ETH ($1.34B) in 8 Days via..." – Blockchain News (https://blockchain.news/flashnews/whale-accumulates-312-052-eth-1-34b-in-8-days-via-falconx-galaxy-digital-and-bitgo-on-chain-alert-by-lookonchain)

[5] "Ethereum Nears $5000 After 45% Monthly Rally, Whale..." – Mitrade (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1030236-20250812)

[6] "ETH Price to Look Strong as $1.3B Whale Buys Meet..." – CoinLaw (https://coinlaw.io/ethereum-etf-whale-buy-august/)

[7] "Live Ethereum CFGI Score Now: Extreme greed 1D" – CFGI.io (https://cfagi.io)