Ethereum Whales Accumulate $2.5 Billion Amid Institutional Interest

Coin WorldWednesday, Jun 18, 2025 9:52 pm ET
2min read

Cryptocurrency analyst Dan Gambardello has been closely monitoring the accumulation patterns of whales in both Ethereum and Cardano, noting significant activity despite ongoing market consolidation. Gambardello's analysis highlights that Ethereum whales have accumulated $2.5 billion worth of ETH, marking the largest daily inflow since 2018. This accumulation comes as the price of Ethereum consolidates within a multi-month range, similar to patterns observed in 2017. Institutional interest in Ethereum continues to grow, with Ethereum ETFs recording a 5X increase in weekly inflows totaling $530 million. Whales have also accumulated $435 million worth of ETH through over-the-counter deals, indicating a strong institutional accumulation strategy.

Gambardello observes that the price action for Ethereum is tense due to persistent resistance at its multi-year yellow bottom trend line of a huge triangular formation. Despite continuous institutional buying pressure, there are regular wicks and suppression at key technical levels during the roughly six-week consolidation period. The analyst references Ethereum’s risk model data, which shows compression patterns reminiscent of those observed in 2017, preceding parabolic bull market advances. While Ethereum faces potential downward volatility, the ongoing whale accumulation suggests that institutions expect higher prices despite short-term market uncertainty.

Turning to Cardano, Gambardello believes that the cryptocurrency's downside objectives might be around 50 cents, with the potential to fall to 40 cents during unpredictable market situations. He recognizes the current weekly red candles while maintaining a perspective based on historical trends and past consolidation periods. ADA is currently trading in a falling wedge pattern, with the analyst watching a higher low Fibonacci range that was previously tested during COVID-era swing lows. The lower range of this Fibonacci consolidation may be tested further if cryptocurrency prices continue to fall amid present global concerns.

Despite short-term negative risks, Gambardello has a $2 higher target price for Cardano and long-term bullish expectations. With the 20-week moving average at 71 cents, roughly 10 cents above the current ADA price, the analyst observes moving average compression levels distinct from previous time frames. If Cardano breaks above the 65–71 cent level, it would enter good macro conditions, moving it toward the $2 target. This trend aligns with other breakouts out of consolidations that resulted in spectacular price appreciation. Gambardello identifies parallels between today’s consolidation and historical times of bull market preparation, suggesting that the falling wedge pattern may support upward breakout trends.

Ask Aime: Is Ethereum's current consolidation pattern similar to that of 2017, and will it lead to a parabolic bull market advance?

Gambardello maintains his $4,000 Ethereum and $2 Cardano price targets despite acknowledging short-term Middle East tensions and overall geopolitical uncertainty. He anticipates high levels of fear capitulation that will impact cryptocurrency markets while holding long-term positive expectations. For Ethereum, a breakout above present levels of consolidation may lead initially to the $3,500 level, with the prime target remaining at $4,000. This target is at prior swing highs and would start a larger bull market move for Ethereum. The analyst is noticing an upward broadening wedge formation on Ethereum’s daily charts with the downside targets of around $1,800 in the event of a breakdown. This is near the earlier mentioned swing low to swing high Fibonacci channels of $1,900 to $1,600-$1,700. Gambardello points out the need to discuss upside targets when market uncertainty exists, explaining that sentiment is very bearish prior to reversals occurring.