Large Crypto Whale Shifts Strategy After $13.73M ETH Loss, Buys 2,251 XAUt

A major whale or institutional investor recently experienced a $13.73 million loss in Ethereum over the course of a week in November 2025, as reported by on-chain analyst Yu Jin.

The entity, known for a controversial "buy high, sell low" approach, shifted strategy and purchased 2,251 XAUt with $9.95 million at an average price of $4,420 per token.

This move coincides with broader regulatory and market developments in the crypto sector, including recent changes to digital asset regulations in the United States.

Why Did the Whale Shift Strategy?

The whale's recent loss highlights the risks of volatile market conditions and poor timing in trading. Ethereum has struggled to maintain strong momentum, with price levels below $4,000 remaining a key barrier for broader adoption.

Whale activity in Ethereum has declined in recent months, indicating a shift in confidence among large holders as reported by analysts. This suggests a growing reluctance to commit capital to Ethereum as the asset has failed to meet long-term price targets.

What Does the Gold Token Purchase Signal?

The whale's purchase of XAUt—a token backed by physical gold—indicates a potential shift toward safer, less volatile assets. Tether Gold (XAUT), similar to the token purchased, has gained traction in Asian markets, including a recent listing in South Korea.

Gold-backed tokens provide a regulated and transparent way to access the value of gold without the logistical challenges of physical bullion. This move may reflect a broader trend as investors seek non-correlated assets in a more uncertain market environment.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are monitoring whether this whale's strategy change will influence broader market sentiment. Ethereum ETFs have seen mixed performance, with inflows and outflows fluctuating over the last year.

Regulatory developments in 2026, including the passage of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act and the creation of a federal crypto policy office, are expected to provide further clarity as per market analysis. These changes may impact investor confidence and trading strategies.

The success of asset-backed tokens like XAUT may also determine whether crypto exchanges can attract a wider range of investors, including those from traditional finance. The listing of gold-backed tokens could set a precedent for tokenizing other real-world assets in the future as reported by industry analysts.