Whale Accumulates $25.6 Million ETH Position Amid ETF Inflows and Options Trading Developments

Grayscale's Ethereum Trust (ETHE) recorded a $3.9 million inflow on Jan. 13, 2026, according to Farside Investors. This marks a positive shift for Ethereum ETFs after recent outflows. The inflow may signal growing institutional confidence in ETH.

Grayscale's CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF (GDLC), which tracks a basket of cryptocurrencies, has filed for options trading approval with the SEC. The move aims to provide investors with more flexibility and risk management tools.

Ethereum's price recently tested key support levels around $3,000 as broader crypto markets experienced volatility. Traders are watching how ETF inflows might influence near-term ETH price action.

Why Did the ETHE Inflow Occur?

The $3.9 million inflow into ETHE represents a notable increase compared to previous periods when outflows were reported. Positive flows like these often correlate with increased ETH liquidity and spot price momentum.

Investors may have been drawn to ETHE due to growing regulatory clarity and Ethereum's evolving role in decentralized finance (DeFi). Ethereum's total value locked in DeFi protocols has exceeded $50 billion, supporting the asset's utility and adoption.

How Will This Influence Ethereum's Price Action?

Ethereum's price has shown volatility in recent sessions, with traders watching support levels around $3,020–$3,050. If the current inflow trend continues, Ethereum could test key resistance at $3,000 in the coming days.

Historical data suggests that inflows above $1 million daily often lead to increased trading volumes and short-term price pumps on exchanges like Binance. This could create favorable conditions for ETH long positions, particularly in futures markets.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Traders are now closely monitoring Ethereum's on-chain activity for signs of continued accumulation. A whale has been gradually accumulating a long ETH position, with the current value at around $25.6 million. This activity suggests bullish positioning and long-term confidence in the asset.

Analysts are also tracking the implications of the Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF's proposed options trading. If approved, the product could increase competition for order flow on crypto ETFs and diversify investment strategies for digital assets.

The price action of Ethereum will likely remain tied to broader crypto sentiment, particularly with Bitcoin and XRP also showing weakness. Market watchers are looking for signs of consolidation or renewed bullish momentum in the coming days.