Whale Liquidates ASTER and ETH Holdings, Closes AVNT Long Position, Suffers $4.21M Loss

A major whale liquidated their ASTER and ETH holdings and closed a long AVNT position on January 19, 2026, resulting in a total loss of $4.21 million (). The liquidation of Ethereum and ASTER appears to be a response to shifting market conditions, including ETF inflows into Ethereum and recent volatility in AVNT. This move underscores growing pressure in crypto markets as large players adjust positions in the face of uncertain momentum.

The whale's ETH holdings were liquidated in a volatile trading environment where Ethereum ETF inflows remained positive. On January 13, 2026, Grayscale's ETHE recorded a $3.9 million inflow, indicating continued institutional interest in Ethereum. However, this inflow may have triggered a rebalancing strategy among large holders who saw opportunities to lock in gains or cut losses.

The AVNT position was closed as the stock remained under pressure. On January 19, AVNT was trading at $35.65, down 0.97% for the day. The stock's technical indicators showed mixed signals, with RSI at 73.66 and MACD trending upward. The whale's decision to close the long position came ahead of AVNT's Q4 2025 earnings report scheduled for February 12.

Why Did This Happen?

The liquidation of ASTER and ETH occurred amid broader volatility in the cryptocurrency markets. Ethereum ETF inflows had been a source of optimism for bullish traders, but large holders appear to be reacting to shifting fundamentals. The whale's move to close a long AVNT position suggests uncertainty over the stock's near-term prospects. AVNT reported mixed results in Q3 2025, with adjusted earnings beating forecasts but revenue falling short. This inconsistency may have prompted a reassessment of the long-term value proposition.

The timing of the AVNT position closure also aligns with technical resistance levels. AVNT was near its 50-week moving average of $31.10 and had failed to break above key resistance levels in recent weeks. For investors holding AVNT, the whale's exit could signal a shift in sentiment and raise concerns about the stock's ability to rally in the short term.

How Did Markets React?

The liquidation of ASTER and ETH did not immediately trigger large price swings. Ethereum remained within its 52-week range of $27.48 to $44.78. However, the broader market reacted to the news of the whale's losses. Traders monitoring Ethereum ETF flows noted that large holders are becoming more cautious. On January 16, Solana's price rebounded on strong ETF inflows, while Ethereum dominance showed signs of recovery.

The AVNT position closure also raised questions about the company's financial health. AVNT has guided for adjusted EBITDA margins to rise in 2025 but has seen mixed demand in its consumer and packaging segments. The whale's decision to exit may reflect concerns about the company's ability to meet these targets in a competitive market environment.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are now focusing on whether this whale's move reflects a broader trend or is an isolated event. Ethereum's ETF inflows remain a key focus area, as they provide insight into institutional demand for crypto assets. If inflows into ETHE continue to trend upward, it may indicate a return of bullish momentum in the Ethereum market.

For AVNT, investors are watching the February 12 earnings report closely. The company has forecast adjusted EPS between $2.77 and $2.87 for the full year 2025, but actual results will determine whether the stock can regain investor confidence. The whale's position closure suggests that market participants are taking a cautious approach in the near term.

The crypto markets are also monitoring large holder activity on-chain. On January 16, a $4 million SHIB buy from a dormant Ethereum wallet signaled potential accumulation. If similar activity occurs in Ethereum or other major tokens, it could indicate a shift in sentiment and renewed interest in the crypto space.

As markets continue to process this whale's exit, investors are advised to monitor both technical indicators and fundamental developments. The interplay between ETF flows, on-chain activity, and corporate performance will likely shape the next phase of market behavior.