Whale Trader Sells 10,000 ETH for $1.51 Million as Ethereum ETFs See Strong Institutional Inflows

A large Ethereum holder executed a significant trade this morning, selling 10,000 ETH at an average price of $3,321, generating a profit of $1.51 million (). This move came as institutional interest in Ethereum continued to grow, with BlackRock reporting $149.2 million in inflows for its Ethereum ETF on January 16, 2026. The inflow is part of a broader trend, with Ethereum ETFs recording a total of $474.6 million in inflows over four consecutive days.

Ethereum's network activity has also seen a notable increase, with daily active addresses rising by 53% over the last 30 days to a 28-month high of 995,779. Daily transaction counts on the network reached 2.9 million on Friday, according to data from DefiLlama. This surge in on-chain activity reflects growing adoption and usage of the Ethereum blockchain.

Analysts are watching closely as Ethereum trades near key support and resistance levels. ETH currently hovers around $3,300, and holding above the $3,050–3,170 demand zone is critical for a potential rally above $4,000. The 50-week exponential moving average is within this zone, and a weekly close above it would confirm bullish momentum.

Why Did This Happen?

The recent inflow into Ethereum ETFs suggests growing confidence among institutional investors. BlackRock's Ethereum ETF recorded $149.2 million in inflows on January 16, reflecting a broader appetite for digital assets among traditional finance players. This trend is not limited to one fund, as inflows across multiple ETFs totaled $474.6 million in four days, outpacing new supply and indicating strong institutional buying.

Ethereum's network has also seen a significant rise in activity, with daily transaction counts reaching record levels. Analysts attribute this growth to the expanding use of decentralized applications and the ongoing tokenization of real-world assets on the Ethereum blockchain.

How Did Markets React?

The Ethereum price has shown resilience despite macroeconomic uncertainties and regulatory developments in the broader crypto space. Traders are now watching key price levels and volume patterns to determine whether the current trend will continue. Ethereum's price currently stands at around $3,300, up 7.3% over the past seven days.

The recent whale sale of 10,000 ETH occurred as the asset approached potential resistance levels. If ETH holds above $3,050, it could target $4,500 in the coming weeks, according to some analysts. A breakout above key moving averages, particularly the 50-day EMA, would strengthen the bullish case for further gains.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are monitoring Ethereum's ability to maintain its current price structure and whether institutional demand will remain strong. The inflow into BlackRock's ETF suggests a vote of confidence from institutional investors, which could drive further adoption and price appreciation. If the trend continues, Ethereum could see increased institutional participation, potentially reshaping the market dynamics for 2026.

Ethereum's network metrics remain a key focus for traders and analysts. Daily active addresses and transaction counts are indicators of sustained usage and adoption. A continued rise in these metrics would support the argument for Ethereum's long-term value proposition.

Standard Chartered analysts have also raised a bullish price target of $40,000 for Ethereum by the end of 2030, citing potential growth in stablecoin issuance and real-world asset tokenization. While this is a long-term outlook, it reflects the growing confidence in Ethereum's ecosystem and its role in the future of digital finance.

The recent sale of 10,000 ETH by a whale trader highlights the dynamic nature of the Ethereum market. Institutional inflows, strong on-chain activity, and price action all contribute to a complex and evolving landscape. Investors and traders are advised to monitor key levels and volume patterns to assess the next move in Ethereum's price trajectory.