Ethereum Price Holds Key 5-Year High In Demand Amid Heavy Whale Transfer

Ethereum price is hovering near a long-term critical zone as whales reshuffle billions of dollars in holdings, adding new uncertainty to an already volatile market. Although price action remains weak in the short term, analysts say the stock has returned to historical rallying range.
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Recent on-chain activity shows an increase in whale transfers, currency closures, and strategic repositioning, all of which are happening as Ethereum (ETH) struggles to secure support near the $1,800 level, a price point that many traders now consider decisive for the market’s next direction.
XRP's price trends to the downside on the daily chart. Source: XRPUSD on Tradingview
Ethereum Price Tests Long-Term Demand Zone
Market analysts note that the price of Ethereum has returned to the five-year demand area previously seen during the bear market of 2022–2023 and the short crash of April 2025. Historically, this range has attracted accumulation rather than spread, suggesting that long-term investors may enter despite weak momentum.
Currently, Ethereum is trading at around 1,828 dollars, down about 3.1% in the last 24 hours, with a market value close to 220 billion dollars and a high volume of activity that shows continued volatility. Futures trading volume exceeded 51 billion dollars in one day, and more than 100 million dollars in advanced positions were liquidated.
Technically, ETH remains below key resistance levels. The price recently fell below $1,900 and the 100-hour moving average, with analysts identifying $1,820 as immediate support and $1,900–$1,920 as major resistance. A further break below the support could reveal downside targets near $1,780 or even $1,720.
Whale Signals Function Market Depression
Large owners have played a major role in recent price pressures. One whale lost 7,200 ETH worth about $13.4 million with a loss of more than $600,000 after exiting the position opened at higher prices.
Another long-term holder sold about 23,924 ETH worth more than $45 million before opening profitable long positions, indicating expectations of continued short-term volatility.
Meanwhile, a different wallet transferred 12,000 ETH to a large trade, potentially covering a loss of more than $29 million on the sale. Exchange income is often interpreted as a tradable signal because it increases market supply.
To add to the narrative, Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin sold more than 8,800 ETH this month, although analysts say the transaction is related to financing the development of the ecosystem rather than changing long-term confidence.
Institutions Accumulate Despite Weak Price Action
While some whales are reducing exposure, institutional players seem to be moving in the opposite direction. Mining and infrastructure firm BitMine Immersion Technologies has recently acquired 51,162 ETH of its corporate wealth and continues to increase its holdings through holding strategies designed to generate yield.
This difference between insider selling, repositioning of whales, and institutional accumulation shows a market caught between short-term fear and long-term belief.
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In the long run, the Ethereum price outlook depends on whether buyers can defend the $1,800 region. Holding this level could reinforce the idea of a multi-year accumulation phase, while a breakout could trigger another wave of sell-offs across the bull market.
Cover image from ChatGPT, ETHUSD chart on Tradingview



