Market Sentiment Focus
Whales Load Up on Ether as Retail Exits and ETF Momentum Stalls
Ethereum is holding its ground above $2,500 despite headwinds from a shifting ETF landscape and weaker retail sentiment.
Data from Santiment reveals that wallets holding between 1,000 and 100,000 ETH — commonly referred to as whales and sharks — have accumulated 1.49 million ETH in the past 30 days. This cohort now controls nearly 27% of the total ETH supply, a strong sign of institutional confidence.
At the same time, smaller retail investors have started trimming exposure, a trend reinforced by $2.2 million in net outflows from U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs on Friday, ending a 19-day inflow streak.
Still, ETH is proving resilient. It traded near $2,508, down less than 1% in the past 24 hours but well above key support at $2,500 — a level that has historically acted as a price floor.
Technical signs suggest consolidation, not capitulation, with reduced volatility and sustained support. Whale buying may offer further insulation as markets wait for the next macro trigger.
