Whales Cash Out Millions! Will Ethereum’s Rally Continue to $2,795?

The cryptocurrency market has been buzzing following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s announcement of a 50 basis point interest rate cut, the first such reduction in over four years. This has created a mix of reactions for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and their respective ETFs, as large investors, known as whales, are booking profits and reshaping market dynamics.

Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs See Mixed Flows After Rate Cut

Bitcoin ETFs experienced a shift after the Fed’s decision, with notable outflows amounting to $52.7 million. Ark Invest’s ARKB led the charge with $43.4 million in net withdrawals, followed by Grayscale’s GBTC, which saw an $8.1 million outflow. Despite the Fed’s larger-than-expected rate cut, which many investors anticipated would boost risk-on assets like Bitcoin, the ETF market seemed to hit a cooling phase. Interestingly, Fidelity’s FBTC enjoyed seven consecutive days of net inflows before the meeting but showed no movement on the day.

For Ethereum ETFs, the situation mirrored Bitcoin’s, but with consistent outflows. Ethereum-based products saw a withdrawal of $9.8 million, led by Grayscale’s ETHE, which alone lost $14.7 million. Despite the outflows, BlackRock’s EHTA reported $4.9 million in net inflows, providing a silver lining as it continues to be the only new Ethereum ETF to surpass $1 billion in assets under management.

Ethereum Price Surge Despite Whale Sell-Offs

Ethereum’s price continues to trend upward, nearing the $2,500 mark as it benefits from the general positive sentiment in the market. The broader crypto market witnessed a shift in sentiment, driven by the Fed’s rate cut, pushing the fear and greed index into neutral territory. Ethereum has gained over 5% in the last 24 hours, trading around $2,432.

Despite this bullish trend, some crypto whales have used the price rally as an opportunity to offload their holdings. One notable Ethereum whale transferred 10,000 ETH to Kraken, marking the end of a two-year dormancy. This whale received the ETH during the ICO phase, reflecting substantial gains. Another whale sold 10,595 ETH worth $24.79 million, signaling that profit-taking is underway, although Ethereum’s price seems resilient.

Ethereum Staking ETF in Hong Kong: A Game Changer?

Looking to the future, Hong Kong regulators are considering the introduction of staking features for Ethereum ETFs. This could offer a competitive edge over U.S. counterparts, with industry insiders suggesting that this approval may come by the end of the year. If implemented, staking would provide an additional layer of profitability for Ethereum ETF holders, potentially revitalizing the region’s slow ETF market, which has recorded zero inflows recently.

Bitcoin’s Rally in Context

While Bitcoin saw a surge to $62,000 after the Fed’s rate cut, the cryptocurrency’s ETFs witnessed outflows. The rally underscores the complex relationship between the macroeconomic landscape and Bitcoin’s performance. Analysts are split, with some predicting further gains for Bitcoin, while others, like Arthur Hayes, warn that the rate cuts may ultimately lead to inflation, undermining the long-term stability of Bitcoin’s price.

In conclusion, the crypto market is in a volatile state, driven by the Fed’s rate cuts, whale sell-offs, and the evolving regulatory landscape in places like Hong Kong. While both Bitcoin and Ethereum face mixed signals, they remain key assets to watch in the months ahead.

 

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice.