TLDR:
Ethereum whale wallets accumulated 17.41 million ETH, representing nearly 22% of the total supply.
Santiment data showed major holders buying aggressively during Ethereum’s latest market weakness.
ETH remained below key resistance levels as traders monitored support near the $1,850 zone.
Analysts projected a potential downside to $1,560 if Ethereum loses its weekly support structure.
Ethereum whale accumulation Santiment data reveals that large wallets reached a nine-week high in ETH holdings.
In the meantime, traders are closely monitoring the critical $1,850 support level for signs of Ethereum’s next directional move.
Whales Quietly Increase ETH Exposure During Market Weakness
Santiment reported that wallets holding at least 100,000 ETH collectively control 17.41 million ETH, marking the highest balance recorded in nearly two months.
The development surfaced while retail sentiment remained cautious across the crypto market. Many short-term traders responded defensively to Ethereum’s declining price structure.
Meanwhile, high-value holders appeared focused on positioning ahead of potential long-term recovery conditions.
Santiment shared the latest on-chain trend through a market update on X, noting that major Ethereum addresses steadily increased holdings during the correction.
The divergence between declining prices and rising whale balances quickly fueled discussions surrounding smart money activity.
Growing concentration among large holders may also tighten exchange liquidity over time. As more ETH shifts into long-term storage wallets, the circulating supply available for immediate selling gradually declines. That setup can increase volatility once broader demand returns to the market.
Institutional players often accumulate during periods of weak sentiment rather than during euphoric rallies. Ethereum’s continued dominance across decentralized finance, stablecoin settlements, tokenization, and smart contract activity may explain why large holders remain confident despite current uncertainty.
Ethereum Price Risks Deeper Correction Below $1,850
Ethereum’s technical structure now sits near a decisive support area that analysts continue monitoring closely. Market participants identified the $1,850 level as a major defensive zone capable of shaping Ethereum’s medium-term direction.
Recent price action reflected persistent weakness across higher timeframes. Ethereum repeatedly failed to reclaim resistance near $2,282 while remaining trapped beneath the 50-week simple moving average. At the same time, tightening volatility conditions signaled the possibility of a sharp directional breakout.
Analysts warned that a confirmed weekly close below $1,850 could accelerate downside pressure rapidly. Once higher-timeframe support zones fail, traders often shift away from aggressive dip-buying strategies and prioritize defensive positioning.
The first downside target currently sits near the $1,560 region, where Ethereum previously established strong support during earlier correction phases. However, sustained bearish momentum could expose ETH to deeper losses toward the $1,070 area over time.
Even with growing technical pressure, on-chain activity continues painting a different picture beneath the surface. Large holders continue to increase exposure during periods of weakness, suggesting sophisticated investors still view current market conditions as a strategic accumulation phase rather than a breakdown in Ethereum’s broader network strength.
