Whale Deposit Triggers Market Scrutiny
An early Ethereum holder, often referred to as an "Ethereum OG," has transferred a significant amount of 18,000 ETH, valued at approximately $54.78 million, to the Bitstamp exchange. This transaction, recorded on November 29, 2025, according to data from Lookonchain, has raised concerns about potential sell-offs in the market. The individual in question has been a long-term participant in the Ethereum ecosystem, having accumulated 154,076 ETH since 2017 and reportedly profited a total of $270 million. While no direct comments have been issued by the whale or prominent figures within the Ethereum community, the move is being closely monitored for its potential impact on fluctuating Ethereum prices.
This deposit suggests the possibility of increased selling pressure in the market. The situation reflects mixed signals within the broader cryptocurrency landscape, where ongoing institutional accumulation is also a significant factor. The crypto market continues to observe such large-scale movements by "whales" with great attention, relying on the strategies of institutional investors to potentially counterbalance any market disruptions caused by individual large transactions.
Institutional Inflows Provide Market Stability
Despite the short-term caution prompted by the whale deposit, institutional investors are demonstrating continued confidence in Ethereum's long-term prospects. Major players such as Tom Lee's Bitmine and BlackRock have maintained their faith in the cryptocurrency, with recent investments totaling $200 million. This sustained institutional buying activity is crucial in steadying the market and mitigating the impact of potential large-scale sell-offs often associated with whale movements.
As of November 29, 2025, Ethereum (ETH) was trading at $2,996.30. The cryptocurrency had experienced a notable rise of 9.98% over the past week, although it still showed significant losses when viewed over 60 to 90-day periods. Ethereum's market dominance stood at 11.72%, with a considerable jump in trading volume, according to CoinMarketCap data.
Insights from Coincu's research team indicate that persistent institutional interest plays a vital role in fostering long-term market stability, even in the face of occasional disruptive activities from large holders. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming Fusaka upgrade is also expected to enhance Ethereum's scalability, further bolstering positive market sentiment.
Impact of the Fusaka Upgrade
"The Fusaka Upgrade on Dec 3, 2025, is expected to improve network scalability and cost efficiency, a positive factor for ETH’s long-term valuation and adoption."
The upcoming Fusaka upgrade, scheduled for December 3, 2025, is a key development anticipated to significantly improve Ethereum's network scalability and cost efficiency. This enhancement is viewed as a positive catalyst for ETH's long-term valuation and broader adoption within the cryptocurrency space.