Key Insights
- •Large ETH wallets are buying, staking, and using DeFi strategies, showing long-term confidence in the Ethereum price.
- •Ethereum ETFs have recorded their first full week of inflows since June 2025, adding steady demand.
- •Ethereum price trades near key levels as the market watches for a $4,000 move.
Ethereum price is back in focus as large holders step up buying and staking, and ETF inflows return after months of weak activity. Notably, ETH price action tightens around key technical levels that could shape the next major move toward the $4,000 area.
Ethereum Whales Increase Buying and Staking Activity
Ethereum price has gained fresh support from on-chain data showing renewed interest from large holders. One newly created wallet recently withdrew 10,057 ETH, valued at about $33.68 million, from Binance. Instead of keeping the funds idle, the wallet moved the ETH into Lido and staked it to receive stETH. It is worth noting that the activity did not end with staking, as the same wallet deposited the stETH into Aave, then borrowed 45 million USDT. That borrowed amount was used to buy another 13,461 stETH, which was also sent back into Aave. Notably, this type of setup is often used by experienced market players who expect Ethereum price to hold firm or rise over time.
Moves like this reduce the amount of ETH available on exchanges. When supply on trading platforms drops, it can support price during periods of demand. It also shows confidence, since leveraged staking carries risk if the ETH price falls sharply. Whale activity does not move the market alone, but it often acts as an early signal. In this case, the scale of the transaction and the choice to stake rather than sell suggest long-term positioning rather than short-term trading.
ETF Inflows Return as ETH Price Finds Support
Ethereum price is also getting a boost from renewed interest in spot Ethereum ETFs. After several months of mixed flows, ETFs recorded a full week of positive net inflows. This was the first time such a streak had appeared since June 2025. Over five trading days, about $479.2 million flowed into Ethereum ETF products. This is important because ETF demand usually reflects steady capital from funds and institutions, not fast money chasing short moves. In addition, when this type of capital enters the market, it tends to support prices during pullbacks. The return of ETF inflows suggests a shift in sentiment. For much of the past year, Ethereum ETFs struggled to attract consistent demand.
Again, the recent change points to growing confidence, especially as staking activity and network use remain strong. ETF buying also helps absorb selling pressure when ETH price stalls near resistance. As Ethereum price trades close to major moving averages, this steady demand could play a role in keeping declines shallow.
Ethereum Price Outlook and Monthly Performance
From a technical view, Ethereum price recently failed to break above the 200-day exponential moving average near $3,336. After that rejection, the price slipped by nearly three percent and is now testing the 50-day EMA around $3,166. If Ethereum price closes below this level on a daily basis, the next support sits near $3,017. Momentum indicators such as RSI and MACD show that buying strength has eased, which explains the current slowdown. If the 50-day EMA holds, price could make another run toward the 200-day EMA. A clean break above that level would bring the $4,000 area back into view, especially if ETF inflows and whale activity continue.
Looking at recent performance, Ethereum price has moved in cycles, with January 2026 up by 8.17% so far. In 2025, Ethereum ended down 1.28%. The year 2024 closed slightly higher at 0.13%, while 2023 delivered a strong 32.7% gain. The sharp drop came in 2022 with a 27% loss, while 2021 recorded a 73.9% rise. These figures show that the Ethereum price often pauses before larger moves. With whales accumulating, ETFs drawing funds, and prices holding near key levels, the market appears to be nearing a decision point.