Ethereum Whales Snag $1.37B as ETH Hits Lower Bollinger Band

ETH is currently trading at $3,159.27, hovering near a crucial support level as institutional whales have invested $1.37B amid November’s 12% correction. Meanwhile, 21Shares has introduced new crypto index ETFs. This week, the primary driver behind ETH’s price movement has been substantial whale accumulation observed during the correction in November. Recent data indicates that significant Ethereum holders invested around $1.37 billion within a mere three days in early November, actively capitalizing on the dip as ETH price fell more than 12% from its monthly peaks. In a notable development, institutional buying activity aligns with 21Shares’ introduction of two U.S. cryptocurrency index ETFs featuring Ethereum, alongside Solana and Dogecoin. The ETFs are designed in accordance with the Investment Company Act of 1940, offering the regulatory framework and tax advantages that appeal to professional investors. This development indicates an increasing interest from institutions in seeking diversified crypto exposure that goes beyond just single-asset products. The backdrop has been bolstered by anticipations that the U.S. government shutdown will conclude between November 12-15, with Polymarket indicating a 96% likelihood of resolution within this period. With over $31 million in trading volume on related contracts, there is a clear indication of substantial market interest in this outcome, which is generally favorable for risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. In light of these fundamentally positive developments, ETH price is still encountering technical pressure, indicating that the short-term effect may be more focused on establishing a support level rather than generating immediate upward momentum.

Ethereum technical analysis indicates that ETH price is presently trading well below all key moving averages, with the 7-day SMA positioned at $3,295 and the 20-day SMA at $3,521 serving as immediate resistance levels. The current price of $3,159.27 reflects a significant 43% discount from the 52-week high of $4,832, placing ETH in a technically oversold state that supports the whale accumulation narrative. In the past 24 hours, the Binance spot market recorded a trading volume of $1.2 billion, showcasing ongoing institutional interest even amid price fluctuations. The volume profile indicates that the current levels are drawing considerable buying interest, which could be setting the stage for a potential recovery ahead. The RSI currently sits at 34.23, indicating that Ethereum is in neutral territory yet nearing oversold conditions, which often suggests the possibility of a bounce back.

The MACD reading stands at a concerning -204.89, while the histogram at -24.64 reinforces that bearish momentum is still in play, even in light of recent whale buying activity. The Bollinger Bands indicate a pivotal technical configuration, as the ETH price sits at 0.1674, positioned close to the lower band at $2,976. Historical analysis indicates that when ETH price hits this extreme positioning within the bands, notable reversals frequently ensue, particularly when bolstered by fundamental catalysts such as ongoing institutional buying. A drop below the $3,057 support level may lead to further selling pressure, targeting the lower Bollinger Band at $2,976, which indicates a possible decline of around 6%. However, the notable accumulation by whales at current levels indicates that this scenario is encountering considerable buying pressure. An upside breakthrough above the $3,295 resistance level would aim for the 20-day SMA at $3,521, indicating potential gains of 15% and suggesting that institutional buying is starting to positively influence price momentum. Ethereum remains closely aligned with Bitcoin, which is facing downward pressure today as well. The correlation has been notably evident during the November correction, as both assets encountered comparable technical resistance levels.

The correlation with traditional markets has been inconsistent, as crypto markets have demonstrated a degree of independence from the fluctuations of the S&P 500 during this timeframe. The emphasis on crypto-centric triggers such as ETF launches and whale accumulation indicates that Ethereum is mainly reacting to factors within the sector, rather than to wider market movements. The convergence of $1.37 billion in whale accumulation alongside the introduction of new ETFs sets a robust fundamental stage for a potential recovery in ETH prices. If these institutional flows persist and the technical support at $3,057 remains intact, targets of $3,521 (20-day SMA) and ultimately $3,893 (50-day SMA) are within reach in the coming 2-4 weeks. Inability to maintain existing support levels, even with significant whale purchases, may suggest a more profound distribution by institutions and could activate stop-loss orders beneath the $3,000 mark. This situation aims for the lower Bollinger Band at $2,976, with a possible extension down to $2,800 should selling intensify. With the current volatility measure (ATR) sitting at $222, it is advisable for traders to set wider stop-losses in the range of 7-8% below their entry points. Position sizing must consider potential daily fluctuations exceeding $200, with a keen focus on the $3,057 support level serving as a rational stop-loss reference for long positions.