Ethereum Whale’s $18M Stake on Binance Amid Market Divergence Signals Long-Term Confidence

A dormant ethereum whale has made a significant move by staking 7,182 ETH (worth $18 million) through Lido Finance, despite carrying $4.87 million in unrealized losses. The tokens were initially acquired at a valuation of $22.96 million, indicating a strategic decision to lock in losses for potential long-term yield. This bold action underscores a strong vote of confidence in Ethereum's fundamentals, even as the market reacts with polarization. While retail investors continue to offload ETH due to weak price action, whales are doubling down, highlighting a divergence in market sentiment. The timing of this move, observed on Binance, adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing narrative of institutional versus retail behavior in the crypto space.

Ethereum Whale Stakes $18M Amid Market Divergence

A dormant Ethereum whale resurfaced with a bold move, staking 7,182 ETH ($18M) via Lido Finance despite carrying $4.87M in unrealized losses. The tokens were originally acquired at a $22.96M valuation, signaling a deliberate choice to lock in losses for potential long-term yield—a vote of confidence in Ethereum’s fundamentals.

The market reaction is polarized. Retail investors continue offloading ETH amid weak price action, while whales accumulate quietly. This staking activity removes liquidity from circulation, a mechanism historically associated with supply-side tightening. Blockchain analysts note the whale’s year-long dormancy prior to this transaction adds weight to its strategic intent.

XRP Price Today Drops Despite $3.96B Futures Volume Surge

XRP futures trading volume surged to $3.96 billion in 24 hours, defying broader altcoin sluggishness. The spike coincides with XRP testing a key resistance level at $2.14, triggering aggressive derivatives activity.

Open interest jumped 5%, injecting $550 million in new positions. Binance dominates the action as traders pay a premium for long positions, signaling bullish conviction despite today's price dip.