BlackRock Unloads $135 Million in Ethereum as Crypto Market Roars Higher

While retail investors pile into the rally, a giant quietly cashes out.

The Strategic Exit

BlackRock just executed a major portfolio move, selling a nine-figure chunk of its Ethereum holdings. The timing is what makes traders' heads spin—this wasn't a panic sell during a dip, but a calculated exit right as bullish sentiment floods the market. It's a classic institutional play: take profits when the crowd gets euphoric.

Reading Between the Blockchain Lines

This move isn't a bearish bet on crypto's future. Think of it more like portfolio rebalancing on a galactic scale. Institutions like BlackRock manage risk with cold, algorithmic precision. Hitting a profit target triggers a sell order, regardless of what the latest influencer on X is screaming about. It's a reminder that Wall Street's crypto playbook involves taking money off the table, not just putting it in.

The Bigger Picture for Digital Assets

Don't mistake this for a loss of faith. Major asset managers are deeper in crypto than ever—this sale is a tiny fraction of their overall digital exposure. It signals maturity. The market now has layers: speculative traders chasing momentum and institutional whales executing long-term strategies that sometimes run counter to the daily hype cycle. That's healthy, even if it feels cynical when the big players bank gains while the little guy FOMOs in.

So, is BlackRock signaling a top? Or just doing what it always does—making disciplined, unemotional moves that would put a quant fund manager to sleep? In finance, the smartest trade often looks boring until you see the bank statement.

TLDR

• BlackRock transfers $135 million in Ethereum amid the ongoing crypto market surge.
• A total of 44,140 ETH were moved by BlackRock to Coinbase Prime on December 3.
• The Ethereum sell-off continues despite a 7% market price increase in Ethereum.
• Speculation about BlackRock’s motives behind its consistent Ethereum sell-offs persists.

Amid a strong crypto market rebound, BlackRock has continued its massive Ethereum sell-off, transferring $135 million worth of ETH to Coinbase Prime. Despite Ethereum’s 7% price surge and its multi-week high of $3,100, BlackRock’s sell-off streak remains unwavering. The firm’s decision to offload 44,140 ETH over a month has sparked speculation about its strategy, leaving many to wonder whether it’s a tactical move or a broader shift in sentiment.

BlackRock Sells $135 Million Worth of ethereum Amid Market Recovery

BlackRock has continued its aggressive Ethereum sell-off, moving a substantial $135 million worth of ETH to Coinbase Prime on December 3, 2025. Despite the resurgence of the cryptocurrency market, which saw a strong price increase in Ethereum, BlackRock’s selling activity has remained consistent. This transaction follows a pattern of large transfers observed over the past month.

According to Lookonchain, a firm that tracks on-chain data, BlackRock deposited a total of 44,140 ETH in four batches. The deposits included four separate transactions of 10,000 ETH each, and a final one of 4,140 ETH. This move comes at a time when the crypto market is experiencing positive momentum, with Ethereum’s price surging by over 7%, reaching a multi-week high of $3,100.

A Month-Long Sell-Off Trend

The sale of such a large amount of Ethereum is part of an ongoing trend for BlackRock. Over the past month, the firm has regularly offloaded substantial quantities of both Bitcoin and Ethereum from its ETFs.

This steady stream of sales has led to widespread speculation about BlackRock’s strategy. Initially, many assumed that the sell-offs were due to a bearish market outlook in response to the prolonged downturn seen in November. However, the recent market rally challenges this assumption, as the asset manager continues its sales even amid a recovery.

While BlackRock has not provided an official explanation for these transactions, the consistency of the MOVE raises questions among analysts. Whether these sales are part of a strategic rebalancing of its portfolio, or simply a way to take profits, remains unclear. Some industry observers wonder if BlackRock is positioning itself for a broader shift in market sentiment, while others suggest the firm could be hedging against potential market volatility.

Ethereum Market Surges as BlackRock Sells

While BlackRock’s ongoing Ethereum sell-offs have drawn attention, they have not appeared to slow down Ethereum’s recovery. The crypto market, led by Ethereum, has experienced a resurgence in the last 24 hours. Ethereum’s price rose sharply by over 7%, reaching a multi-week high of $3,100. This surge has reignited interest in the broader cryptocurrency market, sparking Optimism among investors.

The fact that BlackRock is continuing to sell even as Ethereum recovers raises additional questions. Some analysts speculate that the asset manager’s moves may be part of a profit-taking strategy, capitalizing on the recent price increase. Others suggest that the firm might be adjusting its exposure to Ethereum in response to market conditions.

BlackRock has yet to comment on whether these moves are part of a larger strategy to manage its holdings or whether they reflect a shift in the firm’s long-term outlook on the cryptocurrency market. Nonetheless, the volume of Ethereum being sold is significant and warrants close attention from the market.

Market Reactions and Speculations

The ongoing selling spree by BlackRock has sparked debates within the crypto community. Speculation continues about whether these actions indicate a broader market shift or a more tactical rebalancing.

Given BlackRock’s reputation and position in the market, any move it makes has significant implications for the crypto ecosystem. However, the timing of the Ethereum sales — particularly amidst a bullish market trend — has only deepened the mystery surrounding BlackRock’s intentions.

Despite the consistent sales, some market participants are cautious in their interpretation. They argue that such large transactions could be part of routine rebalancing activity within BlackRock’s ETF. With Bitcoin and Ethereum still dominating the cryptocurrency market, BlackRock’s strategy is likely tied to broader market trends and their own investment strategies.

For now, the market remains keenly observant as BlackRock continues to offload substantial amounts of Ethereum, even amid a period of price recovery. The firm’s next move could provide further insights into its approach to the cryptocurrency market.