During the weekend shopping spree, one of the largest cryptocurrency whales sold 4,000 Bitcoins worth $435 million and bought nearly 97,000 Ether. According to on-chain data, it now holds over $3.8 billion in ETH. This move is part of a longer-term rotation, with the whale gradually shifting part of its wealth from Bitcoin to Ethereum since August.
Whales diversify: transfers from Bitcoin to Ethereum intensify
Analysts point out that the whale previously owned more than 100,000 Bitcoins worth over $11 billion. The transfers to Ethereum therefore represent a significant signal for the market. According to experts, other big players are also resorting to similar steps, diversifying their portfolios in response to positive regulatory developments in the US.
Apollo Crypto’s investment director, Henrik Andersson, pointed out that a similar rotation from Bitcoin to Ethereum and then to altcoins has been observed in the past. According to him, the adoption of the GENIUS Act, which focuses on stablecoins, has strengthened the attractiveness of Ethereum and altcoins. In addition, Ethereum reached an all-time high of nearly $5,000 at the end of August, although it is currently trading slightly lower.
Bitcoin remains digital gold
According to Ryan McMillin of Merkle Tree Capital, this trend does not mean that OG whales are losing faith in Bitcoin. According to him, Bitcoin retains its status as digital gold, while Ethereum offers the possibility of staking and broader involvement in the smart contract economy. McMillin adds that diversification is more a sign of market maturity than weakness.
In conclusion, experts point out that while most large holders remain loyal to Bitcoin, the gradual shift of capital to Ethereum may be a harbinger of a broader trend. If the rotation accelerates, it is possible that altcoins such as Solana, which are strengthening their position in consumer applications and decentralized finance, will be next in line.
