Old Ethereum is selling at the quickest rate since 2021, with an average of 45,000 ETH daily leaving veteran wallets amid bear market conditions and profit-taking activities. This rapid outflow from long-held Ethereum addresses is something that has not been seen in over two years, highlighting a significant shift in market behavior.
Statistics reveal that early investors—specifically those holding ETH for 3 to 10 years—are responsible for this high level of market turnover. Analysis by Cryptopolitan.com identifies this as a strategic move by whales aiming to capitalize on profits and avoid being trapped in potential new bear cycles. This increased selling pressure has contributed to recent price dips in Ethereum, including the recent fall to $3,152.17, which was further amplified by liquidations that reduced open interest to $17 billion.
Despite this wave of selling, the market still shows robust signs of confidence. A multitude of accumulation wallets, staking contracts, and smart vaults demonstrate continued ETH holding and long-term belief in the asset’s potential.
### Profit-Taking Amid High Unrealized Gains
Ethereum wallets continue to record substantial unrealized gains, as indicated by a high Market Value to Realized Value (MVRV) ratio of 2.1—the highest in 2025. This means most holders are still in profit; however, not all whales are rushing to take gains or improve their average cost basis. Notably, the MVRV ratio has not dipped into negative territory, which is typically associated with capitulation during bull markets. This resilience suggests that Ethereum bears remain steadfast despite ongoing volatility.
The distribution of ETH from long-term holders began in August but accelerated sharply as market sentiment worsened and liquidations spiked in October, according to Cryptopolitan. Current sentiment scores place Ethereum at the lower end of the Fear and Greed Index, reflecting cautious trader behavior.
### Whale Activity Spurs Market Movements
Certain notable whale groups, particularly the “Seven Siblings” wallets, have acted counterintuitively by becoming net buyers during recent price dips. Leveraging large capital deposited in protocols such as Aave and Spark, these entities have purchased substantial amounts of wrapped ETH worth hundreds of millions of dollars. This buying activity has helped establish new support levels around $3,150 per ETH and signals ongoing confidence in a market recovery despite selling from older holders.
Other active wallets, including those tied to BitMine, have also been accumulating coins. This pattern underscores a broader market dynamic: while some old holders exit, strategic and active investors remain optimistic about Ethereum’s medium-term prospects.
### The Future Outlook
The future of Ethereum is characterized by a dynamic tension between the selling of old investors and the strategic buying of whales. This interaction fuels active trading opportunities and price fluctuations, supported by the strong fundamentals of Ethereum in the realms of DeFi, staking, and forthcoming technological advancements.
Overall, while the market navigates through phases of profit-taking and volatility, the underlying belief in Ethereum’s value and growth potential remains intact among key players.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/ethereum/ethereum-latest-news-old-ethereum-holders-sell-fastest-since-2021-whats-driving-the-exodus/
