Ethereum Whale Profits Reach 2021 Highs: What’s Next for ETH Price in 2025?
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Summary
Ethereum whale profits have surged back to levels last seen during the 2021 bull run. With exchange outflows rising and staking inflows dropping, the ETH market faces a pivotal moment that could determine whether a major rally or correction is next.
Ethereum Whale Profits Return to Record Levels
Large Ethereum wallets, each holding between 10,000 and 100,000 ETH, are now showing unrealized profits comparable to those recorded at the peak of the 2021 bull market. Data from on-chain analytics reveal that as of September 2025, whale wallets hold collective paper gains reminiscent of previous market tops. Back in 2017, combined unrealized profits for these wallets hit around $15 billion. By 2021, this figure climbed above $45 billion, and similar levels are being seen again in 2025.
Historically, such spikes in ethereum whale profits have preceded major price rallies. However, past performance does not guarantee future results, and the market could behave differently this time.
Exchange Outflows Suggest Lower Selling Pressure
Early in 2025, significant amounts of ETH were moved onto exchanges as the price dropped from over $3,000 to around $1,500, typically indicating selling activity. By mid-2025, this trend reversed, and more ETH began leaving exchanges than entering. Outflows ranged from 200,000 to 400,000 ETH as prices recovered above $4,000.
This uptick in outflows signals that many holders are moving their coins to cold storage or staking platforms, potentially reducing immediate selling pressure and supporting the recent surge in ethereum whale profits. For further reading on exchange flows and their impact, see this analysis from CoinDesk.
Staking Inflows Drop Sharply After August Surge
Throughout late 2024 and the first half of 2025, ETH staking inflows fluctuated between 20,000 and 100,000 ETH daily. This trend changed during August 2025, with daily staking deposits soaring up to 300,000 ETH as the price climbed over $4,000. However, September 2025 has seen a dramatic decline in staking inflows, falling to just 8,400 ETH per day—the lowest point since late 2024. This cooldown could indicate a pause as investors reassess their strategies following a period of aggressive staking.
ETH Nears Key Price Resistance
As of the latest data, ETH is trading around $4,600 after gaining more than 4% over the past week. This price is close to its previous all-time high and now acts as a major resistance level. Historical patterns suggest that a weekly close above this resistance could set the stage for a significant rally, as seen in the last market cycle when ETH surged over 240% after breaking its old highs. If a similar move unfolds, the price could potentially target the $16,500 range.
For now, traders and analysts are closely monitoring whether Ethereum can sustain its gains above resistance. A successful breakout could ignite another upward phase, while a failure to break through may signal continued consolidation.
Outlook: What Do Rising Ethereum Whale Profits Mean for 2025?
With ethereum whale profits at record highs, exchange outflows increasing, and staking inflows cooling, the ETH market landscape is at a crossroads. Investors are watching whether these factors will trigger another historic rally or if the market is due for a correction. As always, past trends offer clues, but market outcomes remain uncertain in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency.
