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Ethereum whale moves $145 million after nine year hiatus

Ethereum Whale Moves $145 Million in ETH | Nine Years Later

By

Jasper Wong

Jan 26, 2026, 12:57 PM

3 minutes needed to read

A digital representation of a large Ethereum whale moving 145 million in cryptocurrency after a nine-year break, symbolizing significant market activity.

A long-dormant Ethereum wallet has come back to life, moving $145 million worth of ETH after nearly a decade of inactivity. This surprising move stirs excitement in the crypto community, prompting speculation about the motives behind such a large transaction.

Resurfacing of an Old Wallet

On January 26, 2026, a wallet that had been untouched for nine years suddenly transferred a significant amount of Ethereum. This action, particularly from a whale, has caught the attention of the crypto markets, igniting discussions on forums about potential profit-taking.

Commenters reacted with curiosity and amusement. One remarked, "Imagine waking up to check your old wallet and seeing that lol. Whale probably just taking profits after 9 years" While others suggested that moving ETH could be a tactical decision amid current market conditions.

Community Responses Reflect Diverse Sentiments

The chatter among people reveals a few common threads:

  • Eager speculation. Many believe that the whale’s decision is a calculated move to capitalize on ETH's current strong performance.

  • Humorous remarks. Comments often carry a light-hearted tone, such as one user stating, "It's me guys. Just let me do my thing."

  • Reactions to wealth. People express awe at the sheer amount of money involved. One comment highlights a sense of entitlement that wealth brings: "If I was that rich, I would move some ETH around too, just to make headlines."

β€œThe timing seems interesting,” one comment stated, hinting at the potential volatility such a significant move could introduce.

Key Points to Note

  • β–³ The whale's wallet became active after nine years of inactivity.

  • β–½ The transaction is valued at $145 million in ETH.

  • β€» Respondents suggest the whale might be profiting from current market conditions.

The Bigger Picture

This development, while mostly celebratory, raises the question of market influence. Can such large transactions move prices or trigger sell-offs? The Ethereum community will be watching closely to see how this plays out.

The nature of crypto spaces means that every significant movement can have ripple effects across the market. With the price of ETH holding strong, this whale's actions could set a precedent for others with similar holdings.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.

Predictions on Market Movement

As the Ethereum community processes this significant transaction, experts anticipate a notable impact on market dynamics. There’s a strong chance that such a large movement of ETH could trigger increased volatility in the short term, as traders respond to the sudden activity from a whale. Analysts estimate around a 60% probability that this transaction may prompt a wave of sell-offs, especially if other holders perceive it as a signal to cash in on current gains. Conversely, a continued uptrend in ETH's price has about a 40% likelihood, driven by positive market sentiment, which could mean that other whales hold back on their own movements to ride the wave of momentum.

Unexpected Echoes from History

Reflecting on the past, one can liken this situation to the moment when major long-term investors in traditional markets, such as large pension funds, shifted portfolios after years of stagnation. For example, the tech bubble of the early 2000s saw funds unexpectedly sell slices of their gains, causing ripples that shook investor confidence. The behavior of the Ethereum whale, after nearly a decade, serves as a contemporary reminder of that phenomenonβ€”where dormant assets stir the market into action just as anticipation and uncertainty intertwine. Much like those old funds, today's ETH wallet once resting silently can reignite discussions and shape the landscape, turning past lessons into guiding signals for the future.