Ethereum Whales Accumulate as Staked ETH Tops $36 Billion

Ethereum whales are aggressively increasing holdings as staked ETH value surpasses $36 billion, signaling strengthened institutional confidence. On-chain data shows 36.18 million ETH locked in the proof-of-stake network. Major whale transactions in the past 18 hours include a 17,655 ETH withdrawal worth $72.7 million from exchanges by address 0xF436 and an 8,109 ETH purchase at $4,193 using $34 million USDT by address 0x3684. Meanwhile, whale 0x8c58, who shorted ETH at $2,969 in July, faces $20 million in losses and raised his liquidation level to $4,885.3. Derivatives metrics indicate traders adjusting positions: Ethereum futures volume fell 11.1% to $123.12 billion, open interest slid 1.4% to $58.09 billion, while options volume plunged 59% to $1.38 billion and open interest rose 1.6% to $14.85 billion. Funding rates remain positive, and the 24-hour long/short ratio sits at 0.94. Top traders hold long/short ratios of 1.25 by account and 3.35 by position, underscoring a bullish stance. Overall, Ethereum whales continue accumulation amid rising staking and positive market signals, reinforcing a bullish outlook for ETH.