Bitcoin whales swap BTC for Ether as trader sees ETH at $5.5K next

Ether Steals the Spotlight with New All-Time Highs
The cryptocurrency market is buzzing with a significant shift in momentum. While Bitcoin consolidates around a crucial price level, all eyes are on Ethereum (ETH), which has surged to new all-time highs. This impressive rally is not just retail-driven; on-chain data reveals that some of the largest investors, or “whales,” are actively rotating their funds from Bitcoin to Ethereum, signaling a potential change in market leadership.
This pivot comes as macroeconomic factors turn favorable for risk assets. A recent speech from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole symposium hinted at potential interest-rate cuts resuming in September. The news sent a wave of optimism across financial markets, propelling both cryptocurrencies and traditional stocks higher.
On-Chain Data Shows Whales Are Aggressively Buying ETH
The most compelling evidence of this capital rotation comes from blockchain analysis. Crypto intelligence firms have tracked massive transactions where long-dormant Bitcoin is being moved to acquire Ether. This trend of
In one notable example, a well-known “Bitcoin OG” wallet was observed moving 6,000 BTC, valued at approximately $689.5 million, to purchase ETH. Further analysis shows this single entity has now accumulated a staggering 278,490 ETH, worth around $1.28 billion, at an average price of $4,585. This whale also maintains a long position of over 135,000 ETH, underscoring a deep conviction in Ethereum’s future prospects.
Market analyst BitBull described this whale activity as “aggressive,” noting that despite Ethereum’s rally of over 300% in just four months, large investors are showing no signs of slowing down their accumulation.
Ethereum’s Technicals Point to Further Upside
Ethereum’s price action is supported by a strong technical foundation. Traders are closely watching for a strong weekly close above the $4,600 level. According to BitBull, securing this level would serve as a major confirmation that the recent breakout is not a “bull trap” and could pave the way for further gains.
Adding to the bullish case, popular analyst Rekt Capital pointed out that Ethereum has successfully filled a key weekly CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange) futures gap. Gaps on CME charts are often seen as price magnets, and filling them is typically considered a healthy sign of a sustainable trend. With this technical hurdle cleared and whales accumulating heavily, some traders are now setting ambitious price targets, with some chatter pointing towards a potential move to $5,500 in the next major leg up.
What’s Next for Bitcoin?
While Ethereum enjoys the limelight, Bitcoin is holding its ground at a pivotal juncture. The leading cryptocurrency is currently circling the $114,000 mark, a level that Rekt Capital has identified as a “key” weekly closing price. After a surge to nearly $117,500 following the Fed’s announcement, BTC price action has been relatively quiet over the weekend.
However, this weekend consolidation has created a new CME futures gap for Bitcoin. As trader Daan Crypto Trades noted, a sizable gap will form if the market opens at current levels. This gap could act as a short-term upside target for traders, suggesting that Bitcoin’s story is far from over.
As the market heads into a new week, the dynamic between the two crypto giants will be crucial to watch. While Ethereum’s momentum is undeniable, Bitcoin’s ability to hold its key support level will determine the broader market’s direction. Investors should also remain aware that historical patterns suggest September can be a corrective month, adding a layer of caution to the current bullish sentiment.