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Panic sentiment is sweeping across the investment community as the crypto market plunges under pressure from new global tariff policies. 

Amidst the chaos, crypto whales show two contrasting trends: aggressive sell-offs to cut losses and strategic accumulation in anticipation of a rebound.

Crypto Market Plummets as Tariff Pressure Mounts

The crypto market is in freefall, with both Bitcoin and Ethereum facing steep declines. Bitcoin has dropped below the $75,000 mark, down 5.75% in the past 24 hours. Ethereum has suffered even more, plunging below $1,400—a 9.36% loss over the same period.

According to data from Coinglass, if Bitcoin breaks below $74,000, liquidation pressure could trigger over $953 million in buy orders across major centralized exchanges. This alarming figure shows the intense selling pressure currently gripping the market.

Bitcoin exchange liquidation map. Source: Coinglass
Bitcoin exchange liquidation map. Source: Coinglass

Market sentiment is also deteriorating. The Fear and Greed Index shows the crypto market is now in a state of “Extreme Fear.” This growing lack of confidence fuels widespread panic selling, pushing major cryptocurrencies to multi-week lows.

Whales Trigger Massive Sell-Offs

Several crypto whales have opted to liquidate assets during market chaos to minimize risk or avoid forced liquidation. A notable case is the “Long ETH Whale,” which sold 5,094 ETH to lower their liquidation price, accepting an accumulated loss exceeding $40 million. Similarly, Pump.fun reportedly sold 84,358 SOL at an average price of $105.

Even politically linked projects weren’t spared. WLFI, associated with Donald Trump, liquidated 5,471 ETH at an average price of $1,465.

The “7 Siblings” group is suspected of selling MKR, although they still hold 6,293 MKR. Other major moves include three whale wallets unstaking a combined 168,498 SOL worth $17.86 million; one whale withdrawing 4,000 ETH from ether.fi and transferring the entire amount to Binance; two addresses selling a total of 150,000 SOL within the past 14 hours.

These large transactions reflect a growing concern among high-stakes investors amid intensifying market stress.

Smart Money Accumulation: Opportunity Amid the Crisis

However, not all crypto whales are bearish. Some large investors view this dip as a buying opportunity and accumulate crypto assets.

Data from IntoTheBlock reveals that Bitcoin net outflows from centralized exchanges surpassed $220 million yesterday—an indicator of long-term accumulation. In a separate transaction, one whale spent $6.93 million to acquire 4,677 ETH at an average price of $1,481.

Bitcoin netflows from CEX. Source: IntoTheBlock
Bitcoin netflows from CEX. Source: IntoTheBlock

Interestingly, according to analyst Ali, as Bitcoin rebounded from $74,500 to $81,200, 1,715 transactions over $1 million were recorded on-chain. These metrics suggest confidence from “smart money” that a market reversal may exist.

Whale transaction count. Source: Ali
Whale transaction count. Source: Ali

The current crypto crash is closely linked to new US tariff policies, which are raising fears of a global economic downturn. This pressure is weighing on crypto markets and rippling across traditional financial markets, creating a domino effect.

Looking ahead, the market could face two possible scenarios. First, if Bitcoin fails to hold above $74,000, forced liquidations could intensify, pushing prices even lower. Ethereum might fall to the $1,250–$1,300 range if panic persists.

Alternatively, ongoing crypto whale accumulation could fuel a rebound, potentially lifting Bitcoin back to $80,000 and Ethereum above $1,500, especially if there are positive developments from tariff negotiations.

The post Sell or Buy? How Crypto Whales Are Reacting to Tariff-Induced Market Decline appeared first on BeInCrypto.