A Whale’s Move Shatters Bitcoin’s Calm, Elevates Ether’s Rise

Bitcoin fell below $110,000 on August 24, 2025, after a massive 24,000 BTC sell-off triggered approximately $550 million in long position liquidations across major exchanges. The sudden price drop, which saw the cryptocurrency briefly plunge by over $4,000 within minutes, created significant volatility and uncertainty in the market. Traders and analysts noted the move as one of the most dramatic intraday corrections since the beginning of 2025. The sell-off was attributed to a large whale dumping a substantial portion of their holdings, a move that exacerbated liquidity pressures and led to cascading sell-offs [1].

While Bitcoin stabilized slightly above $112,000 in the following sessions, the market remained fragile. Analysts pointed to the critical $112,000 support level, which had already been breached during intraday trading on August 25. Failure to reclaim this level could trigger further declines, pushing BTC toward the $108,000–$110,000 range. Additionally, the high leverage in the market continued to amplify swings, with forced liquidations playing a significant role in shaping short-term price action. The overall sentiment remained cautious, with traders closely monitoring for signs of a potential rebound [1].

In contrast, Ether (ETH) demonstrated resilience amid the Bitcoin turmoil. The second-largest cryptocurrency hit a new record high on August 24, reaching as high as $4,954.81 before pulling back slightly. ETH’s performance was attributed to a combination of favorable regulatory developments, increased corporate adoption, and the growing appeal of staking as a yield-generating mechanism for institutional investors. A recent $45 million ether purchase by Bitmine Immersion Technologies, an ether treasury company, underscored the growing interest from institutional players. Analysts noted that ETH had effectively broken through its previous resistance at $4,000, transitioning it into a foundational level for future price action [3].

The shift in market leadership from Bitcoin to Ether was also highlighted by traders and commentators. While BTC remained under pressure from large sell-offs and leverage risks, ETH continued to attract steady inflows through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and corporate treasury strategies. Ben Kurland, CEO of crypto research platform DYOR, observed that the demand for ETH had become more institutionalized, with public companies now treating it as a stakable asset rather than a speculative vehicle. This shift has helped ETH sustain its position above key psychological levels, despite periodic volatility in the broader market [3].

Looking ahead, analysts emphasized the need for caution. If Bitcoin fails to regain control of the $112,000 level, further downside risks could emerge, particularly if the market experiences additional large-scale selling or faces headwinds from macroeconomic uncertainty. On the other hand, Ether appears well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory, provided that the broader market does not experience a more systemic downturn. Traders are advised to remain vigilant about leverage risks and to monitor key support and resistance levels for both assets.

Source:

[1] Bitcoin price prediction: Key levels to watch (https://crypto.news/bitcoin-price-prediction-whats-next-after-btc-crash/)

[2] Bitcoin (BTC) plunges $4000 in minutes: intraday volatility spike and trading risk alert (https://blockchain.news/flashnews/bitcoin-btc-plunges-4-000-in-minutes-intraday-volatility-spike-and-trading-risk-alert)

[3] Ether pulls back to start the week after hitting a fresh record (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/24/crypto-market-today.html)

[4] As ETH Breaks Above $4900, Analyst Sums Up Crypto Market (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/eth-breaks-above-4-900-193658906.html)