The market for the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency is currently a theater of war for opposing institutional strategies. A dramatic conflict is unfolding between capitulation and accumulation, defining the recent price volatility and the ongoing battle to establish a market bottom.
A Strategic Retreat with Heavy Losses
On-chain data from analytics firms Lookonchain and Arkham Intelligence reveals that investment firm Trend Research, led by Jack Yi, has executed a complete liquidation of its Ethereum holdings. The firm transferred over 651,000 ETH to the Binance exchange over several days, concluding the sell-off on February 8.
This move represents the termination of a leveraged strategy on the Aave DeFi protocol that went awry. Facing the risk of an automatic forced liquidation from declining prices, Trend Research opted for a proactive sale. The financial outcome is severe: with an average selling price of $2,055, the firm realized an estimated total loss of approximately $747 million against its original entry cost.
Counter-Cyclical Accumulation Amid the Turmoil
In stark opposition to this retreat, BitMine Immersion Technologies has embarked on a significant buying spree. Under the leadership of Chairman Tom Lee, the company purchased around 20,000 ETH for nearly $42 million on February 7, acting against the prevailing market trend. This acquisition expands BitMine’s holdings to roughly 4.29 million Ether, cementing its status as the largest corporate holder of the asset.
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Tom Lee defends this aggressive accumulation strategy despite substantial unrealized paper losses, citing historical cycles where Ethereum has weathered corrections exceeding 60% on multiple occasions. To mitigate portfolio risk, the company also engages in staking; nearly 3 million of its held Ether generate ongoing yield, independent of short-term price action.
Price Action and Regulatory Horizon
The clash between these diametrically opposed “whale” strategies is reflected directly in Ethereum’s price chart. After plunging to a low of $1,748—its weakest level since May 2025—the cryptocurrency has recently found stability around the $2,090 zone. However, it still registers a decline of roughly 34% over a 30-day window.
The coming days will test whether buyer support can successfully defend the crucial $2,000 level. Beyond pure market mechanics, regulatory developments are coming into focus. A meeting is scheduled at the White House for February 10, bringing together representatives from the finance and crypto industries to discuss potential stablecoin regulations, an event that could influence market sentiment.
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