$98M Crypto Comeback: Whale Doubles Down on BTC and ETH After $40M Hit

Crypto Whale Makes $98M Bet on Bitcoin and Ethereum Following $40M Loss

In a bold move that has reignited discussion across the cryptocurrency landscape, a prominent trader known as @AguilaTrades has returned to the market, making massive leveraged bets on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) valued at a total of $98 million. This strategic re-entry, announced on August 7, comes just days after the same trader reportedly faced a staggering $40 million liquidation loss due to heightened market volatility.

From Setback to Comeback: A Calculated Return

@AguilaTrades, who operates primarily on the decentralized trading platform Hyperliquid, has become a well-known figure in crypto trading circles due to both high-stakes positions and high visibility. According to blockchain analytics data, the whale deposited $4.6 million USDC into Hyperliquid and quickly deployed this capital to open aggressive long positions on Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Source: X

The details of the trade show a high level of conviction:

• Bitcoin Position: 40x leveraged long position on 530.75 BTC, with an entry price of $114,856.10.

• Ethereum Position: 10,000 ETH long at an entry price of $3,706, reportedly using 25x leverage.

These trades represent a major bet on near-term upside for both BTC and ETH, signaling that the whale expects a bullish breakout soon—despite recent market headwinds.

Understanding the Risk: High Leverage in a Volatile Market

Leveraged trading amplifies both potential gains and losses. In the case of @AguilaTrades’ 40x position on BTC and 25x position on ETH, even minor fluctuations in price can trigger significant outcomes. A small upward swing could deliver massive profits; conversely, a dip could result in another round of liquidations.

This tactic seems to reflect a calculated risk-taking strategy. The whale’s previous $40 million loss, incurred just days earlier due to volatile price swings, does not appear to have deterred him. In fact, his return with an even larger investment may indicate strong conviction in a forthcoming recovery across the two largest crypto assets by market cap.

Ethereum Whale Accumulates $544 Million Worth of ETH

In parallel with @AguilaTrades’ leveraged moves, another high-net-worth Ethereum investor has been steadily accumulating ETH. Over the past week, approximately 147,590 ETH — valued at roughly $544 million — have been acquired through both centralized exchanges (CEXs) and over-the-counter (OTC) channels.

Source: X

This strategic buying, executed in chunks ranging between 12,000 and 19,000 ETH per transfer, shows signs of market intelligence and timing. By avoiding large buys on public exchanges, the whale has minimized slippage and maintained price stability, hinting at sophisticated accumulation tactics often associated with institutional players or experienced crypto funds.

Such behavior often signals a strong long-term bullish outlook and a belief that Ethereum is poised for a substantial price increase in the near future.

Price Analysis: BTC and ETH at Key Technical Levels

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading just above $116,000, holding what many analysts view as a critical support level. If BTC can maintain this range, technical indicators point to a possible surge toward the $120,000 level in the short term.

Ethereum, trading around the $3,706 mark, is also showing resilience. Should it continue to hold this level and break through resistance zones, ETH could be on track to reclaim the $4,000 mark in the coming weeks.

The timing of @AguilaTrades’ positions and the silent accumulation of hundreds of millions of dollars in ETH suggest that influential market participants believe the next rally phase is approaching. Whether these positions result in significant gains or further losses will largely depend on how BTC and ETH respond to broader macroeconomic forces and investor sentiment.

Institutional Behavior in a Retail-Dominated Arena

One key takeaway from this development is how much the cryptocurrency space has matured. High-leverage positions and institutional-style accumulation strategies point to a market increasingly influenced by sophisticated actors rather than solely by retail sentiment.

In particular, the use of decentralized platforms like Hyperliquid to initiate multi-million-dollar leveraged trades reflects the growing confidence in DeFi’s capabilities and security. These actions also underscore the transparency of blockchain-based finance, where on-chain data allows the public to monitor major movements in real time.

What This Means for Retail Investors

While high-stakes trades by crypto whales often attract headlines, they also serve as a litmus test for market confidence. Traders like @AguilaTrades aren’t just making speculative bets; they are taking calculated risks based on technical indicators, market trends, and broader economic cues.

Retail investors, however, should exercise caution. Leveraged trading amplifies volatility and can lead to rapid losses. What is a strategic play for a whale with millions in capital could be devastating for less experienced participants. That said, the bullish sentiment from these large positions could influence broader market psychology, potentially encouraging retail buying pressure.

The Bigger Picture: Will BTC and ETH Continue to Rally?

Both Bitcoin and Ethereum have shown resilience in recent months, defying expectations amid regulatory uncertainty and mixed macroeconomic signals. As inflation cools and institutional interest returns, the stage could be set for a new leg upward in the crypto market.

Whales making bold moves, especially after significant losses, often signal that confidence is returning. The fact that these trades are now occurring with full transparency on-chain is also a sign of crypto’s evolution into a more mature, accountable ecosystem.

As more major players place their chips back on the table, one question remains: Are these bets leading indicators of a broader bull run—or high-risk gambles in an uncertain market?

Writer @Erlin

Erlin is an experienced crypto writer who loves to explore the intersection of blockchain technology and financial markets. She regularly provides insights into the latest trends and innovations in the digital currency space.

 

 Check out other news and articles on Google News

Disclaimer:

The articles published on hokanews are intended to provide up-to-date information on various topics, including cryptocurrency and technology news. The content on our site is not intended as an invitation to buy, sell, or invest in any assets. We encourage readers to conduct their own research and evaluation before making any investment or financial decisions.

hokanews is not responsible for any losses or damages that may arise from the use of information provided on this site. Investment decisions should be based on thorough research and advice from qualified financial advisors. Information on HokaNews may change without notice, and we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the content published.