Ethereum’s largest holder groups are now sitting on unrealized losses, marking the first time in this cycle that every major whale cohort is underwater. On-chainEthereum’s largest holder groups are now sitting on unrealized losses, marking the first time in this cycle that every major whale cohort is underwater. On-chain

Ethereum Whales All Underwater for First Time This Cycle

2026/02/22 14:39
2 min read

Ethereum’s largest holder groups are now sitting on unrealized losses, marking the first time in this cycle that every major whale cohort is underwater.

On-chain data tracking the unrealized profit ratio shows that wallets holding 1,000–10,000 ETH, 10,000–100,000 ETH, and even 100,000+ ETH are below their aggregate cost basis.

Even the Biggest Holders Feeling the Pressure

Large wallets typically remain profitable longer during market corrections due to earlier accumulation phases. However, the latest data indicates that even the strongest hands are now in unrealized loss territory.

This is a rare structural condition, as whale cohorts often serve as the most resilient segment of the market during downturns.

What This Historically Signals

When all major cohorts move into unrealized losses, it usually reflects peak fear conditions. By the time large holders feel pressure, weaker hands have often already exited the market.

In previous cycles, similar compressions in whale profitability have tended to appear closer to late-stage bear market phases rather than at the beginning of downturns.

The broad-based drop in unrealized profit suggests systemic pressure across holder classes rather than isolated retail capitulation.

RWA Issuers Focus on Fundraising Over Secondary Market Liquidity

Bear Market Endgame or More Pain Ahead?

While such setups do not guarantee an immediate reversal, they have historically aligned with deeper accumulation zones.

When profit margins compress across major holders, the number of participants still sitting on large unrealized gains shrinks, potentially reducing future sell pressure.

For now, the data underscores how deep the correction has reached, extending from smaller investors all the way to Ethereum’s largest wallets.

The post Ethereum Whales All Underwater for First Time This Cycle appeared first on ETHNews.

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