Today’s Ethereum News: During the $500 million market sell-off, the Ethereum Foundation sells $28.36 million in ETH.
The Ethereum (ETH) market faced heavy turbulence on August 17, 2025, after a wave of large-scale sell-offs shook investor confidence. Leading the moves was the Ethereum Foundation, which sold 6,194 ETH—valued at roughly $28.36 million. Their sale coincided with broader liquidation activity, as whale investors and hackers collectively offloaded more than $500 million in ETH. Of this, whale investors accounted for $242.34 million, intensifying price swings and liquidity concerns. Hackers also contributed to the volatility by transferring stolen ETH to exchanges, further distorting market signals.
According to reports, the Ethereum Foundation’s decision was part of a strategy to manage staking risks during a controversial network upgrade. Co-founder Vitalik Buterin emphasized that the foundation’s goal was to preserve neutrality and focus on Ethereum’s long-term vision. Still, the timing and size of the sale sparked unease among traders, as it overlapped with already heightened market anxiety and speculative activity.
On-chain data reflected these concerns. Buyer sentiment weakened sharply, with taker volume falling to -$418.8 million on August 6, 2025—a sign that major holders were moving to exit positions. This bearish shift was partially cushioned by a $73 million rebound in ETF inflows, hinting at cautious institutional re-entry. At the same time, staking inflows have continued to climb, showing a preference for yield-generating strategies over short-term speculation.
Despite short-term turbulence, institutional interest in Ethereum remains strong. BlackRock (BLK), for example, has continued to increase its ETH exposure, signaling confidence in Ethereum’s fundamentals and long-term growth potential. Analysts, however, remain divided: some see the sell-offs as a temporary correction, while others warn that prolonged selling pressure could expose deeper structural risks.
For now, Ethereum’s resilience is being tested. The combined influence of foundation moves, whale liquidations, and hacker activity highlights the complex interplay of risk management and market stress in crypto ecosystems. The true impact will ultimately depend on how Ethereum’s core fundamentals hold up in the months ahead.
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