Ethereum Surges Toward $3,500 Amid Institutional Buy-In

Ethereum is on a bullish streak, nearing the $3,500 mark after a sluggish start to 2025.
This price level hasn’t been seen since Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in January.

The rally comes after a significant buy from World Liberty Financial, a Trump-linked crypto venture.
On July 16, the group purchased 1,531 ETH for $5 million, averaging $3,266 per coin.

This large-scale acquisition has drawn fresh attention to Ethereum’s momentum.

On-Chain Data Reveals Mixed Whale Activity

While institutional interest is surging, whales are sending mixed signals.
On-chain analytics firm Lookonchain highlighted recent high-volume movements across Ethereum wallets.

Two whales recently offloaded ETH holdings worth $528 million.
Trend Research sold 79,470 ETH valued at $250 million but still retains over 105,000 ETH.

Meanwhile, address 0xd8d0 sold 98,610 ETH worth $278 million.
These moves reflect strategic profit-taking during Ethereum’s price upswing.

Hacked ETH Funds Reenter the Market

The recent rally also attracted malicious players.
On July 17, the hacker behind the Infini platform exploit transferred 4,770 ETH.

According to PeckShieldAlert, 3,000 ETH was laundered via Tornado Cash.
Another 1,770 ETH was swapped for 5.9 million DAI in an apparent cash-out.

The February exploit of Infini—a Hong Kong-based stablecoin neobank—netted $49.5 million in total.
These events highlight persistent risks in the Ethereum ecosystem.

ETH’s Recent Price Action Reflects Renewed Confidence

Despite selling and hacking activity, Ethereum has gained over 20% in the past week.
This rally has been attributed to both macro and ecosystem-level catalysts.

Tom Lee, Fundstrat co-founder, pointed to a boom in stablecoins and tokenization.
He believes Ethereum could “probably” reach $10,000 in the long term.

Investors are increasingly turning to Ethereum for exposure to the next wave of blockchain innovation.

Security Becomes a Key Focus for Ethereum Users

With malicious exploits still occurring, many are securing their Ethereum with cold wallets.
Ledger devices, known for industry-grade protection, are gaining traction among serious holders.

As the network grows, security remains top-of-mind for institutions and retail alike.
Better custody solutions could help support Ethereum’s rise to new highs.

Institutional Interest Builds Around Ethereum

The Trump-linked fund isn’t alone in its bullish stance.
Institutional flows into Ethereum have been rising steadily since mid-2024.

ETF vehicles and tokenization platforms are also expanding access to Ethereum investments.
This infrastructure makes it easier for large investors to gain exposure without holding crypto directly.

These developments support the argument that Ethereum is becoming a financial mainstay.

Final Thoughts on Ethereum’s Next Move

The climb toward $3,500 marks a turning point for Ethereum in 2025.
Backed by institutional capital, new products, and broader utility, ETH has recaptured market leadership.

Whale activity, fund flows, and even hacker moves all point to a highly active Ethereum market.
As momentum builds, $3,500 may just be a stop on the road to higher targets.