|

Big whales movements in altcoins Loopring, AAVE, DYDX, CRV alarm crypto investors

  • Whale transactions are showing up on altcoin networks of Loopring, AAVE, DYDX and CRV, signaling volatility in these assets. 
  • Experts believe high volume transactions by whales are red flags that imply extreme exits or redistribution of altcoin holdings. 
  • AAVE and Loopring prices suffered a decline after the spike in whale activity. 

Altcoin prices rallied in January 2023, the best performing month for cryptocurrencies since October 2021. Whales have increased their activity in altcoins Loopring (LRC), Aave (AAVE), DYDX and Curve (CRV). 

A spike in whale activities could indicate a sell-off or an increase in volatility among altcoins. 

Also read: Why Bitcoin bulls are poised to win Friday’s $1 billion options expiry

Whale activity in altcoins raises red flags, here’s what it means for Loopring and AAVE

Altcoins rallied in the beginning of 2023, doubling their market capitalization and yielding massive gains for holders. Interestingly, large wallet investors have increased their activity in altcoins Loopring, Aave, DYDX and Curve. In these four altcoins, experts have noted the highest activity by whales. 

While whale activity is typically correlated with a sell-off or redistribution of tokens, it is a red flag if the altcoin’s price drops. Loopring price yielded 113% gains for holders in the past month. Over the last 48 hours, the number of whale transactions exceeding $100,000 in value have exploded on the Loopring (LRC) network. 

With the spike in whale transactions, LRC chart shows minor signs of correction. LRC price is down nearly 4% in the past 24 hours. 

whale transactions on Looping

Whale transactions on Loopring v. price 

Whale activity in Aave is not quite on the level of Loopring. After a 65% price rally in AAVE throughout January, there have three large whale transaction spikes over the past two weeks. The largest one coincided with a local top in AAVE price. Experts at crypto intelligence tracker Santiment consider this a red flag. 

Whale transactions on AAVE

AAVE Whale transaction spike coincides with local price top

The largest spike in whale transactions on January 16 coincides with a local top in AAVE price as seen in the chart above. 

Whale transaction spike on CRV indicates local price top

While Curve noted 128 whale transactions recently, this spike is not as high as the one seen in January. Despite that, experts believe on Curve, whale transaction spikes have consecutively coincided with short-term price tops four times in a row. This makes whale transaction spike a reliable indicator for a price top in CRV. 

Whale transactions on CRV

Whale transaction count in CRV (>$100,000)

On CRV, whales are known to take profits and exit local tops. An increase in activity by large wallet investors therefore helps traders decide whether to reallocate their portfolio holdings or accumulate more of the altcoin. In case of CRV, rise in whale transactions is an opportunity to take profits and exit before the dip.

Author

Ekta Mourya

Ekta Mourya

FXStreet

Ekta Mourya has extensive experience in fundamental and on-chain analysis, particularly focused on impact of macroeconomics and central bank policies on cryptocurrencies.

More from Ekta Mourya
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

Dogecoin ticks lower as low Open Interest, funding rate weigh on buyers

Dogecoin extends its decline as risk-off sentiment dominates across the crypto market. DOGE’s derivatives market remains weak amid suppressed futures Open Interest and perpetual funding rate.

Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP decline as risk-off sentiment escalates

Bitcoin remains under pressure, trading above the $87,000 support at the time of writing on Tuesday. Selling pressure has continued to weigh on the broader cryptocurrency market since Monday, triggering declines across altcoins, including Ethereum and Ripple.

Chainlink risks further losses in early 2026 despite the ecosystem growth

Chainlink (LINK) is down 2% at press time on Tuesday, adding to a nearly 5% decline in December so far. The oracle token risks a negative close for the fourth straight month, potentially signaling a bearish start to 2026. 

Bitcoin retreats as $90,000 rejection, ETF outflows weigh on sentiment

Bitcoin continues to trade lower on Tuesday after failing to break the key $90,000 resistance level the previous day. US-listed spot ETFs record an outflow of $142.90 on Monday, while Strategy Inc. boosts its cash reserves to $2.19 billion.

Orange Juice Newsletter – Smart insights by real people. Every day.

A free newsletter highlighting key market trends to help traders stay a step ahead. Daily insights on the most relevant trading topics, compiled by our experts in an easy-to-read format so you never miss an important move.

Bitcoin: Fed delivers, yet fails to impress BTC traders

Bitcoin (BTC) continues de trade within the recent consolidation phase, hovering around $92,000 at the time of writing on Friday, as investors digest the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) cautious December rate cut and its implications for risk assets.