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Crypto whales turn bearish: exit long positions

Crypto Whales Exit Long Positions | Bearish Outlook Persists

By

Liam O'Reilly

Nov 21, 2025, 07:23 AM

Edited By

Omar Ahmed

Updated

Nov 21, 2025, 07:00 PM

2 minutes to read

Large crypto investors pulling out from long positions, indicating bearish market sentiment with a downward trend graph in background.

A significant change is underway as crypto whales exit long positions on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), realizing hefty losses amid market hurdles. This shift indicates a growing pessimism surrounding the immediate cryptocurrency landscape.

Whales Take Action

Recent activity shows major traders making notable moves. One whale closed long positions incurring a $1 million loss, transitioning to a 6x leveraged short position on ETH. Another trader faced a staggering $6.2 million loss, choosing a 2x leveraged ETH short position. These decisions illustrate a clear bearish trend among top traders.

Market Response and Community Sentiment

Comment sections on various forums reflect mixed sentiments. One commenter noted, "Good, the beginning of capitulation. I'm thinking rough for another 2-3 weeks then a little Santa rally into choppy beginning of next year." Others voiced a more critical view, stating, "Things are looking bad right now. Especially for altcoins." This shows a blend of humor and serious concern among traders.

Some encouraged a shift in strategy, suggesting opportunities might present themselves to those willing to take risks. A user remarked, "The other option is to just hold FIAT and lose 7% each year," highlighting the tough choices facing investors.

A Broad Look at the Data

On-chain analytics reveal a drop in demand despite ongoing institutional interest in Bitcoin ETFs. Increased liquidations have marked traders' struggles in this landscape, and as these rise, investor confidence appears shaky, underscoring the current market uncertainty.

Key Points to Consider

  • 🚨 Major traders are closing long positions, realizing losses.

  • πŸ”» Total losses from two whales amount to $7.2 million.

  • πŸ“‰ Community sentiment is increasingly bearish, reflecting market challenges.

In light of these developments, traders question whether this signals the onset of a drawn-out downturn or simply a temporary setback for the crypto market.

Anticipating Further Market Movements

With major traders pulling back, experts estimate a 65% probability of entering a bearish market phase, echoing past downturns. Institutional support may struggle against escalating sell pressures, signaling the possibility of an extended crypto winter extending into 2026.

Historical Parallels

This shift is reminiscent of the dot-com bubble's aftermath where initial enthusiasm led to a drastic correction. As past events illustrate, the crypto space may face similar re-evaluations as traders grapple with significant losses and reassess strategies amid a volatile atmosphere.