10.02.2025
Andrey Mastykin
Author, Financial Expert at Traders Union
10.02.2025

Hedge funds increase bearish bets on Ethereum by 40% in a week

Hedge funds increase bearish bets on Ethereum by 40% in a week The increase in short positions could lead to heightened volatility for ETH

​Hedge funds have significantly increased their bearish positions on Ethereum (ETH), with short bets surging over 40% in the past week and a staggering 500% since November 2024. 

This trend indicates growing skepticism about Ethereum's short-term prospects among institutional investors, Cryptonews informs.

Key takeaways

- Record high in short positions: The substantial rise in bearish bets reflects a notable shift in market sentiment toward Ethereum.

- Potential market implications: The increase in short positions could lead to heightened volatility for ETH, especially if market conditions trigger a short squeeze.

Surge in bearish bets

Recent data reveals that hedge funds have escalated their short positions on Ethereum by over 40% within a single week, marking a 500% increase since November 2024. This escalation suggests that institutional investors are increasingly doubtful about Ethereum's near-term performance.

An analytical post by Kobeissi Letter cites evidence that there is a historical pattern between large short positions and a sharp drop in prices.

According to the analyst, this situation is similar to the infamous sudden stock market crash of 2010, when the crypto market lost more than $1 trillion due to a sell-off.

Market dynamics and potential outcomes

The pronounced rise in short positions may result in increased volatility for Ethereum. If the market moves contrary to these bearish bets, it could trigger a short squeeze, forcing short sellers to cover their positions, thereby amplifying price fluctuations.

As of now, Ethereum is trading at approximately $2,653.54, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.53% from the previous close. Investors are closely monitoring these developments to assess the potential impact on Ethereum's market trajectory. 

ETH Price dynamics. Source: СoinGecko.

The significant increase in hedge funds' bearish positions underscores the importance of monitoring institutional sentiment in the cryptocurrency markets. Market participants should remain vigilant, as such dynamics can have substantial implications for price movements and overall market stability.

We've previously reported Ethereum price recovery remains fragile despite institutional inflows.

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