Ethereum Price Reverses Below $1,700 as Galaxy Digital Dumps $106M ETH for Solana

ibrahim
April 23, 2025 Updated July 16, 2025
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Highlights

  • Galaxy Digital sold $106M in ETH for SOL over two weeks via Binance, per Lookonchain blockchain analysis.
  • Ethereum market dominance dips below 7%, the lowest in years amid growing scalability concerns.
  • Institutional players continue to scale back ETH exposure, signaling shifting sentiment toward alternative Layer 1s.

Etheruem price retraced below the $1,700 mark on Tuesday, April 22, as bulls struggled to contain an initial 3% rally.

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Galaxy Digital pivots to Solana amid Ethereum headwinds

Galaxy Digital has exchanged roughly $106 million worth of Ethereum (ETH) for Solana (SOL), according to blockchain data analytics platform, Lookonchain.

The trades occurred over the past two weeks on Binance, suggesting a significant portfolio reshuffle away from Ethereum.

This move comes as ETH price fell below $1,700 on Tuesday, after intially rallying to a new monthly peak of $1,725 around noon CET.

https://x.com/lookonchain/status/1914492078236811451
https://x.com/lookonchain/status/1914492078236811451

The firm’s transactions reflect a broader shift in institutional sentiment. Market data shows decreasing Ethereum holdings among large entities, reinforcing the narrative that confidence in ETH may be waning. Galaxy’s portfolio’s reshuffling coincides with a continued decline in Ethereum’s decentralized exchange volumes.

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Ethereum dominance declines as scalability challenges persist

Ethereum’s market dominance has dropped to under 7%, marking its lowest point in years. Analysts cite ongoing scalability issues, high gas fees, and lagging Layer 2 adoption as contributors to its weakened position in the crypto ecosystem.

Ethereum market dominance (ETH.D) has plunged 63% since June 2024 | ETHUSD | Source: TradingView
Ethereum market dominance (ETH.D) has plunged 63% since June 2024 | ETHUSD | Source: TradingView

While Ethereum continues to lead in developer activity and protocol TVL, competitors like Solana are gaining traction due to faster transaction speeds and growing ecosystem support. Galaxy Digital’s decision to increase its exposure to SOL could signal broader adoption shifts within institutional portfolios.

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Ethereum Price Forecast Today: ETH Faces Resistance Near $1,725, Pullback Towards $1,600 Could Follow

Ethereum price forecast today shows a strong intraday surge, closing at $1,701 after tapping a high of $1,725. However, the move stalls just beneath the upper Bollinger Band at $1,672, suggesting overextension.

The wide Bollinger Bands reflect heightened volatility, and the current candlestick piercing the upper band hints at a short-term overbought condition. Price may retrace toward the midline around $1,607, or further to the lower band near $1,542 if selling pressure intensifies.

Ethereum Price Forecast | ETHUSD 
Ethereum Price Forecast | ETHUSD

Momentum indicators lend additional insight. The MACD histogram has flipped bullish, and the MACD line has crossed above the signal line, indicating short-term upside momentum. Yet, this follows an extended bearish cycle through early April, and the MACD reading remains below zero—an indication that the broader trend still lacks strength.

If Ethereum sustains above $1,725, a breakout toward $1,800 is possible. However, a failure to close above that level would confirm a resistance rejection. In that case, expect sellers to target $1,600 in the near term, especially if market volumes fail to confirm the breakout.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Ethereum’s price dropping below $1,700?

Ethereum’s price has fallen due to reduced market confidence, network congestion, and institutional investors reallocating funds to alternative blockchains.

2. What is Ethereum’s current market dominance?

Ethereum’s market dominance has declined to under 7%, its lowest in years, amid rising competition from scalable Layer 1 networks like Solana.

3. Why are institutions like Galaxy Digital moving to Solana?

Institutions are shifting to Solana due to its faster transaction speeds, lower fees, and Ethereum’s ongoing scalability and performance limitations.
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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Crypto analyst covering derivatives markets, macro trends, technical analysis, and DeFi. His works feature in-depth market insights, price forecasts, and institutional-grade research on digital assets.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.