Ethereum’s price took a sharp dive to $3,030 by the end of November, marking a brutal 21 percent drop for the month. Heavy outflows from exchange-traded funds and big investors cashing out fueled the decline, but fresh signs of whale buying and market shifts point to a possible rebound in December. What caused this slide, and can Ethereum bounce back?
Ethereum started November strong but quickly lost ground. The cryptocurrency fell from around $3,800 early in the month to $3,030 by November 30, wiping out gains and leaving investors worried. This drop came amid broader market jitters, including reactions to U.S. government issues and political news.
The 21 percent monthly loss stands as one of Ethereum’s worst in 2025. Data from market trackers shows trading volume spiked during the sell-off, with over $16 billion changing hands on some days. Analysts point to a mix of factors, from global economic pressures to crypto-specific troubles.
In one key event, Ethereum dipped below $3,000 briefly, triggering panic sales. Yet, the price held above critical support levels, avoiding a deeper crash.
Market watchers noted how Ethereum’s slide outpaced Bitcoin’s in November. While Bitcoin faced its own dips, Ethereum bore the brunt due to unique pressures like fund flows.
ETF Outflows Drain Billions
Exchange-traded funds tied to Ethereum saw massive outflows in November, adding fuel to the price fire. Investors pulled out about $1.42 billion from U.S.-based Ethereum ETFs, the highest monthly exit on record.
BlackRock’s ETHA fund alone reported heavy withdrawals, part of a trend where big players shifted money away from crypto. This outflow reversed earlier gains, with net assets dropping below key thresholds.
- Outflows hit $1.4 billion overall for the month.
- Daily slips averaged less than 1 percent, but weekly gains couldn’t offset the damage.
- Funds like those from Fidelity and Grayscale also felt the pinch, with some days seeing over $100 million exit.
These outflows signal caution among institutional investors, who often drive crypto trends. A report from crypto analytics firm SoSoValue highlighted how November’s exits erased much of the inflows seen in prior months.
Despite the bleed, some days bucked the trend. For instance, late November brought small inflows of around $96 million, hinting at stabilizing interest.
The impact rippled through the market. Lower ETF demand meant less buying pressure, pushing prices down further.
Whale Deleveraging Adds Pressure
Big investors, known as whales, played a major role in Ethereum’s November woes. These large holders sold off holdings and reduced leveraged positions, leading to a wave of deleveraging.
On-chain data revealed heavy sell-offs in the first half of the month, with whales moving billions in Ethereum to exchanges for quick sales. This action liquidated over $484 million in long positions, amplifying the downturn.
One analysis from a blockchain tracking service showed exchange reserves dropping by 2.64 percent month-over-month, driven by whale moves. Yet, not all activity was bearish; some whales accumulated during dips, buying up Ethereum at lower prices.
Whale selling inflicted the most damage, but renewed demand could signal a shift. Historical patterns suggest such deleveraging often precedes rebounds, as seen in past cycles where similar events led to 7 to 13 percent bounces.
Traders watched key levels closely. Ethereum tested $2,960 support but rebounded slightly, showing resilience amid the chaos.
| Date | ETH Price | Daily Change | ETF Flow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1 | $3,800 | – | Inflow $50M |
| Nov 15 | $3,200 | -5% | Outflow $300M |
| Nov 30 | $3,030 | -2% | Outflow $100M |
This table captures snapshots of the month’s volatility, based on aggregated market data.
December Outlook Brings Hope
As December begins, positive signs emerge for Ethereum. Derivatives markets show traders positioning for gains, with open interest rising and shorts getting squeezed.
Renewed whale demand appears in on-chain metrics, where large holders have started accumulating again. This could provide the buying power needed to push prices up.
Analysts predict a potential climb to $3,500 if support holds, though risks remain if outflows continue. Upcoming upgrades, like the Fusaka update, might boost confidence and attract more investment.
Market sentiment has shifted slightly bullish, with RSI indicators moving from oversold to neutral. Volume data points to buyer interest building, countering November’s exhaustion.
Ethereum’s story in November reminds us how quickly crypto markets can turn. The 21 percent drop hurt many holders, but the hints of recovery offer a silver lining. As a journalist with 25 years covering finance, I’ve seen cycles like this before, where pain leads to opportunity. It affects everyday investors by eroding portfolio values, yet smart moves during dips can pay off.

