The crypto market accelerated its progress after the release of a stable U.S. inflation index. The December CPI rose 2.7% year-on-year, in line with expectations, signaling a cooling of inflation. This reduced pressure for short-term rate cuts and reignited risk appetite in markets. And this did not go unnoticed by certain crypto whales.
However, whale movements remained measured, far from any euphoria. Indeed, instead of chasing the rise, major holders chose to increase their exposure to three altcoins, monitoring key technical levels, which indicates a preparatory phase rather than blind risk-taking.
Dogecoin (DOGE)
With the rapid progress of the market, Dogecoin is regaining the interest of crypto whales. Over the past 24 hours, DOGE has risen approximately 5.9%, bringing its 30-day gain to nearly 7.6%. The movement remains moderate but occurs at a key technical moment.
On-chain data indeed shows that whales holding between 10 million and 100 million DOGE have increased their exposure during this move. In a single day, this group rose from 17.60 billion to 17.76 billion DOGE, adding 160 million tokens—equivalent to approximately $23.5 million accumulated.
The chart sheds light on why whales are arriving at this precise moment. On the daily time frame, Dogecoin has just crossed back above the 20-day and 50-day exponential moving averages (EMA). EMAs give more weight to recent prices and are often used to detect early trend changes.
This technical context is important, as the last time DOGE’s price re-entered first the 20-day EMA and then the 50-day EMA in that order dates back to early July 2025. That move was followed by a rally of approximately 73%, a period that also showed a bullish crossover—the 20-day EMA crossing above the 50-day EMA. Currently, the 20-day EMA is approaching the 50-day EMA, which could soon enable a potential new bullish crossover.
Right now, the first level that crypto whales are likely monitoring is $0.154, or 4.6% above the current price. A clear break above this zone would bring the 100-day and 200-day EMAs into play as resistance levels. Surpassing these levels would signal a true trend reversal, not just a temporary bounce, potentially allowing DOGE to reclaim the $0.209 zone.
Conversely, falling back below the 20-day and 50-day EMAs would weaken the bullish dynamics and could even bring DOGE back down to the support level of $0.115.
Chainlink (LINK)
LINK is benefiting from continuous whale inflows for the second consecutive day. Although holdings slightly decreased between January 12 and 13, the market pump has reignited investor interest in this altcoin. The Chainlink (LINK) price has risen by nearly 6% over the past 24 hours and is now testing a major technical resistance after a controlled pullback.
On-chain data indicates a discreet return of whales. Over the last day, their holdings rose from 503.20 million to 503.42 million LINK, representing approximately 220,000 LINK accumulated. At the current price, this equals nearly $3.1 million in additional accumulation. Although this volume is smaller compared to aggressive buying phases during pullbacks, the timing draws attention.
The chart explains why whales might be positioning at this level. Earlier this month, LINK’s price corrected after a warning signal in its dynamics. Between December 9 and January 6, the price formed a lower high while the Relative Strength Index (RSI) formed a higher high. The RSI measures momentum by comparing recent gains to recent losses. This divergence signaled a weakening momentum, leading to the price pullback.
That said, this correction now appears more constructive than bearish. Indeed, during the pullback, the price formed the handle of a cup-with-handle pattern, and the altcoin is currently testing the neckline zone.
To validate this scenario, LINK must close above $14.10 on the daily chart, then show strength above $15.04. If this occurs, the target of the pattern points toward $17.62, about 25% above current levels. This upside potential likely explains the return of crypto whales despite recent gains.
On the downside, falling below $12.97 would weaken the setup, while a break below $11.73 would completely invalidate it.
Uniswap (UNI)
Uniswap is currently experiencing cautious accumulation by crypto whales, as its price approaches a key technical level. The UNI price has risen by about 5.5% over the past 24 hours, but whale behavior suggests this is still a measured bet, not a frantic buying spree.
Since January 13, whales have increased their UNI holdings from 549.37 million to 549.57 million tokens, adding 200,000 units of this altcoin. At its current price, this represents approximately $1.1 million accumulated.
The chart explains this caution. Indeed, Uniswap is sitting just below its 20-day exponential moving average (EMA).
Historically, recoveries of UNI’s 20-day EMA have been significant.
On November 8, reclaiming this level triggered a 76% rally.
On December 20, this recovery resulted in a 24% increase.
On January 3, a brief recovery led to a 13% rise.
Whales appear to be positioning in advance, awaiting confirmation. A daily close above the 20-day EMA, followed by a move toward the 50-day EMA, would strengthen the bullish scenario. Beyond that, key resistances are located at $5.98, then $6.57, with potential reaching $8.13 if market conditions remain favorable.
If the recovery fails, the bearish risk remains. Losing the $5.28 level would weaken the setup and could expose the $4.74 zone in the short term.
The lesson of the story: When it goes up, buy. When it goes down, buy.
