“Elon Musk’s Nemesis Trade” Colossal ETH Short Sparks Debate in Crypto Circles

By: crypto insight|2025/12/30 15:30:10

Key Takeaways

A colossal short position was secured against Ethereum (ETH) worth approximately $106 million by a single address.
The trader, known as a significant player in the market, opened this position amid rising ETH prices, influenced by Elon Musk’s actions.
This short position forms part of a larger trading strategy that includes significant short positions in Bitcoin (BTC) and Solana (SOL).
The debate across the crypto community centers on the rationale behind such high-risk shorting behavior amidst fluctuating market conditions.

WEEX Crypto News, 2025-12-30 07:13:37

In the complex and often unpredictable world of cryptocurrency trading, few things can stir as much interest and speculation as a major short position against a leading digital asset like Ethereum (ETH). Recently, the crypto community has been abuzz with the news of a massive ETH short position worth approximately $106 million placed by a single address, marking a new chapter in the ongoing saga of high-stakes crypto trading. This maneuver, notable not only for its scale but also for its timing, has been linked to market dynamics surrounding Elon Musk’s increased involvement with Ethereum.

A Bold Move: Understanding the $106 Million ETH Short

The move in question was detected by on-chain analysts who closely monitor significant activities on blockchain networks. The address, identified as 0x94d…33814, made headlines by shorting 36,281.29 ETH at an entry price of $2,920.21. To fully grasp the magnitude of this position, it’s essential to delve into the mechanics of short trading.

Short selling in cryptocurrency, akin to traditional financial markets, involves borrowing an asset to sell at its current market price, with the hope of repurchasing it at a lower price in the future. This method allows traders to profit from declines in a token’s price. However, it also exposes them to potentially limitless losses if the asset’s price increases instead. This approach demands both expertise and nerve, given the volatility characteristic of crypto markets.

The Musk Influence: Market Reactions and Strategies

The timing of this ETH short aligns intriguingly with Elon Musk’s reported increase in Ethereum holdings. As a highly influential figure, Musk’s activities tend to resonate across crypto markets, often resulting in significant volatility. Traders and investors closely track his statements and movements in relation to cryptocurrencies, and their reported response included bullish activities surrounding Ethereum.

Musk’s influence is not merely a factor of his financial moves but also a product of his social media presence. With millions of followers, his tweets and public endorsements can sway market sentiment, often leading to spontaneous price movement in the digital assets he comments on.

A Layered Strategy: BTC and SOL Short Positions

Beyond Ethereum, the trader behind the $106 million short also engages in broader market speculation. They reportedly hold substantial short positions in Bitcoin (BTC) valued at $48.18 million and Solana (SOL) at $13.43 million. Each of these positions comes with preset take-profit ranges: BTC is targeted between $86,250 and $86,800, while SOL is anticipated to fall within $121 and $131.76.

This strategy suggests a calculated approach across multiple cryptocurrencies, indicative of a broader bearish stance on the market. The participant’s clear-cut take-profit levels imply a disciplined mechanism aimed at managing risk and optimizing potential returns despite the inherent unpredictability of crypto prices.

The Anatomy of a Major Market Player

The address behind these trades has managed to amass a significant following, primarily due to its aggressive trading pattern and apparent market insight. Notably, this address has successfully garnered a profit of $6.22 million over the past week alone, demonstrating a keen aptitude for high-stakes, high-reward trading decisions.

This specific activity is part of a larger narrative involving a trader reputed for focusing on substantial bearish stances. Previously identifying as the “Ultimate Bear,” this trader’s portfolio has predominantly consisted of bearish bets, particularly targeting Bitcoin. In a prominent shift, they have expanded their scope to include Lighter (LIT), indicating an unwavering confidence in their predictive capabilities against market uptrends.

Risk and Reward: The Balance in High-Stakes Trading

It’s crucial to underscore that while the gains from such strategies can be impressively high, they come tethered to significant risk. Cryptocurrency markets are notoriously volatile, and while they offer rapid swings, these can just as easily move against a trader. The $521,000 floating loss faced by the ETH position echoes the precarious nature of risky financial undertakings.

Yet, traders like the one behind this address willingly engage with this turbulence, drawing on analytical skills, market signals, and perhaps a touch of speculative boldness when formulating their tactics. Such actions contribute to a larger tapestry of trading behaviors that define the crypto ecosystem’s unique landscape.

The Broader Impact and Community Discourse

The narrative of this $106 million Ethereum short extends beyond mere financial mechanics, penetrating the core of community discussions and media debates. The crypto world is inherently community-driven, reliant on shared insights, analyses, and even social signals to drive decision-making processes.

Various camps exist within this dynamic space. On one side, some advocate for a cautious approach, warning of the perils associated with following high-profile speculative moves. Others herald the audacity of such trades, arguing that they symbolize the very essence of the cryptocurrency ethos — a willingness to challenge traditional financial conventions and engage in radical market experiments.

The Weex Factor

Within this milieu of market exuberance and trepidation, platforms like Weex play an instrumental role. Weex, known for its steadfast operations and commitment to user security, emerges as a trusted avenue for traders navigating the choppy waters of crypto trading. By providing a stable backdrop, Weex enables traders to deploy complex strategies like those witnessed in the case of the $106 million ETH short, yet with an assurance of reliability and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is short selling in cryptocurrency?

Short selling in cryptocurrency involves borrowing an asset, selling it at the current market rate, and repurchasing it at a lower price to profit from the difference. It is a technique used by traders expecting a decline in the asset’s price.

How does Elon Musk influence cryptocurrency markets?

Elon Musk holds significant sway over crypto markets due to his public persona and large social media following. His investment actions and comments can alter market sentiment and impact pricing trends for assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

What are the risks associated with shorting cryptocurrencies?

Shorting cryptocurrencies carries the risk of potentially limitless losses since asset prices can increase indefinitely. Traders mitigate this by setting take-profit and stop-loss limits to manage exposure effectively.

How do major trades like the $106 million ETH short affect the market?

Such large trades can influence market sentiment by signaling strong convictions about price directions to other investors. They may contribute to increased volatility as other market players react to these high-profile maneuvers.

Why is Weex a reliable platform for crypto trading?

Weex is recognized for its focus on user security and reliable trading infrastructure, providing a stable environment where traders can execute complex strategies confidently. Its robust framework supports seamless transactions even amid high market volatility.

Foreword: Today, the People's Bank of China's website published the "Notice of the People's Bank of China, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Public Security, State Administration for Market Regulation, China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, China Securities Regulatory Commission, State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Preventing and Dealing with Risks Related to Virtual Currency and Others (Yinfa [2026] No. 42)", the latest regulatory requirements from the eight departments including the central bank, which are basically consistent with the regulatory requirements of recent years. The main focus of the regulation is on speculative activities such as virtual currency trading, exchanges, ICOs, overseas platform services, and this time, regulatory oversight of RWA has been added, explicitly prohibiting RWA tokenization, stablecoins (especially those pegged to the RMB). The following is the full text:

To the people's governments of all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps:

Recently, there have been speculative activities related to virtual currency and Real-World Assets (RWA) tokenization, disrupting the economic and financial order and jeopardizing the property security of the people. In order to further prevent and address the risks related to virtual currency and Real-World Assets tokenization, effectively safeguard national security and social stability, in accordance with the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the People's Bank of China," "Law of the People's Republic of China on Commercial Banks," "Securities Law of the People's Republic of China," "Law of the People's Republic of China on Securities Investment Funds," "Law of the People's Republic of China on Futures and Derivatives," "Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China," "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of Renminbi," "Regulations on Prevention and Disposal of Illegal Fundraising," "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Foreign Exchange Administration," "Telecommunications Regulations of the People's Republic of China," and other provisions, after reaching consensus with the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and with the approval of the State Council, the relevant matters are notified as follows:

I. Clarify the essential attributes of virtual currency, Real-World Assets tokenization, and related business activities

(I) Virtual currency does not possess the legal status equivalent to fiat currency. Virtual currencies such as Bitcoin, Ether, Tether, etc., have the main characteristics of being issued by non-monetary authorities, using encryption technology and distributed ledger or similar technology, existing in digital form, etc. They do not have legal tender status, should not and cannot be circulated and used as currency in the market.

The business activities related to virtual currency are classified as illegal financial activities. The exchange of fiat currency and virtual currency within the territory, exchange of virtual currencies, acting as a central counterparty in buying and selling virtual currencies, providing information intermediary and pricing services for virtual currency transactions, token issuance financing, and trading of virtual currency-related financial products, etc., fall under illegal financial activities, such as suspected illegal issuance of token vouchers, unauthorized public issuance of securities, illegal operation of securities and futures business, illegal fundraising, etc., are strictly prohibited across the board and resolutely banned in accordance with the law. Overseas entities and individuals are not allowed to provide virtual currency-related services to domestic entities in any form.

A stablecoin pegged to a fiat currency indirectly fulfills some functions of the fiat currency in circulation. Without the consent of relevant authorities in accordance with the law and regulations, any domestic or foreign entity or individual is not allowed to issue a RMB-pegged stablecoin overseas.

（II）Tokenization of Real-World Assets refers to the use of encryption technology and distributed ledger or similar technologies to transform ownership rights, income rights, etc., of assets into tokens (tokens) or other interests or bond certificates with token (token) characteristics, and carry out issuance and trading activities.

Engaging in the tokenization of real-world assets domestically, as well as providing related intermediary, information technology services, etc., which are suspected of illegal issuance of token vouchers, unauthorized public offering of securities, illegal operation of securities and futures business, illegal fundraising, and other illegal financial activities, shall be prohibited; except for relevant business activities carried out with the approval of the competent authorities in accordance with the law and regulations and relying on specific financial infrastructures. Overseas entities and individuals are not allowed to illegally provide services related to the tokenization of real-world assets to domestic entities in any form.

II. Sound Work Mechanism

(III) Inter-agency Coordination. The People's Bank of China, together with the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, and other departments, will improve the work mechanism, strengthen coordination with the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, coordinate efforts, and overall guide regions to carry out risk prevention and disposal of virtual currency-related illegal financial activities.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission, together with the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, the People's Bank of China, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, and other departments, will improve the work mechanism, strengthen coordination with the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, coordinate efforts, and overall guide regions to carry out risk prevention and disposal of illegal financial activities related to the tokenization of real-world assets.

(IV) Strengthening Local Implementation. The people's governments at the provincial level are overall responsible for the prevention and disposal of risks related to virtual currencies and the tokenization of real-world assets in their respective administrative regions. The specific leading department is the local financial regulatory department, with participation from branches and dispatched institutions of the State Council's financial regulatory department, telecommunications regulators, public security, market supervision, and other departments, in coordination with cyberspace departments, courts, and procuratorates, to improve the normalization of the work mechanism, effectively connect with the relevant work mechanisms of central departments, form a cooperative and coordinated working pattern between central and local governments, effectively prevent and properly handle risks related to virtual currencies and the tokenization of real-world assets, and maintain economic and financial order and social stability.

III. Strengthened Risk Monitoring, Prevention, and Disposal

(5) Enhanced Risk Monitoring. The People's Bank of China, China Securities Regulatory Commission, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Public Security, State Administration of Foreign Exchange, Cyberspace Administration of China, and other departments continue to improve monitoring techniques and system support, enhance cross-departmental data analysis and sharing, establish sound information sharing and cross-validation mechanisms, promptly grasp the risk situation of activities related to virtual currency and real-world asset tokenization. Local governments at all levels give full play to the role of local monitoring and early warning mechanisms. Local financial regulatory authorities, together with branches and agencies of the State Council's financial regulatory authorities, as well as departments of cyberspace and public security, ensure effective connection between online monitoring, offline investigation, and fund tracking, efficiently and accurately identify activities related to virtual currency and real-world asset tokenization, promptly share risk information, improve early warning information dissemination, verification, and rapid response mechanisms.

(6) Strengthened Oversight of Financial Institutions, Intermediaries, and Technology Service Providers. Financial institutions (including non-bank payment institutions) are prohibited from providing account opening, fund transfer, and clearing services for virtual currency-related business activities, issuing and selling financial products related to virtual currency, including virtual currency and related financial products in the scope of collateral, conducting insurance business related to virtual currency, or including virtual currency in the scope of insurance liability. Financial institutions (including non-bank payment institutions) are prohibited from providing custody, clearing, and settlement services for unauthorized real-world asset tokenization-related business and related financial products. Relevant intermediary institutions and information technology service providers are prohibited from providing intermediary, technical, or other services for unauthorized real-world asset tokenization-related businesses and related financial products.

(7) Enhanced Management of Internet Information Content and Access. Internet enterprises are prohibited from providing online business venues, commercial displays, marketing, advertising, or paid traffic diversion services for virtual currency and real-world asset tokenization-related business activities. Upon discovering clues of illegal activities, they should promptly report to relevant departments and provide technical support and assistance for related investigations and inquiries. Based on the clues transferred by the financial regulatory authorities, the cyberspace administration, telecommunications authorities, and public security departments should promptly close and deal with websites, mobile applications (including mini-programs), and public accounts engaged in virtual currency and real-world asset tokenization-related business activities in accordance with the law.

(8) Strengthened Entity Registration and Advertisement Management. Market supervision departments strengthen entity registration and management, and enterprise and individual business registrations must not contain terms such as "virtual currency," "virtual asset," "cryptocurrency," "crypto asset," "stablecoin," "real-world asset tokenization," or "RWA" in their names or business scopes. Market supervision departments, together with financial regulatory authorities, legally enhance the supervision of advertisements related to virtual currency and real-world asset tokenization, promptly investigating and handling relevant illegal advertisements.

（IX） Continued Rectification of Virtual Currency Mining Activities. The National Development and Reform Commission, together with relevant departments, strictly controls virtual currency mining activities, continuously promotes the rectification of virtual currency mining activities. The people's governments of various provinces take overall responsibility for the rectification of "mining" within their respective administrative regions. In accordance with the requirements of the National Development and Reform Commission and other departments in the "Notice on the Rectification of Virtual Currency Mining Activities" (NDRC Energy-saving Building [2021] No. 1283) and the provisions of the "Guidance Catalog for Industrial Structure Adjustment (2024 Edition)," a comprehensive review, investigation, and closure of existing virtual currency mining projects are conducted, new mining projects are strictly prohibited, and mining machine production enterprises are strictly prohibited from providing mining machine sales and other services within the country.

（X） Severe Crackdown on Related Illegal Financial Activities. Upon discovering clues to illegal financial activities related to virtual currency and the tokenization of real-world assets, local financial regulatory authorities, branches of the State Council's financial regulatory authorities, and other relevant departments promptly investigate, determine, and properly handle the issues in accordance with the law, and seriously hold the relevant entities and individuals legally responsible. Those suspected of crimes are transferred to the judicial authorities for processing according to the law.

（XI） Severe Crackdown on Related Illegal and Criminal Activities. The Ministry of Public Security, the People's Bank of China, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, as well as judicial and procuratorial organs, in accordance with their respective responsibilities, rigorously crack down on illegal and criminal activities related to virtual currency, the tokenization of real-world assets, such as fraud, money laundering, illegal business operations, pyramid schemes, illegal fundraising, and other illegal and criminal activities carried out under the guise of virtual currency, the tokenization of real-world assets, etc.

（XII） Strengthen Industry Self-discipline. Relevant industry associations should enhance membership management and policy advocacy, based on their own responsibilities, advocate and urge member units to resist illegal financial activities related to virtual currency and the tokenization of real-world assets. Member units that violate regulatory policies and industry self-discipline rules are to be disciplined in accordance with relevant self-regulatory management regulations. By leveraging various industry infrastructure, conduct risk monitoring related to virtual currency, the tokenization of real-world assets, and promptly transfer issue clues to relevant departments.

IV. Strict Supervision of Domestic Entities Engaging in Overseas Business Activities

（XIII） Without the approval of relevant departments in accordance with the law and regulations, domestic entities and foreign entities controlled by them may not issue virtual currency overseas.

（XIV） Domestic entities engaging directly or indirectly in overseas external debt-based tokenization of real-world assets, or conducting asset securitization activities abroad based on domestic ownership rights, income rights, etc. (hereinafter referred to as domestic equity), should be strictly regulated in accordance with the principles of "same business, same risk, same rules." The National Development and Reform Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, and other relevant departments regulate it according to their respective responsibilities. For other forms of overseas real-world asset tokenization activities based on domestic equity by domestic entities, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, together with relevant departments, supervise according to their division of responsibilities. Without the consent and filing of relevant departments, no unit or individual may engage in the above-mentioned business.

(15) Overseas subsidiaries and branches of domestic financial institutions providing Real World Asset Tokenization-related services overseas shall do so legally and prudently. They shall have professional personnel and systems in place to effectively mitigate business risks, strictly implement customer onboarding, suitability management, anti-money laundering requirements, and incorporate them into the domestic financial institutions' compliance and risk management system. Intermediaries and information technology service providers offering Real World Asset Tokenization services abroad based on domestic equity or conducting Real World Asset Tokenization business in the form of overseas debt for domestic entities directly or indirectly venturing abroad must strictly comply with relevant laws and regulations. They should establish and improve relevant compliance and internal control systems in accordance with relevant normative requirements, strengthen business and risk control, and report the business developments to the relevant regulatory authorities for approval or filing.

V. Strengthen Organizational Implementation

(16) Strengthen organizational leadership and overall coordination. All departments and regions should attach great importance to the prevention of risks related to virtual currencies and Real World Asset Tokenization, strengthen organizational leadership, clarify work responsibilities, form a long-term effective working mechanism with centralized coordination, local implementation, and shared responsibilities, maintain high pressure, dynamically monitor risks, effectively prevent and mitigate risks in an orderly and efficient manner, legally protect the property security of the people, and make every effort to maintain economic and financial order and social stability.

(17) Widely carry out publicity and education. All departments, regions, and industry associations should make full use of various media and other communication channels to disseminate information through legal and policy interpretation, analysis of typical cases, and education on investment risks, etc. They should promote the illegality and harm of virtual currencies and Real World Asset Tokenization-related businesses and their manifestations, fully alert to potential risks and hidden dangers, and enhance public awareness and identification capabilities for risk prevention.

VI. Legal Responsibility

(18) Engaging in illegal financial activities related to virtual currencies and Real World Asset Tokenization in violation of this notice, as well as providing services for virtual currencies and Real World Asset Tokenization-related businesses, shall be punished in accordance with relevant regulations. If it constitutes a crime, criminal liability shall be pursued according to the law. For domestic entities and individuals who knowingly or should have known that overseas entities illegally provided virtual currency or Real World Asset Tokenization-related services to domestic entities and still assisted them, relevant responsibilities shall be pursued according to the law. If it constitutes a crime, criminal liability shall be pursued according to the law.

(19) If any unit or individual invests in virtual currencies, Real World Asset Tokens, and related financial products against public order and good customs, the relevant civil legal actions shall be invalid, and any resulting losses shall be borne by them. If there are suspicions of disrupting financial order and jeopardizing financial security, the relevant departments shall deal with them according to the law.

This notice shall enter into force upon the date of its issuance. The People's Bank of China and ten other departments' "Notice on Further Preventing and Dealing with the Risks of Virtual Currency Trading Speculation" (Yinfa [2021] No. 237) is hereby repealed.

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