Crypto Whales Accumulate LINK, LDO, and ASTER Despite Year-End Market Slowdown

Year-end periods are typically marked by reduced liquidity and profit-taking across the crypto market, as large investors rotate into cash and wait for clearer setups. December often brings position cuts, especially from smart money, but recent on-chain data shows that crypto whales are moving against this trend. Instead of reducing exposure, whales are accumulating select altcoins across different time frames, signaling potential longer-term conviction.

Chainlink (LINK) is one of the standout tokens seeing sustained whale accumulation. Over the past 30 days, whale wallets have increased their LINK holdings by nearly 58%, adding around 680,000 tokens worth approximately $8.5 million at current prices. This accumulation has taken place while LINK corrected roughly 7.5%, suggesting whales are buying into weakness. Meanwhile, smart money has slightly reduced exposure, pointing to a slower, more strategic buildup rather than an immediate breakout. Technically, bearish momentum appears to be fading, and a reclaim of the $12.50 level would strengthen the bullish case, while a drop below $11.72 could invalidate it.

Lido DAO (LDO) has seen a different pattern, with whale activity picking up over the last seven days. Whale balances are up more than 30%, adding over 4 million LDO worth about $2.3 million. Notably, public figures such as Arthur Hayes have contributed to this accumulation. While smart money exposure has declined, falling exchange balances suggest retail holders may be moving tokens off exchanges. Price action remains range-bound, but improving volume dynamics hint at a potential shift if resistance levels are reclaimed.

Aster (ASTER) rounds out the list with fresh 24-hour whale inflows. Although the accumulation is modest, it stands out given ASTER’s sharp monthly decline of over 30%. Whales appear to be cautiously positioning near established support, as selling pressure shows signs of weakening. If momentum improves, a recovery toward higher resistance levels becomes possible, while a loss of key support would negate the bullish thesis.

Overall, whale accumulation in LINK, LDO, and ASTER during a traditionally weak period suggests patience and a focus on early 2026 positioning rather than immediate price explosions.