#btc# #xrp# #eth# The recent market turmoil, fueled by geopolitical tensions and investor fears, is a typical example of how fluctuations in sentiment and the behavior of major players affect cryptocurrency prices.

In the latest episode of Santiment's "This Week in Crypto," analyst Brian examined the dramatic events from the end of June, providing a detailed look at the reaction of smart investors while retail investors panicked.
Bitcoin fell below $100,000 as panic grows.
The week began with shock: The escalating tension between the US and Iran triggered turmoil in the financial markets. Bitcoin reacted sharply, falling to $98,500 – its lowest point in almost two months. According to Brian, this rapid decline was emotionally driven, highlighting how geopolitical uncertainty often leads to impulsive sell-offs of cryptocurrencies. He advises traders to wait 24 – 48 hours before reacting to global events, as initial movements are often misleading.
Whales accumulate, small investors withdraw: A familiar pattern repeats itself.
While small traders were selling in panic, the whales were quietly buying on the dip. Wallets holding between 10 and 10,000 BTC added 22,200 BTC in just 18 days. Brian explained that these periods of fear provide ideal entry points for experienced investors. Sentiment data from Santiment reached monthly lows just before the bounce, demonstrating the classic behavior that "maximum fear equals maximum opportunity." Meanwhile, wallets containing at least 10 BTC reached a 3.5-month high – yet another clear sign of growing confidence among whales.
Sentiment towards XRP is rising despite the legal setback.
In an unexpected turn, sentiments towards XRP have risen, even after Judge Torres blocked the proposed $50 million settlement with the SEC. Although the news has created new uncertainty regarding Ripple's case, the XRP community has reacted positively, signaling potential hidden optimism. Brian noted that this discrepancy between price and sentiments could herald an upward momentum.
Ethereum is facing doubts, but conflicting signals are emerging.
Unlike Bitcoin, ETH lagged during the recovery. The interest rates on Ethereum futures turned negative, revealing an influx of short positions. However, Brian warned that such bearish sentiment often precedes a short squeeze – a scenario where rising prices force short traders to buy back, further accelerating profits.
BCH and GameFi are gaining momentum
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) attracted attention with the largest spike in whale transactions of the year. Combined with increased social dominance and a declining 'mean age of invested dollars,' the data indicates that inactive tokens are moving – often a precursor to price movements. At the discussion level, conversations about GameFi, stablecoins, and Bitcoin versus fiat currencies dominated Santiment's Alpha Narratives tool, providing an early insight into where traders' attention is heading.
Key takeaways: Monitor the activity of whales and peaks in sentiment.
This week's events confirm an important lesson: Blockchain data reveals the story behind the charts. When panic among retail investors peaks, whale accumulation and a drop in sentiment often signal that the worst is over. Investors who monitor portfolios, social media sentiment, and interest rates can position themselves a step ahead.
For a more in-depth look, Santiment offers real-time dashboards that track these metrics, helping traders navigate volatility with confidence and clarity.