Whale increases holdings of precious metal tokens through Aave's flash loan, single order worth $38.4 million draws attention

TokenomicsTrapper · 2026-01-16T12:36:11+00:00

The on-chain analysis platform Lookonchain detected that a whale borrowed 18.3 million USDe through Aave over 20 days, then purchased 8,337 XAUT, totaling approximately $38.4 million. This indicates institutional views on precious metal assets and the activity of leveraging strategies during periods of high macro uncertainty, also revealing market trends to retail investors.

TokenomicsTrapper

2026-01-16 12:36:11

Abstract generation in progress

【Blockchain Rhythms】The on-chain data analysis platform Lookonchain recently captured an interesting operation—a top whale address has been frequently looping through Aave for the past 20 days, borrowing and lending repeatedly, totaling 18.3 million USDe stablecoins borrowed. The final destination of these funds is clear: a large purchase of the precious metal token XAUT.

According to monitoring data, this whale has accumulated a total of 8,337 XAUT, worth approximately $38.4 million. This operational pattern is worth pondering—borrowing stablecoins to hold gold tokens on the chain indicates that institutions or large investors have views on the performance of precious metals assets in the crypto market. Especially when borrowing costs are manageable, using leverage to increase exposure to precious metals is a common strategy during periods of high macro uncertainty.

This case also reflects the activity level of the DeFi ecosystem—through lending protocols like Aave, large funds can adjust their positions relatively flexibly, optimizing asset allocation. For retail investors, such whale movements often provide early hints about the market directions that participants favor.

AAVE1,15%

USDE0,08%

XAUT-0,21%

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GweiObserver

· 18h ago

Whales are starting to play tricks again, borrowing USDe to sweep XAUT, it seems they are betting on macro uncertainty.

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TheShibaWhisperer

· 18h ago

Whales' move is really clever, using stablecoins to accumulate gold tokens. It seems they truly have a plan for the macro situation.

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shadowy_supercoder

· 18h ago

Whale's move is quite interesting, borrowing USDE to trade XAUT... Are they betting on the depreciation of the US dollar? --- $38.4 million directly poured into gold tokens, how bearish on traditional finance does one have to be? --- It's Aave again... These big players really treat DeFi as an ATM. --- Can XUAT withstand this wave? It seems whales are hoarding precious metals. What signals does this send? --- Using leverage to trade precious metals? Macro conditions are indeed unstable. --- Wait, what is this whale betting on... Gold appreciation or stablecoin depreciation? --- The activity level in DeFi is driven up by whales like this. What about us small investors?

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gas_fee_therapy

· 19h ago

Whale's move... stranded in Aave with flash loans, basically betting that gold will rise. Putting 38 million into XAUT, this pace is a bit aggressive. Is the macro really that pessimistic? Leverage trading in precious metals, the borrowing cost must be very low for such an operation... I need to check how the interest rates are right now.

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VirtualRichDream

· 19h ago

Whales are playing with gold exposure, this $38.4 million move... really shows some skill. However, I see through this cycle of borrowing and lending; it's just about spreading out risk costs. Big players all play this way. Is XAUT reliable? Can on-chain gold truly match physical gold... I’m a bit skeptical.

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