Bitcoin News Today: Macro Uncertainty Drives CEX Outflows as Bitcoin Attracts $931M Inflows

The cryptocurrency market experienced a net outflow of 10,548.96 BTC from centralized exchanges (CEX) in the last 24 hours, according to Coinglass data, as reported by Lookonchain. This marked the latest in a series of outflows, with Coinbase Pro leading the trend at 12,574.28 BTC, followed by Gemini (273.41 BTC) and Kraken (63.65). Binance, however, saw an inflow of 1,153.81 BTC, bucking the broader trend as noted by the Lookonchain report. The outflows highlight lingering caution among traders, particularly as macroeconomic uncertainties—such as the U.S.-China trade war and the Federal Reserve's policy trajectory—remain unresolved, according to a Yahoo Finance report.

The move comes amid heightened expectations of a Fed rate cut, which has driven a surge in crypto inflows. Digital asset investment products recorded $921 million in net inflows last week, driven by softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data and speculation that the Fed will ease monetary policy, according to a Yahoo Finance report. CoinShares noted that Bitcoin led the inflows with $931 million, while Ethereum saw $169 million in outflows as investors rotated into Bitcoin. Analysts attribute the shift to Bitcoin's growing perception as a diversification tool rather than a speculative asset, with 75% of holders now retaining positions for over 150 days, the Yahoo Finance piece added.

On-chain data reveals mixed signals from large investors. A whale deposited 10,000 ETH ($39.11 million) into Binance, while another sold 5,000 ETH for $21 million at an average price of $4,366, the Yahoo Finance report noted. These actions underscore the tension between short-term profit-taking and long-term bullish sentiment. Meanwhile, a whale with a 100% win rate increased its Ethereum position to $167.35 million, signaling continued confidence in the asset's potential, according to the same Yahoo Finance coverage.

The Fed's upcoming rate decision adds another layer of complexity. Citigroup predicts cuts in December, January, and March, aligning with broader market expectations, according to TradingView. However, the central bank's cautious stance—evidenced by internal dissent during its latest meeting—has introduced volatility. The Fed's balance sheet reduction, set to conclude on December 1, could act as a liquidity turning point, but policy uncertainty remains a drag on risk assets, according to a StreetInsider article.

Market participants are also monitoring the interplay between macroeconomic shifts and crypto correlations. The Bank for International Settlements and IMF note that Bitcoin and Ethereum prices often react to U.S. monetary policy surprises, a point highlighted in the StreetInsider piece. As the Fed's dovish pivot unfolds, traders are advised to watch implied volatility and liquidity conditions, which could amplify price swings in both BTC and ETH, according to Blockchain News.

In the short term, the CEX outflow suggests a flight to safety or preparation for potential selloffs, the Yahoo Finance coverage observed. However, long-term investors remain optimistic, citing Bitcoin's maturing role as a store of value and its growing institutional adoption, as reported by Yahoo Finance. With the Fed's decision looming and geopolitical tensions unresolved, the crypto market's next move will likely hinge on clarity from both monetary policy and global trade developments, the StreetInsider article concluded.