Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Profit-Taking Hits $3.3B as Long-Term Holders Sell $1.3B in 2 Days

A surge in profit-taking among Bitcoin holders has triggered a wave of selling activity, with realized gains hitting a weekly peak of over $3.3 billion in late June according to analyst Darkfost. This spike in net realized profits coincided with Bitcoin’s brief push toward a new all-time high, reflecting a pattern where optimism often gives way to caution as uncertainty looms [1]. The selling pressure has been concentrated among long-term holders, with wallets dormant for 3–5 years transferring 10,600 BTC—worth $1.3 billion—between July 14 and 15, 2025. While the intent behind these moves remains unclear, such activity historically precedes inflection points in Bitcoin’s price cycle [2].

The activation of old wallets underscores the tension between bullish momentum and risk management. Despite Bitcoin’s 17% rally over the past month, pushing prices to around $118,000, the sell-off from long-term holders has introduced volatility. This follows a broader trend of institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and ETF-driven inflows, which have bolstered demand for Bitcoin as a store of value. However, the recent pullback from $120,000 to $118,000 in early July highlights the tug-of-war between speculative buying and profit-taking by large stakeholders [1].

Market dynamics suggest a cautious outlook, though signs of moderation have emerged. Profit-taking has slowed in recent days, potentially easing sell pressure and creating space for Bitcoin to stabilize. Analysts argue this could give bulls another opportunity to push toward higher levels, contingent on sustained institutional inflows and macroeconomic tailwinds. Meanwhile, altcoins like Ethereum and Solana have gained traction, indicating diversification in risk appetite across the cryptocurrency ecosystem [1].

The broader market remains resilient despite these shifts. Total crypto market capitalization surpassed $3.6 trillion in late July, supported by regulatory developments and growing corporate interest in Bitcoin ETFs. Yet, the interplay between large holder behavior and global factors—such as U.S. Treasury policies—adds complexity to price forecasts. While some analysts, including Arthur Hayes of Maelstrom, warn of potential retracements to the $90,000 level due to liquidity shifts, others highlight structural demand from institutions and retail investors as a counterbalance to short-term volatility [1].

The activation of dormant wallets signals a critical juncture in Bitcoin’s trajectory. While immediate selling pressure may temper the rally, underlying fundamentals—driven by institutional adoption and macroeconomic trends—suggest a continuation of bullish momentum. Investors must navigate the balance between risk mitigation and strategic exposure, with on-chain activity serving as a key indicator of whether this profit-taking is a routine correction or a precursor to deeper market adjustments.

Source:

[1] Coindoo. "Bitcoin Investors Lock in Billions as Old Wallets Stir." July 12, 2025. https://coindoo.com/market/bitcoin-investors-lock-in-billions-as-old-wallets-stir-is-the-rally-at-risk/

[2] TS2. "Bitcoin Flirts with $120K, Altcoins Surge." July 24, 2025. https://ts2.tech/en/bitcoin-flirts-with-120k-altcoins-surge-regulators-strike-nft-mania-returns-crypto-roundup-july-23-24-2025/