Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Rebounds to $116,000 Despite Galaxy's $3.5B BTC Sell-Off as Market Absorbs Pressure

Bitcoin’s price surged back to approximately $116,000 on July 25, 2025, despite a $3.5 billion sell-off orchestrated by Galaxy Digital, which liquidated nearly 30,000 BTC over a 24-hour period. The large-scale transaction, tracked by blockchain intelligence firm Lookonchain, involved staggered deposits of BTC to exchanges such as Binance, OKX, and Bybit, followed by significant withdrawals of stablecoins like USDT. While the initial dumping caused a temporary dip to $114,700, robust market liquidity absorbed much of the selling pressure, preventing a deeper correction [1].

The sell-off began with Galaxy depositing 10,000 BTC to exchanges, later adding another 2,850 BTC, with over $370 million in USDT subsequently withdrawn. By the end of the 24-hour window, the firm had moved a total of $1.15 billion in USDT off exchanges, confirming the BTC was largely sold [2]. The firm still holds 18,504 BTC, valued at around $2.14 billion, and 12,000 BTC—approximately $1.38 billion—from an 80,000 BTC “Satoshi-era” whale wallet that reactivated in July. This suggests potential for further sales, though the market appears prepared to absorb remaining pressure.

On-chain analysts noted that the sales combined secondary market and over-the-counter transactions, with liquidity conditions mitigating price volatility. EmberCN’s analysis indicated that the final wave of sales, if executed, would likely have a minimal impact due to the market’s resilience [3]. The rebound coincided with a $227 million net inflow into Bitcoin ETFs, breaking a three-day outflow streak and signaling renewed institutional confidence.

The selling spree followed earlier activity from the same whale wallet, which transferred nearly half of its 80,000 BTC to new addresses, with 40,000 BTC ending up in Galaxy’s control. Initially perceived as a routine wallet upgrade, the subsequent exchange deposits revealed clear liquidation intent. Despite initial fears of a prolonged decline, Bitcoin’s ability to stabilize and recover highlights the depth of market infrastructure, including institutional-grade trading and hedging mechanisms.

Galaxy’s actions underscore the influence of large institutional participants in crypto markets, yet the absence of a catastrophic price drop suggests growing maturity in handling large-scale orders. The event also raises questions about the broader implications of dormant whale activity and the potential for future market shocks. While the immediate sell-off was contained, investors remain wary of the remaining unsold BTC holdings, particularly given the firm’s historical ties to the original Satoshi-era wallet.

Source: [1] [Galaxy Digital's BTC Liquidation] [https://crypto.news/bitcoin-reclaims-116k-despite-3-5b-galaxy-digital-dump/] [2] [Galaxy Digital's BTC Liquidation] [https://crypto.news/bitcoin-reclaims-116k-despite-3-5b-galaxy-digital-dump/] [3] [Galaxy Digital's BTC Liquidation] [https://crypto.news/bitcoin-reclaims-116k-despite-3-5b-galaxy-digital-dump/]