Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Trapped in $115K–$120K Range as Whales Accumulate Amid ETF Inflows, Retailers Sell Off

Bitcoin’s price has remained in a tight $115,000–$120,000 range over the past two weeks, with the $118,000 level acting as a psychological barrier amid sideways consolidation [1]. Despite the lack of immediate bullish momentum, on-chain data reveals a stark divergence between retail and institutional activity. Large market participants—often termed “whales”—continue to accumulate Bitcoin, while short-term holders (STHs) show signs of capitulation, signaling a potential shift in market dynamics [2]. Analysts attribute this divergence to institutional confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory, driven by spot ETF inflows, corporate acquisitions, and broader adoption trends.

On-chain metrics highlight the accumulation behavior of major players. CryptoQuant Insights reported that large wallets have been consistently adding Bitcoin since May, with a notable inflow of $2.7 billion into Binance attributed to a Satoshi-era miner [3]. AMBCrypto’s Accumulation Trend Score further underscores this trend, using color-coded metrics to indicate accumulation activity: cooler hues (closer to 1) since July 15 suggest large entities are buying aggressively, with scores hitting 0.95 or higher [4]. Conversely, retail traders have been offloading their holdings, a pattern observed since early 2023. This contrast reinforces the narrative of institutional investors positioning for a potential breakout amid regulatory and macroeconomic uncertainty.

The market’s current equilibrium is also reflected in external indicators. Google Trends data shows muted public interest in Bitcoin, indicating the asset has not yet reached the mass euphoria phase typically seen at bull cycles’ peak [5]. Meanwhile, crypto trader Trader Mayne has highlighted the growing institutional frenzy around Bitcoin treasuries, comparing it to speculative manias in traditional markets. He warned, however, that such fervor could also signal an impending correction if overextending investors face profit-taking or forced liquidations [6].

Key support levels remain under scrutiny. The $115,000 threshold, tested repeatedly since July, has held firm, preventing a broader market selloff. Analysts note that a sustained break below this level could trigger renewed bearish pressure, while a rebound above $120,000 might reignite bullish momentum if ETF inflows resume [7]. However, the flattening of spot ETF flows—a major driver of recent price action—has removed an immediate tailwind, contributing to the current consolidation.

Market participants are advised to monitor whale activity and institutional buying as potential signals for the next major move. While some analysts project aggressive price targets based on speculative scenarios—such as $150,000 if liquidity stabilizes and demand accelerates—these forecasts remain conditional on macroeconomic clarity and regulatory developments [8]. For now, the market’s focus remains on whether buyers can absorb ongoing sell pressure and drive a sustained breakout from the current range.

Sources:

[1] [Bitcoin Price Slides Below $118K USD](https://www.tradingnews.com/news/bitcoin-price-slides-below-118k-usd)

[2] [Bitcoin Price Faces Resistance at $120K](https://www.analyticsinsight.net/cryptocurrency-analytics-insight/bitcoin-price-faces-resistance-at-120k-support-seen-near-115500)

[3] [Bitcoin STH Realized Price Chart Reveals Key Defense Zones](https://www.newsbtc.com/bitcoin-news/bitcoin-sth-realized-price-chart-reveals-key-defense-zones-amid-volatility/)

[4] [Ethereum’s Mid-$3,400 Dip Seen as Temporary Correction](https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-ethereum-mid-3-400-dip-temporary-correction-332m-etf-inflow-whale-buying-2507/)

[5] [Bitcoin Price Today: Dips Below $118K Amid Regulatory Caution](https://in.investing.com/news/cryptocurrency-news/bitcoin-price-today-dips-below-118k-amid-regulatory-caution-altcoins-plunge-4925098)

[6] [Bitcoin Eyes $150,000—Analysts Reveal Key Moves](https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/bitcoin-eyes-150-000-analysts-reveal-the-key-moves-that-could-send-it-soaring/ar-AA1IMyQY)

[7] [Bitcoin Holds $115K as Liquidity Battle Continues](https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/07-23-2025-bitcoin-news-bitcoin-holds-115k-as-liquidity-battle-continues-140k-target-still-in-sight-27326130010049)

[8] [Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Stays Boxed in 11-Day Range](https://tradersunion.com/news/cryptocurrency-news/show/375421-bitcoin-price-prediction-btc-stays-boxed/)