Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Whales Accumulate 0.9% Supply Amid Retail Sell-Off and Market Volatility

Large Bitcoin holders—commonly referred to as “whales”—are increasingly accumulating the cryptocurrency, while retail investors continue to sell, signaling a growing divergence in market sentiment [1]. This trend has been observed across multiple blockchain analytics reports and on-chain data, suggesting that institutional and high-net-worth investors are positioning themselves for long-term exposure amid a period of regulatory clarity and infrastructure growth [3].

Over the past four months, whale wallets have accumulated 218,570 BTC—roughly 0.9% of the circulating supply—indicating a strategic and disciplined buying pattern [3]. This accumulation has largely coincided with Bitcoin’s recent price surge to $120,000, further reinforcing bullish momentum among large investors. On-chain analytics firm Santiment also noted that whale activity has shown a consistent upward trend since late March, with increased on-chain activity supporting the notion that Bitcoin is gradually gaining acceptance as a mainstream financial asset [4].

However, whale behavior is not entirely aligned. Some large holders have initiated massive transactions, including a $9 billion Bitcoin movement, which analysts interpret as a potential profit-taking maneuver [5]. Others have been shifting capital from Bitcoin into Ethereum, signaling a more risk-averse approach amid heightened volatility [6]. This divergence reflects the late bull market dynamics, where some whales seek to lock in gains while others continue to accumulate for future appreciation [8].

Retail investors, on the other hand, appear to be reacting to short-term price fluctuations. Many small holders began selling after Bitcoin’s late-2024 peak, a common behavior during market rallies driven by the fear of losing unrealized profits [1]. This exit has coincided with broader market uncertainty, as the cryptocurrency sector recorded a 3.8% decline in a recent week, with whale activity cited as a contributing factor [7]. The market has also seen Bitcoin consolidate within a $116,000–$120,000 range for 16 days, reflecting a tug-of-war between bullish accumulation and profit-taking pressures [2].

The mixed signals from whale activity have created a more complex investment landscape. While some analysts argue that whale accumulation is historically bullish and mirrors prior major price surges, others caution that the current split in whale strategies introduces uncertainty [7]. Retail investors are responding to these dynamics—some doubling down on Bitcoin, while others are exiting the market altogether [9].

Despite the conflicting whale signals, the long-term outlook remains positive for Bitcoin. Institutional interest, as evidenced by ETF approvals, corporate treasuries, and growing on-chain activity, continues to support the case for Bitcoin’s broader adoption. As the crypto market matures, investors who accumulate during periods of uncertainty may benefit when the broader market turns bullish again.

Source:

[1] Whales Divide Paths: Crypto Market Sheds 3.8% as Some Invest Billions, Others Exit (https://www.vtrader.io/news/whales-divide-paths-crypto-market-sheds-38-as-some-invest-billions-others-exit/)

[2] Bitcoin Price Forecast: BTC Extends Consolidation as Whale Buying, Regulatory Clarity Boost Sentiment (https://www.fxstreet.com/cryptocurrencies/news/bitcoin-price-forecast-btc-extends-consolidation-as-whale-buying-regulatory-clarity-boost-sentiment-202507311109)

[3] Bitcoin Whales Accumulated 218,570 BTC in 4 Months (https://www.coinspeaker.com/bitcoin-whales-accumulated-218570-btc-4-months/)

[4] Market Enters Late Bull Cycle Stage, Bitcoin to $141K? (https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/b6b07-market-enters-late-bull-cycle-stage-bitcoin-to-141k)

[5] $9 billion whale falls silently: The shift in Bitcoin's old and new capital behind the 220,000-fold profit exit (https://www.panewslab.com/en/articles/zj2oj47f)

[6] Ethereum Whale Wallets Surge as Bitcoin Whales Reduce Holdings (https://cryptomus.com/blog/ethereum-whale-wallets-surge-as-bitcoin-whales-reduce-holdings-news?srsltid=AfmBOopDT_bDwH-CaSHfxSZfbyTUxePLglMAtT36p1Odo0s_vJiMf0MP)

[9] VINE Risks a 50% Drop Despite Whales Buying the Dip (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-998682-20250731)