Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Whales Accumulate 218,570 BTC As Retail Investors Sell Off

Retail dumping and whale accumulation are shaping a dramatic shift in Bitcoin’s market dynamics in 2025. Over the past several months, large investors—often referred to as “whales”—have been aggressively accumulating Bitcoin, with some adding over 200,000 BTC to their holdings since November 2024, according to analytics firm Glassnode [2]. At the same time, retail investors have been offloading their positions, particularly after the late 2024 price surge. This divergence raises questions about future price direction and the influence of institutional players.

The accumulation trend among whales appears to be part of a broader strategy as corporations and institutional investors increasingly enter the crypto space. Over a third of such entities now hold Bitcoin, as reported by PwC [3]. Institutional ownership, currently at 6.29% of the total supply, could potentially influence up to 25% of Bitcoin’s circulating supply according to a Nasdaq analysis [2]. This growing presence suggests that large-scale holders are positioning themselves for long-term gains, contrasting sharply with the short-term anxiety driving retail sell-offs.

One of the most notable whale activities occurred in July 2024, when a dormant whale—idle for over 14 years—began liquidating a portion of its holdings, selling 450 BTC through major market makers like Coinbase, B2C2, and Wintermute [1]. These transactions were carefully executed to minimize market impact, highlighting the strategic nature of whale movements. Despite this partial sell-off, the whale still holds 3,678 BTC, valued at approximately $434 million, maintaining its influence on the market [1].

In contrast, another large holder dumped around 80,000 BTC in July 2025, valued at over $9 billion, contributing to a temporary price dip from $119,000 [2]. This example underscores the volatility introduced by whale activity and the potential for sudden market dislocations when large positions are moved. At the same time, many whales are shifting assets into treasury vehicles rather than selling directly on exchanges, possibly to preserve value and manage market sentiment [3].

Analysts highlight the behavioral differences between retail and institutional participants. Retail investors, often driven by loss aversion, tend to sell during periods of volatility, while institutional players take advantage of lower prices to build positions [2]. This dynamic was observed during the 2017 bull run and could repeat in 2025. If the current trend continues, Bitcoin could see a price surge from its current $100,000 range to over $150,000 by year-end, assuming institutional demand remains strong [2].

However, caution is necessary. TradingView analysts have identified a potential bearish signal at the 1.618 Fibonacci extension level near $108,000, which could act as a resistance point if retail selling intensifies [2]. The ongoing tug-of-war between retail outflows and whale inflows suggests that the market is at a critical juncture. Investors are advised to closely monitor on-chain data and key technical levels as the price action unfolds.

The maturation of the crypto market is evident in its ability to absorb large transactions without significant price dislocations. This trend points to growing institutional infrastructure and a more sophisticated participant base, even as volatility remains a persistent factor. The balance between retail panic and whale accumulation will likely continue to shape Bitcoin’s trajectory in the months ahead.

Source:

[1] Dormant Bitcoin Whale Awakens After 14 Years, Sells 450 BTC Through Market Makers (https://en.coinotag.com/breakingnews/dormant-bitcoin-whale-awakens-after-14-years-sells-450-btc-through-market-makers/)

[2] Bitcoin Whales Seize 68% of Supply After Adding 218570 BTC (https://cryptoadventure.com/bitcoin-whales-seize-68-of-supply-after-adding-218570-btc)

[3] Public Companies' Crypto Holdings Soar to $160b (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-999571-20250731)