Bitcoin News Today: Whales Unload $12.7B as Bitcoin's Stability Faces Crucial Test

Bitcoin’s price dynamics have been significantly impacted by a recent wave of selling activity from large holders, or “whales,” who have offloaded a record amount of Bitcoin in the past month. According to data from CryptoQuant, whale holders—defined as entities holding between 1,000 and 10,000 BTC—have sold approximately 115,000 BTC, valued at around $12.7 billion, marking the largest sell-off since July 2022. This outflow has intensified downward pressure on the cryptocurrency’s price, which briefly dipped below $108,000, reflecting heightened risk aversion among major investors.

The selling activity has been most pronounced in the week of September 3, where the seven-day daily change balance reached its highest level since March 2021, with more than 95,000 BTC moved by whales. However, signs of slowing activity emerged by September 6, with the weekly net sell figure dropping to 38,000 BTC. Analysts suggest that this deceleration could indicate a potential stabilization in the near term. Nevertheless, the ongoing outflows remain a critical factor influencing short-term price volatility.

While whale-driven selling has created turbulence in the market, structural support has emerged from institutional activity. Nick Ruck, director at LVRG Research, noted that institutional accumulation and demand from exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have acted as a counterbalance, mitigating the downward pressure exerted by whale outflows. This divergence underscores a complex interplay between major seller activity and broader market demand, with traders advised to monitor whether institutional “dip-buying” can outpace whale-driven selling. Additionally, macroeconomic factors, including the U.S. Federal Reserve’s September rate decision, are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the broader market direction.

Despite the recent correction, Bitcoin’s long-term price trajectory remains relatively intact. The cryptocurrency has only pulled back 13% from its mid-August all-time high—a significantly shallower decline compared to previous market corrections. Analysts highlight that the one-year moving average has steadily risen, increasing from $52,000 a year ago to $94,000 as of now. This trend suggests underlying market strength and resilience, particularly amid growing ETF-driven demand and corporate adoption.

The broader macroeconomic environment continues to support both Bitcoin and gold as assets perceived to hedge against currency devaluation and inflation. Gold, which has reached record highs, continues to attract institutional and central-bank demand, particularly from Asian markets. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s adoption curve has been bolstered by regulatory clarity and increasing institutional participation, with assets under management for major Bitcoin ETFs nearing $160 billion. However, Bitcoin’s volatility and shorter track record remain key differentiators compared to gold’s historical role as a stable store of value. The ongoing debate between the two assets reflects diverging investor preferences, with gold favored by those seeking stability and Bitcoin offering potential for higher returns and disruptive innovation.

Source: [1] Bitcoin Whales Dump $12.7B In Largest Selloff Since 2022 (https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-whales-dumped-115000-btc-largest-selloff-since-mid-2022) [2] Bitcoin Whales Trigger Largest Sell-Off Since 2022 (https://bitbo.io/news/bitcoin-whale-selloff-2025) [3] Bitcoin vs. Gold: The Ongoing Debate on Value and Viability (https://growthshuttle.com/bitcoin-vs-gold-the-ongoing-debate-on-value-and-viability) [4] Bitcoin funds may soon be bigger than gold, even as ... (https://www.morningstar.com/news/marketwatch/20250903260/bitcoin-funds-may-soon-be-bigger-than-gold-even-as-yellow-metal-sets-another-round-of-records)