BTC OG Insider Whale Loses Over $35 Million in Unrealized Gains in 90 Minutes

A major Bitcoin whale known as 'BTC OG Insider Whale' has lost over $35 million in unrealized gains within 90 minutes. The account, which holds a total position size of $800 million, saw a significant drawdown in profits following a sharp pullback in BTC prices. This event highlights the volatility and risks inherent in leveraged positions in the crypto market.

The whale's BTC long position, held at 5x leverage, has an unrealized loss of $2.39 million. Meanwhile, its ETH position has a smaller gain of $632,000, and its SOL position, at 10x leverage, has a gain of $6.89 million. Despite these mixed results, the account remains unprofitable as the market continues to fluctuate.

Bitcoin ETFs are showing signs of resurgence with $1.8 billion in weekly net inflows, the largest since early October 2025. This inflow is signaling renewed institutional interest in Bitcoin and suggests a potential stabilization in the market. However, the total assets under management for these ETFs remain 24% below the all-time high, indicating that the recovery is still in its early stages.

Why the Move Happened

The surge in ETF inflows is being driven by long-term supply-demand imbalances and growing institutional demand. According to Bitwise, since the launch of U.S. Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, they have purchased approximately 710,777 BTC, while the network has only produced 363,047 BTC during the same period. This imbalance has contributed to Bitcoin's 94% price increase since January 2024.

How Markets Responded

Bitcoin's price recently tested resistance near $98,000, supported by strong ETF inflows. The price has been consolidating in this range, with analysts suggesting that a sustained break above $100,000 will require continued inflows over multiple weeks. Short-term price bounces have historically followed ETF inflow surges, but these have often lacked momentum to sustain long-term gains.

What Analysts Are Watching

On-chain metrics show improving supply-demand dynamics. The 90-day Spot Taker Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD) has shifted toward taker buy dominance, indicating that buying pressure is outpacing selling activity. This suggests that market participants are absorbing the available supply, which is a positive sign for future price resilience.

Bitcoin's technical outlook remains mixed. While the price has retested key resistance levels, further momentum will depend on the continuation of institutional ETF flows and regulatory clarity. The 200-day Exponential Moving Average remains a critical level, and a successful breakout could push BTC toward $108,000.

Bitcoin ETF inflows have also been influenced by broader macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical developments. A recent de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East has contributed to a risk-on sentiment, which has provided some support for BTC and other risk assets. However, regulatory uncertainty continues to temper bullish momentum.

Analysts predict that 2026 could see a broadening of institutional access to crypto ETFs, with Bitwise forecasting that ETFs will purchase more than 100% of the new supply of Bitcoin. This could further drive demand and contribute to a bullish price outlook.

BlackRock's U.S. Bitcoin ETF saw a daily inflow of $315.8 million on January 16, 2026, underscoring growing institutional confidence. This single-day inflow highlights the potential for large-scale capital flows into the Bitcoin market, which could accelerate price movements and market maturation.