Crypto Whale Opens 5x Leveraged Long Position in 120 BTC at $95,583.4

A whale (0x720a6) opened a 5x leveraged long position for 120 BTC at 10:28, with an average entry price of $95,583.4 according to Moomoo's flash report. The position is currently slightly underwater. This whale has previously engaged in high-leverage trading of BTC, ETH, and META.

Other whales have taken mixed positions. For example, a whale closed a $15.25 million ETH long position, netting $90,000 profit. Another whale opened a 40x leveraged long on 333 BTC at $95,224.9, now with a $31,000 unrealized loss.

Long-term holder sell pressure appears to be declining. In 2025, nearly $300 billion in BTC was sold, but this activity may be stabilizing, potentially setting up a bullish trend for 2026.

Why Did the Whale Take a 5x Long Position in BTC?

This whale's move suggests a belief that BTC could rebound from its current price. The average entry price of $95,583.4 implies a view that BTC could rise above this level to justify the 5x leverage. The whale is likely betting on short-term volatility and potential upward price movement.

The timing of this move, on January 15, aligns with broader trends in the market. The whale's focus on BTC may reflect a growing confidence in the asset, especially as long-term holder sell pressure eases. However, the slightly underwater position suggests current market conditions may not yet favor this trade.

What Do Recent Whale Moves Suggest About Market Sentiment?

Whale activity is mixed. While some whales are locking in profits—like the one who closed a $15.25 million ETH long—others are taking new positions, often at a loss. A whale who closed a BTC short and opened a long position on 196.88 BTC at $91,447.20 with 40x leverage currently holds a $50,000 unrealized loss.

These varied whale strategies highlight uncertainty in the market. Some whales are reducing positions in ETH, BTC, and SOL, while others are adding to short positions in PAXG and XRP. The diversity in whale activity reflects broader market uncertainty and a lack of consensus about the near-term direction of crypto.

What Broader Trends Might Shape the Next BTC Move?

Historically, large-scale BTC distribution by long-term holders has coincided with market transitions. In 2025, nearly $300 billion in BTC was distributed, a trend that is now stabilizing. This stabilization could indicate a period of consolidation or a potential rebound.

Analysts are also watching macroeconomic factors, including ETF flows and regulatory changes. Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have seen $1.3 billion in outflows this January, which could signal caution among institutional investors. However, the decline in long-term holder selling might still support a bullish scenario.

The whale's 5x long position is one indicator among many. If BTC stabilizes and long-term holder activity continues to slow, the market could see renewed bullish momentum. Conversely, if selling pressure resumes, this whale's position may face further losses.

The market remains in flux. Whale positions and broader on-chain activity provide clues, but no clear consensus has emerged about BTC's near-term path. Investors are advised to monitor both technical and macroeconomic signals for confirmation of the next move.