Bitcoin Whale Activity Remains Neutral As It Enters Price Discovery – Bullish Signal?

bitcoinistPublicado em 2025-05-24Última atualização em 2025-05-24

Resumo

Bitcoin has officially entered uncharted territory after breaking above its previous all-time high of $109,000, climbing to a new peak...

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Bitcoin has officially entered uncharted territory after breaking above its previous all-time high of $109,000, climbing to a new peak of $112,000. The move comes after several days of tight consolidation and speculation, with bulls finally seizing control despite persistent macroeconomic headwinds. Global financial markets remain highly volatile, shaken by ongoing geopolitical tensions and increasing fears of a recession as US Treasury yields stay elevated.

Interestingly, while prices surge, CryptoQuant data reveals a notable absence of aggressive whale selling. The Whale to Exchange Flow metric, which tracks the volume of large transfers from wallets to exchanges, shows that whales are not currently rushing to offload their holdings. Exchange inflows from large wallets remain well below levels typically seen near cycle tops.

The relatively muted whale activity suggests confidence in further upside potential, or at least a willingness to let the market push higher before realizing gains. With momentum building and supply staying tight, Bitcoin’s breakout could be the start of a much larger move—if support holds and market sentiment doesn’t shift.

Whale Behavior Signals Caution As Bitcoin Holds Bullish Structure

Bitcoin is currently trading just below the $110,000 mark, yet it continues to maintain a short-term bullish market structure. Despite the recent retracement from its new all-time high of $112,000, BTC has held above key support zones, which many analysts interpret as a sign of strength. Some expect continuation toward higher price levels, while others remain skeptical, warning of a potential breakdown below $100,000 if momentum fades or macro risks intensify.

Ongoing global tensions and financial uncertainty continue to shape market sentiment. Rising geopolitical risks and recession concerns have fueled volatility across traditional markets, but Bitcoin has shown resilience. Optimism surrounding a broader bullish phase continues to grow, especially as on-chain signals remain constructive.

Top analyst Darkfost provided important insights into whale behavior, a key variable during market tops. According to his analysis, whale activity remains “fairly neutral” despite BTC entering price discovery territory. The Whale to Exchange Flow metric confirms that volumes sent from large wallets to exchanges remain subdued, currently around $300 million per day. This is significantly lower than the $1 billion+ inflows observed during previous tops, such as in late 2021.

Bitcoin Whale to Exchange Flow | Source: Darkfost on X
Bitcoin Whale to Exchange Flow | Source: Darkfost on X

This restrained whale activity suggests that major holders are not rushing to sell, likely anticipating more upside before realizing profits. While short-term volatility is expected, the lack of heavy distribution hints at continued support for higher prices.

If Bitcoin can reclaim $110K and hold, the stage could be set for another leg higher, potentially drawing in sidelined capital and sparking further upside. Until then, all eyes remain on macro conditions, and the whales quietly hold their ground.

BTC Enters Price Discovery: Key Technical Levels

Bitcoin is holding firm above the key breakout zone around $103,600, even after facing selling pressure from its recent all-time high at $112,000. On the daily chart, BTC remains in a bullish structure, supported by a steep incline in the 34-day EMA (green), which continues to track closely below price. This shows strong trend continuation despite the brief retrace.

BTC pushing above ATH | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView
BTC pushing above ATH | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView

After breaking out of the long-standing horizontal resistance, BTC surged aggressively toward $112K before retracing to test the upper range of its former consolidation. The pullback appears healthy so far, with no major breakdown and volume tapering off—a typical sign of cooling rather than panic selling.

Momentum could resume if bulls defend the $103,600 support, which also aligns with the EMA cluster. A close above $110,000 would be a strong signal of resumed buying interest. Conversely, a daily close below $103,600 could suggest further downside toward the $100K psychological level and the rising 50-day moving average (currently near $94,455).

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

Sebastian's journey into the world of crypto began four years ago, driven by a fascination with the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize financial systems. His initial exploration focused on understanding the intricacies of various crypto projects, particularly those focused on building innovative financial solutions. Through countless hours of research and learning, Sebastian developed a deep understanding of the underlying technologies, market dynamics, and potential applications of cryptocurrencies. As his knowledge grew, Sebastian felt compelled to share his insights with others. He began actively contributing to online discussions on platforms like X and LinkedIn, focusing on fintech and crypto-related content. His goal was to expose valuable trends and insights to a wider audience, fostering a deeper understanding of the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. Sebastian's contributions quickly gained recognition, and he became a trusted voice in the online crypto community. To further enhance his expertise, Sebastian pursued a UC Berkeley Fintech: Frameworks, Applications, and Strategies certification. This rigorous program equipped him with valuable skills and knowledge regarding Financial Technology, bridging the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). The certification deepened his understanding of the broader financial landscape and its intersection with blockchain technology. Sebastian's passion for finance and writing is evident in his work. He enjoys delving into financial research, analyzing market trends, and exploring the latest developments in the crypto space. In his spare time, Sebastian can often be found immersed in charts, studying 10-K forms, or engaging in thought-provoking discussions about the future of finance. Sebastian's journey as a crypto analyst and investor has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a dedication to sharing his insights. His ability to navigate the complex world of crypto, combined with his passion for financial research and communication, makes him a valuable asset to the industry. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, Sebastian remains at the forefront, providing valuable insights and contributing to the growth of this revolutionary technology.

Leituras Relacionadas

Behind Robinhood's Launch of Its Own Chain, the Beautifully Packaged "Tokenized Stocks" Still Have No Equity Rights

Robinhood has launched "Robinhood Chain," an Ethereum-based Layer 2 built with Arbitrum technology, and introduced "Stock Tokens." This article clarifies that these tokens are not actual on-chain equity. They are tokenized debt securities issued by Robinhood Assets Jersey Limited, offering economic exposure to reference stocks or ETFs but lacking direct ownership, voting rights, or other shareholder privileges. The legal structure is conservative, relying on traditional financial intermediaries, custody, KYC/AML controls, and specific jurisdiction rules, even though the tokens are transferable on-chain. The move is part of Robinhood's broader strategy to evolve from a retail brokerage into a global financial ecosystem, integrating services like banking, retirement, crypto, and DeFi. Robinhood Chain aims to provide a programmable settlement layer, making financial products more portable and accessible while masking underlying complexity. However, the "brokerage chain paradox" lies in balancing a simple user interface with the intricate, regulated reality of the wrapped assets. The success of this model depends on users and regulators accepting this structured approach without misunderstanding the tokens as direct stock ownership. Key components supporting this strategy include the Bitstamp acquisition (expanding institutional crypto capabilities), the Robinhood Wallet (bridging brokerage and self-custody), the Robinhood Earn program (integrating DeFi lending), and the Lighter perpetual contracts platform. While ambitious, the initiative is still early, facing challenges in achieving liquidity, developer adoption, and regulatory clarity across jurisdictions.

marsbitHá 12m

Behind Robinhood's Launch of Its Own Chain, the Beautifully Packaged "Tokenized Stocks" Still Have No Equity Rights

marsbitHá 12m

Strategy's Accounting Gimmick: The Cap on BTC Sales Far Exceeds $1.25 Billion

The article, originally from Bankless, discusses how MicroStrategy's (MSTR) recent Bitcoin (BTC) sales reveal a much larger potential selling capacity than the widely reported $1.25 billion "reserve-building" cap. On July 7, MicroStrategy disclosed a sale of 3,588 BTC (~$216M) to pay dividends for its STRAT (STRC) preferred shares and replenish its USD Reserve. Crucially, the company stated this sale did not count against its stated $1.25 billion "reserve-building capacity." The analysis explains that MicroStrategy's "BTC Monetization Plan," part of its broader "Digital Credit Capital Framework," actually outlines three main purposes for selling BTC, only one of which has the $1.25B cap: 1. **Building the USD Reserve** (capped at $1.25B). 2. **Covering preferred share/ debt costs** (replenishing the reserve after payments). 3. **Funding buybacks** (up to $10B for preferred shares and $10B for MSTR common stock). The key nuance is the accounting distinction between "building" the reserve (selling BTC before making payments) and "replenishing" it (selling BTC after using reserve funds for payments). While functionally the same—converting BTC to cash for obligations—only "building" counts against the publicized $1.25B limit. This means sales for "replenishing" and the $20B+ buyback pool allow for total potential sales exceeding $30B. The article frames this as part of MicroStrategy's shift from a simple "buy and hold" Bitcoin narrative to an "active capital management" model, where BTC becomes a balance-sheet tool to manage pressures between its common stock, preferred shares, dollar reserve, and Bitcoin holdings. This creates complex trade-offs and potential conflicts of interest. The conclusion warns investors that the $1.25B figure is not a total sales ceiling. Understanding terms like "build," "replenish," and "repurchase" in MicroStrategy's disclosures is now critical, as the company navigates a new, more complex role as an actively managed entity rather than a passive Bitcoin accumulator.

Odaily星球日报Há 27m

Strategy's Accounting Gimmick: The Cap on BTC Sales Far Exceeds $1.25 Billion

Odaily星球日报Há 27m

The Networking Game in Silicon Valley's Elite Circles: Those with Connections Get $50 Million, While the Truly Talented Can't Raise Money?

"Silicon Valley's Meritocracy to Relationship Game: How Networks Now Trump Talent." The article argues that Silicon Valley has shifted from a meritocracy to a "kingmaker" system where connections and background outweigh true ability. Key factors driving this change include: 1. **AI-Distorted Expectations:** Unprecedented growth curves (e.g., Anthropic) have led VCs to seek only "sure things" or pattern-match against past successes. 2. **Capital Concentration:** LP funds are concentrated in a few large, multi-stage funds, pushing VCs to overpay for hot deals to secure capital. 3. **VC Professionalization:** The industry has become a standardized career path, attracting conformist "NPCs" rather than independent thinkers. The long IPO timeline incentivizes safe, consensus bets for career advancement over risky, fund-returning outliers. This consensus capital fuels consensus founders. Startups are now a standard career option, with accelerators pressuring uniform ideas (e.g., 81% AI). Founders from elite schools (Stanford, OpenAI) easily raise millions based on pedigree, not proof. Large funds preemptively back "centrally cast" teams with $10-50M war chests to dominate categories, sidelining outsiders. The "kingmaker" strategy has downstream effects: it encourages aggressive, sometimes fraudulent, revenue reporting and allows founders to sell significant secondary shares early, attracting grifters. The author predicts a mean reversion. History shows the hottest trends rarely produce the most valuable companies. They advocate backing underestimated outsiders with "a chip on their shoulder" over anointed insiders, believing true meritocracy will ultimately win. "Those chasing the herd are set up for slaughter."

marsbitHá 43m

The Networking Game in Silicon Valley's Elite Circles: Those with Connections Get $50 Million, While the Truly Talented Can't Raise Money?

marsbitHá 43m

From 2 Million Monthly Active Users to Zero: Zapper's Demise in the "Maturation" of DeFi

From 2M MAU to Zero: The Demise of Zapper in a Maturing DeFi Landscape On July 8, 2026, Zapper co-founder Seb Audet announced the platform's full shutdown. Once a DeFi star with 2 million monthly active users, $13B in processed transactions, and $16.5M in funding, Zapper's journey ends. Born in 2020 from the merger of DeFiZap and DeFiSnap, Zapper rode the "DeFi Summer" wave. It became essential for users to track complex, multi-protocol yield farming positions across chains. At its peak, it supported 14 chains, 450+ protocols, and 7000+ tokens, with its signature "Zap" feature simplifying multi-step DeFi actions. However, sustainable revenue never materialized. Its primary model—taking small fees from DEX aggregation—faced fierce competition and squeezed margins. Meanwhile, maintaining its extensive, real-time data indexing system was costly. Crucially, the DeFi ecosystem matured, with activity and liquidity concentrating in fewer top protocols. The core demand for a complex, multi-protocol dashboard waned as user behavior simplified. Zapper attempted multiple pivots that failed to gain traction: an NFT-based points system (2021), a social app called Chainchat (2023), and plans for a ZAP token and open protocol (2024). These efforts reflected a persistent "blockchain-native" mindset focused on creating new C端 (consumer) needs rather than addressing existing pain points or bolstering its revenue-generating products. The article contrasts Zapper with DeBank, which successfully narrowed its asset-tracking focus while developing Rabby Wallet—a revenue-stabilizing, competitive product. Zapper's story serves as a cautionary tale for tooling projects: over-immersion in a purist vision, coupled with an inability to adapt business models to market shifts—like the consolidation of DeFi activity—can be fatal, even for once-dominant platforms.

marsbitHá 1h

From 2 Million Monthly Active Users to Zero: Zapper's Demise in the "Maturation" of DeFi

marsbitHá 1h

Trading

Spot
活动图片