Bitcoin Whales Record Fastest BTC Holding Decline Since 2023 Amid Market Uncertainty

Source: CryptoNewsNet Original Title: Whales with 1,000-10,000 BTC record fastest BTC holding decline since 2023 Original Link:

Overview

Bitcoin whales holding between 1,000 and 10,000 Bitcoin have reduced their holdings by 220,000 BTC. On-chain data from Glassnode shows that this is the fastest decline since early 2023. The behavior of these whales could indicate that they anticipate a deeper correction in the near future.

Whale Accumulation Slowing Down

Large BTC holders are being cautious amid prevailing uncertainty in the crypto market. On-chain data indicates that Bitcoin holders with 1,000 to 10,000 BTC have reduced their holdings to approximately 220,000 BTC over the past year. The whales’ holdings peaked at about 409K BTC in March 2024.

According to market analysis, this cut represents the fastest decline since 2023. The whales’ behavior indicates that they are hesitant to resume buying crypto assets, which could signify that they are anticipating a deeper correction.

ETF Outflows Mirror Whale Caution

Bitcoin ETF investors have also exhibited similar characteristics. Spot BTC ETFs registered outflows worth $681.01 million last week, with January 7 being the worst day of the week with negative flows worth $486 million. The ETFs only recorded positive inflows on Monday, worth $697.25 million, but it wasn’t enough to sustain buying for the rest of the week.

In December, the ETFs recorded net outflows worth more than $1 billion. So far, the funds have experienced a slow start in 2026, with 209.87 million in net outflows since the year began.

Exchange Whale Ratio Signals Selling Pressure

Whale influence on exchanges hit a 10-month peak, signaling potential selling pressure. Whale deposits in all exchanges are increasing significantly. The BTC exchange whale ratio climbed to 0.504 according to recent reports.

A certain head tier exchange by volume is the center of all exchange inflows, holding 71% of stablecoin deposits. The exchange also accepted BTC deposits, with native BTC remaining one of the most actively traded assets on the platform.

Data shows that this exchange’s Bitcoin inflows have been increasing over the past two years, with the highest inflow mean of 22.81 recorded in January. The exchange whale ratio mirrors previous selling periods, including that of 2025. Whales also moved in right after the October liquidation event, aiming to take profits before BTC experienced a more significant slide.

Mixed Signals in the Market

However, not all whales are selling. On January 7, three wallets purchased Bitcoin for $280 million. According to market analysis, Bitcoin’s break above $90k may have renewed optimism among large players. Recent data noted that 50% of Bitcoin’s realized cap comes from new whale buyers.

These new sets of investors absorb supply at significantly higher prices without waiting for deep corrections, suggesting an increase in new institutional investors and high-net-worth buyer activity.

Current Market Status

Bitcoin is currently trading at $90,667, up 1.12% in the last 24 hours but has struggled to surpass $95k, a level it previously revisited on January 5.