Bitcoin News

Large crypto holders have purchased 56,227 Bitcoin worth approximately $5.3 billion since mid-December, while smaller investors took profits, creating conditions that typically precede upward price movement. Santiment reported Monday that whale and shark wallets now control significantly more Bitcoin than they did three weeks ago, marking a notable shift in market positioning.

The on-chain analytics platform defines whales and sharks as addresses holding between 10 and 10,000 Bitcoin, while retail traders maintain wallets with less than 0.01 Bitcoin. Santiment noted that crypto markets historically move in the direction chosen by large stakeholders rather than following retail investor behavior. This dynamic has played out consistently across multiple market cycles.

The accumulation phase began at Bitcoin's local bottom in mid-December, with whale wallets steadily increasing their holdings even as prices remained relatively flat. Santiment characterized this divergence between wallet growth and price action as bullish, suggesting that large holders anticipated future gains despite sideways trading. The pattern intensified over the past 24 hours as retail traders began exiting positions.

Retail investors appear to believe the current rally represents a bull trap rather than sustainable upward momentum. This skepticism has led smaller holders to sell into strength, taking profits accumulated during earlier phases. Santiment stated that this combination of whale accumulation and retail selling creates a higher probability than usual for continued marketcap growth across crypto markets.

Bitcoin has traded within a narrow range between $87,000 and $94,000 for six weeks, establishing clear support and resistance levels. The asset reached a seven-week high of $94,800 on late Monday. Bitcoin currently sits at the upper bound of its recent range, testing resistance that has held since late November.

Analyst James Check observed Tuesday that Bitcoin opened 2026 with a push toward $94,000, though he emphasized that supply redistribution represents the more significant development. Check noted that top-heavy supply has declined from 67% to 47%, profit-taking activity has dropped substantially, and futures markets are experiencing short squeezes. Overall market leverage remains low despite these movements.

Bitrue research lead Andri Fauzan Adziima said that Bitcoin remains in a bullishconsolidation phase. Key resistance sits between $95,000 and $100,000, with heavy call option interest clustered around the $100,000 strike for January expiry. Immediate support ranges from $88,000 to $90,000, with a break below potentially triggering a deeper correction.

The whale accumulation data suggests large holders maintain confidence in Bitcoin's medium-term prospects despite recent price stagnation. Their willingness to add significant positions while retail investors exit indicates divergent views on market direction.