Bitcoin Whales Moved — But Not in the Way Markets Assumed

Bitcoin’s recent pullback below $85,000 briefly suggested renewed accumulation among large investors. Instead, on-chain data shows a different picture forming beneath the surface. 

While price has stabilized above key support, the underlying behavior points to balance restructuring rather than fresh capital entering the market.

Bitcoin Holders Are Not Too Bullish

Wallets holding between 100 and 1,000 BTC recently showed an increase, initially signaling potential whale accumulation. However, Glassnode’s senior researcher clarified that this rise reflects wallet reshuffling rather than new buying. These movements do not represent additional demand entering the Bitcoin market.

Wallet reshuffling occurs when large entities split or consolidate balances across addresses. The process helps manage custody, internal risk, or accounting needs. Ownership does not change. Coinbase recently reshuffled about 640,000 BTC internally, offering a clear example of this behavior influencing cohort data.

Because reshuffling does not introduce new capital, its impact on price is zero. The activity can distort accumulation metrics, leading to false bullish signals. 

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Macro indicators add further caution. The MVRV Long/Short Difference currently shows profits concentrated among short-term Bitcoin holders rather than long-term holders. This imbalance raises downside risk, as short-term holders historically react quickly to price fluctuations.

When profits sit with short-term participants, selling pressure often increases during periods of uncertainty. These holders are more likely to secure gains at the first sign of weakness. This dynamic can suppress upside momentum and prolong consolidation across key price ranges.

BTC Price May See Some Struggle

Bitcoin is trading near $87,108 at the time of writing, holding above the $86,361 support level. While this zone provides near-term stability, recovery remains fragile. BTC must reclaim higher levels before signaling a meaningful trend reversal.

Short-term holders continue to pose a risk to upside progress. If they begin taking profits, Bitcoin could remain range-bound below $88,210. A failure to maintain this structure could result in another test of $84,698, a level already visited during recent volatility.

A stronger recovery requires Bitcoin to convincingly breach $88,210. A push toward $90,401 would signal improving momentum. Achieving this move depends on renewed investor support, which may emerge as value-oriented buyers respond to current price discounts.