Bitcoin Whales Defy Retail Dip: How Mega-Holders Could Propel BTC to $111K in 2025

While retail investors panic-sell, Bitcoin's deep-pocketed players are stacking sats like there's no tomorrow.

The whale watch is on

Despite a 10% pullback from mom-and-pop traders, on-chain data reveals institutional-sized wallets gobbling up supply. When these 1,000+ BTC addresses move, markets listen—and right now they're whispering 'accumulation phase.'

Liquidity chess at $111K

Key resistance levels suggest whales could engineer a FOMO rally if they trigger algorithmic traders. Just don't expect Wall Street to notice until after they've front-run the move (as usual).

The real question isn't if—but when—retail gets left holding the bags again.

Source: X/Maartunn

Historically, such declines have preceded either consolidation or more volatile moves, depending on whether whales step in.

Therefore, the shrinking presence of small investors may signal a growing reliance on institutional activity to sustain market direction.

BTC whales resurface, what are they planning?

Having said that, whales are doing the opposite.

Over the last thirty days, more than 45,420 BTC—worth roughly $4.88 billion—flowed into Binance.

This influx in Exchange Whale Inflow represents a sharp pivot toward active positioning, often seen before large price swings. 

Source: X/Maartunn

Unlike previous accumulation phases, this FLOW coincides with weakening retail demand, suggesting whales are either preparing to distribute or react to market catalysts.

Bitcoin’s next breakout!

Bitcoin’s price structure now reveals a classic cup and handle formation, with a potential breakout zone NEAR $111,897. After bouncing from the $101,506 level, BTC has reclaimed higher ground, hovering near $107,389. 

This bullish pattern often signals potential upward movements but requires confirmation through a clear breakout and strong volume.

The next trading sessions are vital, especially if BTC can break resistance convincingly. Conversely, a failed breakout may trigger profit-taking and lead to a retest of lower support levels.

Source: TradingView

Will liquidation pressure above $108K trigger a short squeeze?

The Binance Liquidation Heatmap showed thick liquidity bands between $108K and $111K. This is where most over-leveraged short positions are likely to be wiped out if BTC pushes higher.

Moreover, these liquidation zones often act as magnets, drawing price action into volatile territory.

A breakout through $108K may trigger a cascade of short liquidations, rapidly pushing the price toward the $115K–$118K range.

However, failure to breach this zone could result in another round of sideways consolidation and indecisive sentiment.

Source: CoinGlass

Derivatives pullback: Are traders hedging or hesitating?

Meanwhile, derivatives markets are tapering off.

Futures Volume dropped 25.88% to $49.19 billion, and Open Interest hovered flat at $71.37 billion. Options weren’t spared as Volume sank 28.01%, and Open Interest slipped 3.88%.

Traders are clearly hedging or pulling back—reflecting caution and fear of being misaligned ahead of potential volatility.

Yet, such contractions have often set the stage for explosive breakouts once market conviction returns.

Can BTC maintain momentum amid diverging signals?

Bitcoin’s outlook remains mixed. While technicals suggest a bullish setup, falling retail demand and cautious derivatives’ activity imply hesitation. 

Whale inflows may inject liquidity, but unless they convert into active buying, the price risks stagnation. Therefore, a confirmed breakout above $111K—fueled by short liquidations—remains the key trigger to watch.

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