Bitcoin whales step back, but long-term holders stay put

Large Bitcoin holders have begun reducing exposure, but on-chain data suggests the broader market is not yet entering a distribution phase.

According to data from CryptoQuant, addresses holding between 1,000 and 10,000 BTC have reduced their balances by roughly 220,000 BTC year-on-year. This marks the fastest decline since early 2023. 

The trend indicates that large investors are no longer accumulating aggressively on dips, even as Bitcoin trades near cycle highs.

Historically, similar rollovers in whale holdings have appeared ahead of major market tops. However, additional on-chain indicators suggest that the current environment differs materially from those of prior late-cycle phases.

Bitcoin whale selling rises, but without panic signals

The decline in whale balances reflects a sustained but measured drawdown rather than a sharp liquidation event. While the pace of reduction has accelerated, the data does not point to disorderly selling or forced exits.

In previous cycles, periods of heavy whale distribution were typically accompanied by a sharp increase in spending from long-term holders. That dynamic has not yet emerged.

Long-term holders remain largely inactive

Data from Glassnode shows that Bitcoin’s Value Days Destroyed [VDD] Multiple remains firmly in the low band, at around 0.52. 

This metric measures whether older, long-held coins are being spent, a behavior that has historically coincided with market tops.

Low VDD readings indicate that long-term holders are not moving dormant supply. This suggests limited conviction selling and subdued distribution pressure. 

In past cycle peaks, VDD typically surged into elevated zones as older coins re-entered circulation.

The current divergence—falling whale balances alongside muted long-term holder activity—suggests rotation rather than a wholesale exit.

Rotation, not distribution

Taken together, the data suggests that some large holders may be trimming exposure, reallocating capital, or adjusting positioning without triggering broader supply release. 

This pattern is consistent with a consolidation phase, where the market digests prior gains rather than outright rejecting higher prices.

Unlike the 2021–2022 cycle, where whale selling coincided with aggressive long-term holder distribution, the present setup shows older coins largely remaining untouched.

That distinction reduces the likelihood that the current drawdown in whale holdings reflects a full-scale top formation.

Market absorbs gains as Bitcoin structure holds

Bitcoin’s price has remained resilient despite the pullback in whale accumulation. This reinforces the view that selling pressure is being absorbed by the market. 

As of this writing, BTC was trading at around $91,000, with a slight upside.

With long-term holders largely inactive, the data points to a structurally constructive environment, even as upside momentum cools.

Going forward, analysts will be watching whether long-term holder behavior changes. 

A sustained rise in VDD would suggest a shift toward broader distribution. For now, the on-chain picture indicates that while whales have stepped back, conviction among long-term holders remains intact.

Final Thoughts

• Bitcoin whale balances are declining, but the absence of elevated long-term holder spending suggests rotation rather than broad distribution.
• With Value Days Destroyed remaining low, the market appears to be consolidating gains rather than signaling a cycle top.