Over the past six weeks, wallets holding between 10 and 10,000 BTC have accumulated more than 81,000 BTC, marking a 0.61% increase in their holdings.
This behavior, according to blockchain analytics platform Santiment, signals growing confidence among Bitcoin’s largest stakeholders—often referred to as whales and sharks.
These wallets have historically correlated closely with long-term market health, and their accumulation during recent volatility may indicate that they expect higher prices ahead, possibly aligning with the long-held $100K BTC narrative.
Small Traders Show Signs of Capitulation
In contrast, wallets holding less than 0.1 BTC have reduced their positions by 290 BTC—a 0.60% decrease in holdings—over the same six-week period. This group of smaller traders typically shows lagging or inverse correlation to price trends and often reacts emotionally to short-term volatility.
Santiment interprets this behavior as typical of retail fatigue, where smaller investors exit during uncertain conditions, often before major price movements.
Historical Pattern Suggests Bullish Setup
The divergence between large and small wallet behavior is not new. Historically, major price breakouts have often followed periods when large wallets slowly accumulate while small holders sell off in frustration or boredom. This pattern tends to reflect a redistribution phase, where weaker hands exit and stronger hands enter.
Santiment’s data suggests that if current accumulation continues and selling pressure from small holders tapers off, Bitcoin could be setting up for another upward breakout in the near future.
Source: https://coindoo.com/bitcoin-whales-accumulate-while-small-holders-exit-positions/