Bitcoin Whales Unload 36.5K BTC, $3.37B Offloaded in December

On-chain data has confirmed a large distribution from some of Bitcoin’s largest holders. Wallets holding between 10,000 and 100,000 BTC have collectively reduced their positions by 36,500 BTC since the beginning of December.

Bitcoin Whales Distribute 36,500 BTC Amid Market Chop

The total value of the moved or sold Bitcoin is approximately $3.37 billion. This large-scale movement coincides with a period of renewed market volatility, with Bitcoin trading in a choppy range between $85,000 and $94,000 throughout the month. At the time of writing, BTC is trading at $89,646.

This cohort’s selling pressure has increased by over 130% in the first half of December alone. The distribution from whales has been cited as a contributing factor to Bitcoin’s inability to break and hold higher price levels, despite some positive institutional signs like a recent resurgence in spot Bitcoin ETF inflows.

Trader’s Perspective and Future Outlook

The divestment by this specific whale cohort is a key sign for trading desks. While accumulation is noted among smaller tiers of holders (sharks, with 100-1,000 BTC), the selling pressure from the 10k-100k BTC cohort often precedes large price declines or extended consolidation. This is not retail profit-taking. It’s a methodical, large-scale distribution from long-term players.

Desks are now closely monitoring exchange inflow data. A spike in inflows would confirm these movements are preparatory to selling on the open market, rather than internal wallet management or OTC deals, increasing the probability of a test of lower support levels around the $80,400 mark.