Bitcoin VIP Sells Off – Yet the Market Stays Steady

A veteran Bitcoin holder, who has owned 5,000 BTC for over 12 years, has recently sold 500 BTC. Despite this significant sell-off, the market is not reacting negatively. This article explores what this sale means for the market dynamics, current investor sentiment, and the overall landscape for Bitcoin as we enter 2026.

Key Takeaways

A longtime Bitcoin holder has sold 500 BTC, bringing their total sales since December 2024 to over $47 million.
The sale strategy employed minimizes market disruption while still achieving high returns.
Increased sales by older holders can provide liquidity for institutional investors.
Current metrics suggest that while old investors are selling less, the market remains influenced by the largest entities.
2026 starts with solid institutional absorption of Bitcoin, creating a new foundation for future growth.

Bitcoin VIP Sells Off – Yet the Market Stays Steady

The Whale in Action: What It Means

Recently, data from Lookonchain revealed that a prominent Bitcoin whale, who has been hoarding a stash of 5,000 BTC for more than a decade, has sold 500 BTC valued at approximately $47.77 million. This action is part of a larger strategy that has seen this holder gradually reduce their holdings since December 2024, cashing in on the cryptocurrency's performance while retaining a substantial portion of their investment.

Instead of liquidating their entire position at once—potentially crashing the market—this whale has sold in smaller increments, aligned with strong market demand. This has allowed them to achieve an impressive average sale price of roughly $106,164 per BTC while contributing to market stability.

Understanding Market Sentiment

In the world of cryptocurrency, when a long-established whale starts moving assets, it often raises alarms among investors. However, current trends suggest that such sales can be constructive rather than destructive. These transactions are crucial in fulfilling the supply needed for institutional players, including Spot ETFs and corporate treasuries aiming to acquire Bitcoin positions.

The liquidity provided by these sales facilitates the entry of new market giants. Without these 'OG' sellers taking profits, the market may struggle to support incoming substantial investments.

On-Chain Analysis

To assess whether this recent sale signifies a broader market downturn, AMBCrypto conducted an analysis using Bitcoin’s Coin Days Destroyed (CDD) chart.

Bitcoin - Coins Days Destroyed

The CDD measures the economic footprint of Bitcoin transactions. For example, if one Bitcoin is held for 100 days before being moved, it results in the loss of 100 coin days. The analysis shows that CDD increased sharply in November 2025 when Bitcoin descended from its peak of $126,000, indicating that many long-term holders were selling simultaneously.

Currently, CDD has decreased to approximately 9.96 million, signaling that most older investors have paused their selling activities. While some early adopters are still liquidating their holdings, institutional investors seem to be stepping in, facilitating the absorption of the available Bitcoin supply.

The Whale Ratio Insights

While CDD indicates older investors are calming down, another metric, the Exchange Whale Ratio, which stood at 0.657 at the time of reporting, presents a more unstable snapshot for the short term.

Bitcoin - Exchange Whale Ratio

This ratio measures the inflow of Bitcoin from the largest 10 entities relative to the total inflow to exchanges. Historically, a ratio above 0.5 raises red flags, suggesting that the market could be led by a handful of large sellers. With a ratio hovering around 0.65, it means that over two-thirds of Bitcoin entering exchanges is sourced from only 10 major players, indicating a muted retail interest and leaving prices susceptible to their actions.

Looking Ahead: 2026's Crypto Landscape

As we navigate the early days of 2026, data reveals that a significant structural change is underway in the market. The selling pressure seen in late 2025—stemming from exits by long-term holders, Ethereum ETF outflows, and a flush of speculative leverage—has largely diminished.

Now, a fresh foundation is being laid. Recent figures indicate that institutions have absorbed 30,000 BTC during this period, nearly five times the 5,700 BTC mined in the same timeframe, suggesting a robust demand from institutional investors.

Concluding Remarks

In conclusion, the Bitcoin market remains relatively stable, even amidst substantial sell-offs from seasoned holders. By strategically managing their holdings, these investors are not only facilitating liquidity but also laying the groundwork for potential future growth in cryptocurrency adoption.