Bitcoin’s Big Turn: From Exchange Selling to Whale Accumulation

After October’s sell-off, November data shows whales and institutions quietly positioning for Bitcoin’s next move.

Whales surrounding crypto shopping bags.
Created by Kornelija Poderskytė from DailyCoin

Bitcoin (BTC) is showing a complex mix of selling pressure and accumulation as the market navigates a key consolidation phase around $104,000. 

On-chain data reveals a nuanced dynamic, with both inflows and outflows at major exchanges signaling different investor behaviors.

According to crypto analytics firm CryptoQuant, throughout October, one of the top crypto exchanges, Binance, experienced a multi-month high in BTC inflows, averaging roughly 7,500 BTC per day.

The surge coincided with short-term holders capitulating and selling at a realized price of around $112,000 despite BTC trading near $104,000. 

CryptoQuant analysts note that short-term holders selling at a loss often mark the final stage of a market correction, a so-called “cleansing phase” that historically precedes recovery.

However, November brought a dramatic shift. Binance reported one of the largest Bitcoin withdrawal spikes of 2025, signaling a transition from reactive selling to accumulation. Historical patterns suggest that sharp outflows typically reflect long-term holding behavior, as investors move BTC off exchanges into cold wallets.

On-chain data and increased OTC desk activity indicate that whales and institutions are actively reallocating their holdings rather than engaging in panic selling.

“The timing aligns with the end of October’s consolidation phase around $103K, suggesting whales and institutions are preparing for the next macro move,” claim CryptoQuant’s analysts.

Meanwhile, Glassnode data shows Bitcoin trading between two key price zones, roughly between $100,000 and $108,500, which have historically acted as major support and resistance levels. A breakout on either side could determine the next big move in the market.

Why This Matters

The shifts in exchange flows suggest the market may be nearing the end of its correction, as long-term investors quietly step in to accumulate.

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People Also Ask:

What does “Bitcoin accumulation” mean?

Accumulation happens when investors move BTC from exchanges to private wallets, signaling they plan to hold long-term instead of selling.

Why do Bitcoin inflows and outflows matter?

Inflows (coins moving into exchanges) often mean selling pressure, while outflows (coins moving off exchanges) suggest confidence and long-term holding.

What’s a “cleansing phase” in crypto markets?

It’s when weaker hands sell at a loss, often marking the end of a correction before prices stabilize or rise again.

What does it mean when Bitcoin “consolidates”?

Consolidation means the price trades in a tight range — neither breaking out nor collapsing — as buyers and sellers find balance.

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This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein shall be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading forex, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs pose a considerable risk of loss.

Author
Alex Costa

Alex Costa is a crypto writer and investor specializing in researching, analyzing and reporting on promising small-cap projects that are gaining traction in the industry. He has been in crypto since 2018, when he began looking for hidden gems in crypto. Today, he is dedicated to finding the next top performing NFTs and tokens.

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