Bitcoin Whales Accumulate 240K BTC as Analysts Target $85K-$88K

Bitcoin (BTC) whales holding between 1,000-10,000 BTC have increased their BTC exposure over the past five months, with the total balance reaching 3.09 million, a level last seen on November 11, 2025. Short-term data suggest that Bitcoin traders may move toward existing liquidity at $73,700, but futures market activity and the longer-term market structure hint at higher levels above $80,000.

Bitcoin whales and institutions rebuild BTC exposure

Bitcoin wallets holding between 1,000 and 10,000 BTC have been steadily accumulating since December, adding approximately 240,000 BTC to their balances. This brings the cohort's total holdings to around 3.09 million BTC, recovering to pre-correction levels last seen before Bitcoin's 18% pullback in November 2025, when the price declined to $85,000 from $103,500.

Total BTC balance of large holders. Source: CryptoQuant

The long-term holders (LTHs) continue to absorb supply at a steady pace. LTHs' balance has reached 14.57 million BTC, aligning with the prior accumulation peaks. The distribution activity was 42,100 BTC sold over the past 30 days, one of the lowest readings in 2026.

BTC long-term holder flow. Source: CryptoQuant

The Crypto Market Compass report from Bitwise highlights a similar trend across institutional flows. Over the last month, the institutional investors have added about 92,900 BTC. The onchain realized cap flows show only 14,900 BTC in net selling during the same period. This report indicates that the demand from larger players has outpaced sell-side pressure, tightening the available BTC supply.

Rise in BTC institutional demand. Source: Bitwise

Related: First 21-week trend line reclaim since October 2025: Five things to know in Bitcoin this week

BTC double top pattern indicates a short-term liquidity sweep at $74K

The four-hour chart shows a potential double top forming near $79,400 after two quick rejections for BTC over the past week. The second pullback came late Sunday night, with weaker buy volumes, pointing to fading short-term momentum. Currently at $77,731, the price may rotate toward liquidity pockets near $74,700 and $73,700.

BTC/USDT on the four-hour chart. Source: Coinelegraph/TradingView

The $74,700 level aligns with a prior consolidation range and sits just above the 100-period exponential moving average (EMA). A deeper move into $73,700 would test key higher-time-frame support and a prior higher-low range. Holding above this zone keeps the broader trend intact and maintains room for a bullish continuation.

The derivatives market activity is adding short-term pressure to Bitcoin price. Crypto analyst Darkfost noted that over $1.2 billion in sell volume hit Binance within an hour, contributing to a sharp intraday decline on Sunday. The funding rates have also stayed deeply negative, reaching -7% on a 30-day basis, one of the lowest readings ever recorded.

Bitcoin: taker sell volume on Binance. Source: CryptoQuant

However, such positioning may create conditions for a short squeeze, in which crowded short positions unwind, driving the price higher. A move above $80,000 would invalidate the double-top signal and turn short-term momentum bullish again.

According to MN Capital founder Michaël van de Poppe, the price continues to hold key levels, with upside targets of $85,000-$88,000 still valid for May. The liquidity range between $74,700 and $73,700 now serves as a reset zone, where BTC demand could be tested ahead of another breakout attempt above $80,000.