The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a significant shift. Long-term Bitcoin holders have relaxed their selling habits after months of continuous drops, while substantial Ethereum wallets are accumulating more tokens, according to recent analyses.
Related Reading
Traders are exercising caution as prices fluctuate and data presents mixed signals regarding future capital movements.
On-chain analytics referenced in market commentary indicate that wallets holding Bitcoin for a minimum of 155 days reduced their holdings from nearly 15 million coins in mid-July to just over 14 million by December.
Ether Whales Increase Their Holdings
Reports from sources like CryptoQuant and crypto newsletters reveal that addresses with large Ethereum reserves have added around 120,000 ETH since December 26.
According to analysts at Milk Road, wallets containing over 1,000 ETH now control approximately 70% of the total supply, a percentage that has been increasing since late 2024.
This heavy concentration can indicate strong commitment from a select few participants and may also pose risks to the market if those wallets decide to sell. Both scenarios would influence liquidity and price fluctuations.
Long-term holders have ceased selling $BTC for the first time since July 2025.
Conditions look promising for a potential relief rally. pic.twitter.com/t7Sl2hS9Ub
— Ted (@TedPillows) December 29, 2025
Long-Term Bitcoin Holders Halt Selling
Crypto investor Ted Pillows stated on X that long-term holders have “stopped selling Bitcoin for the first time since July 2025,” which some market observers view as a potential turning point in holder behavior.
This shift in activity is frequently interpreted as a sign of exhaustion after a prolonged period of distribution. It may indicate that sellers are temporarily finished, but it doesn’t assure a new upward trend.
Capital Movements and Market Fluctuations
Garrett Jin, formerly with exchange BitForex, suggested that some capital could be transitioning from metals to crypto following a short squeeze in precious metals.
Reports noted gains in silver and platinum as part of the broader context. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has recently traded within a tight range, fluctuating between $86,740 and $90,060 over the past week, which has kept many investors anxious.
The price of silver has increased by over 1,570% this year, a dramatic shift that will require independent verification.
Conversely, Bitcoin remains significantly below its all-time highs. Some analysts contend that subdued ETF demand and market mechanisms, including derivatives and liquidity trends, may have a greater impact on price movements than overall market sentiment.
Related Reading
Taken together, the data suggests a market that is stabilizing rather than making decisive upward moves. Large Ethereum holders are continuing to buy, long-term Bitcoin owners have paused their selling, while US capital flows appear lackluster.
Featured image from GaijinPot Blog, chart from TradingView
