- ETFs and MicroStrategy absorbed 750,000 BTC in 2024, with whales accumulating during Bitcoin’s sideways trend.
- OTC Bitcoin supply dropped to 140,000 BTC, with heavy January accumulation tightening market liquidity.
- Analysts expect a breakout toward $100K by late 2024 as institutional buying boosts and supply decreases.
Bitcoin remains in a prolonged sideways trend, with prices moving between $89,000 and $92,000 multiple times this year. This range has created numerous trading opportunities, with significant accumulation observed among institutional investors and whales. Analysts maintain that Bitcoin is currently positioned for a breakout, supported by notable fundamental changes and market behaviors.
Institutional Accumulation Signals Market Shift
Doctor Profit noted through his X account that central players, including ETFs and MicroStrategy (MSTR), have significantly increased their Bitcoin holdings in 2024. ETFs purchased 500,000 BTC, while MSTR acquired 250,000 BTC in the same period.
This accounts for 750,000 BTC absorbed by these entities alone. In January 2025, ETFs added another 50,000 BTC to their holdings, reflecting continued institutional confidence in Bitcoin. Over 4 million BTC have shifted to new addresses, signifying growing interest from whales and other large market participants.
BTC’s OTC (Over-the-Counter) supply has decreased, with only 140,000 BTC currently available. One-third of this total was purchased in January 2025 alone, indicating heavy accumulation. OTC purchases allow institutions to acquire BTC without directly impacting market prices.
However, the dwindling OTC supply is expected to create pressure on exchanges, potentially triggering a price surge. Analysts have noted that historically, increased OTC inflows indicated selling by large players, while the current trend reflects ongoing accumulation.
Strategy Amid Sideways Movements
Whales and institutions have focused on leveraging Bitcoin’s sideways range for strategic long positions. Long orders between $89,000 and $91,000 have been consistently profitable, with seven notable opportunities arising.
Market participants have also capitalized on dips, building strong, long positions in preparation for the anticipated breakout. Retail investors have largely missed these opportunities, distracted by meme coins and market FUD.
Accumulation strategies and the reduction in OTC supply point to an impending market shift. Analysts expect a breakout toward $100,000 by late 2025, with higher targets of $150,000 under certain conditions. As institutional buying intensifies and liquidity tightens, Bitcoin’s next leg up appears increasingly imminent.