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Bitcoin Whales Accumulate 9,458 BTC via Wintermute Despite Price Slump Below $82,000

TheCryptoDesk Editorial · 2m read
Bitcoin Whales Accumulate 9,458 BTC via Wintermute Despite Price Slump Below $82,000

Newly created crypto wallets have accumulated over $770 million worth of Bitcoin (BTC) since October 1, demonstrating heavy institutional buying despite sluggish spot market performance. According to on-chain analytics firm Lookonchain, 40 newly created addresses withdrew 9,458 BTC (valued at $771.5 million) from institutional liquidity provider Wintermute.

On-Chain Data Signals Massive Institutional Accumulation

The aggressive buying via Wintermute highlights a broader trend among high-net-worth market participants. Data from CryptoQuant earlier this month revealed that whale addresses resumed accumulating BTC after several months of net selling. This shift developed as Bitcoin recovered from under $62,000 in early August to $87,000 in September.

At the time of CryptoQuant's report, these large wallet holders held combined balances exceeding three million BTC, representing their highest collective holdings since November 21, 2025. A separate report released earlier this week noted that large market entities purchased nearly 89,000 BTC within a single one-month period.

Price Turbulence Fails to Discourage Long-Term Holders

Despite sustained whale inflows, Bitcoin's market price has struggled to build upward momentum. After repeated rejections at the $87,000 mark, the asset dipped below $80,000. Although BTC mounted a brief recovery to $85,000 earlier this week, a worsening macroeconomic environment created a fresh hurdle for price progression.

Over the following 36 hours, the price crashed by more than $3,000, sending the asset back below $82,000. This drop comes as Bitcoin fell to $81,652 after an $85,000 rejection, even while long-term profitability approaches lows near $82,000.

Key Takeaways

  • 40 newly created wallets withdrew 9,458 BTC ($771.5 million) through Wintermute since October 1.
  • CryptoQuant confirmed combined whale balances crossed three million BTC, the highest level since November 21, 2025.
  • Large market participants purchased almost 89,000 BTC in just one month.
  • BTC crashed by over $3,000 in 36 hours to trade under $82,000 following macro hurdles.

Why It Matters

The growing divergence between spot price weakness and whale accumulation suggests institutional buyers view prices near $80,000 as an attractive long-term entry zone. While retail sentiment remains suppressed by macroeconomic headwinds and price rejections at $87,000, capital outflow from OTC counterparties like Wintermute indicates supply is moving into illiquid custody. If this accumulation trend continues, reduced exchange inventory could spark a rapid upward squeeze once macro pressure subsides.

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