Major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and XRP suffered sharp sell-offs over recent days, but large token holders capitalized on the drop to buy hundreds of millions of dollars in digital assets. Crypto analyst Ali Martinez reported that whales acquired over $1.2 billion in BTC, 166,000 ETH, and 45 million XRP as TD Sequential indicators flashed buy signals across four-hour charts.
Whales Accumulate $1.2 Billion in Bitcoin
Following a decline from $86,976 on October 5 to $82,150 on October 8, 2026, Bitcoin fell under $81,000—reaching its lowest valuation in over two weeks. Driven by heavy spot ETF outflows, U.S. government fund transfer rumors, macro economic news, and profit-taking, BTC dropped between 5.55% and 7% over the multi-day period.
Despite the sell-off, high-net-worth market participants engaged in an accumulation spree, purchasing more than $1.2 billion worth of BTC within a 72-hour span. Martinez noted that the TD Sequential indicator printed a buy signal on Bitcoin's four-hour chart, hinting that the corrective phase may be ending while Bitcoin faces technical hurdles after ETF outflows.
Ethereum and XRP See Heavy Buying Support
The altcoin market sustained steep losses as Ethereum fell from above $2,700 to $2,400 before stabilizing near $2,500. ETH whales increased their token balances by 0.64%, purchasing approximately 166,000 tokens during the downturn. A TD Sequential buy signal appeared on the four-hour chart once ETH dipped below $2,550, with potential upside targets mapped between $2,620 and $2,650, coming shortly after Ethereum tested $2.4K support levels.
XRP recorded a double-digit weekly decline, retracing from a rejection at $1.51 down to a local low of $1.34. Whales used the dip to acquire over 45 million XRP, valued at roughly $63 million. The four-hour chart for XRP also formed a TD Sequential buy signal, following an earlier sell signal that preceded its local high, as XRP continues defending key support targets.
Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin Whale Buying: Whales purchased over $1.2 billion in BTC in 72 hours as prices dropped from $86,976 to below $81,000.
- Ethereum Accumulation: Whales added 166,000 ETH (0.64% increase) during a drop from $2,700 to $2,400.
- XRP Dip Purchases: Large holders bought 45 million XRP ($63 million) after prices hit $1.34.
- Technical Indicators: Four-hour TD Sequential buy signals flashed for BTC, ETH, and XRP.
Why It Matters
This aggressive whale accumulation during a broad market sell-off signals strong conviction among large market operators. When institutional-scale buyers step in to absorb liquidity while technical exhaustion patterns appear across major assets, it often points to a potential short-term price floor. Investors will monitor whether this buy-the-dip activity converts into sustained upward momentum or if broader macro headwinds and ETF redemptions continue to constrain market recovery.
