21 hours ago
Bitcoin’s (BTC) richest traders and investors are increasingly bullish on BTC despite facing downside risks from unfavorable macroeconomic factors, the latest onchain data suggests.
## Bitcoin whales absorbing 300% of new supply
Bitcoin whales and sharks are now absorbing BTC at record rates–over 300% of yearly issuance–while exchanges are losing coins at a historic pace, according to Glassnode.
Notably, Bitcoin’s yearly absorption rate by exchanges has plunged below -200% as outflows continue. This signals a growing preference for self-custody or long-term investment.
_Bitcoin yearly absorption rates. Source: Glassnode_
Meanwhile, larger holders (100-1,000+ BTC) are scooping up more than three times the new issuance, marking the fastest rate of accumulation among sharks and whales in Bitcoin’s history.
_Bitcoin yearly absorption rates of whales and sharks. Source: Glassnode_
This marks a structural shift as traditional finance increasingly adopts BTC, particularly with the approval spot Bitcoin ETFs last year. The result is less BTC supply on crypto exchanges and long-term bullish conviction among big holders.
## Most cohorts are buying the BTC price dip
Bitcoin whales holding over 10,000 BTC remain in strong accumulation territory, with their Trend Accumulation Score at around 0.7 as of April 18, according to Glassnode.
_Bitcoin trend accumulation score by cohort. Source: Glassnode_
This metric quantifies cohort behavior from distribution (0) to accumulation (1). The score implies confidence among the largest holders of Bitcoin.
In contrast, the sell-off in smaller cohorts that have been distributing earlier in the year appears to be slowing down. That includes the 10-100 BTC and the 1-100 BTC groups, whose scores have climbed back to a neutral zone at around 0.5.
Even the smallest cohort ( “Encouraging – but not convincing – yet. Bulls need to follow through with > strength.”
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.