Bitcoin News Update: Bitcoin’s Delicate Equilibrium: Large-Scale Holder Movements and ETF Withdrawals Counteract Easing Trade Tensions

Bitcoin is once again facing instability as significant holders transfer large amounts of the cryptocurrency to exchanges, raising fears of possible sell-offs, even as global political developments provide some temporary relief. The market is currently teetering between negative signals from whale activity and a sense of optimism driven by improving U.S.-China trade relations.

Two notable

whales, recognized for their ability to influence the market, have recently moved considerable assets to leading exchanges. According to blockchain analytics provider Lookonchain, as cited in , BitcoinOG—a prominent figure known for shorting—has transferred about 13,000 BTC (worth $1.48 billion) to Kraken since October 1, 2025. Another major player, Owen Gunden, a long-term investor from the Satoshi era, shifted 3,265 BTC ($364.5 million) to the same platform starting October 21. The Yahoo article also mentioned that these movements have fueled speculation about whether these whales are cashing out or preparing for leveraged trades. While moving assets to exchanges does not necessarily mean immediate selling, it does indicate heightened trading activity and the possibility of increased short-term price swings.

The market’s fragile equilibrium was temporarily supported by positive news regarding U.S.-China trade. On November 5, Bitcoin steadied around $101,000 after reports from

indicated that China would lower tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and suspend some duties for a year. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump’s move to reduce tariffs on fentanyl-related imports helped calm global markets. These updates came after a week marked by steep declines, with Bitcoin falling more than 8% before stabilizing at key support points. Analysts believe that the improved macroeconomic backdrop could offer short-term support for risk assets like Bitcoin, according to the FXStreet report.

Despite this, institutional interest in Bitcoin appears to be waning. On November 5, U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $577.74 million in outflows—the highest daily outflow since early August, as reported by FXStreet. This pattern, along with ongoing caution from retail investors, points to declining enthusiasm among large investors. The ETF outflows stand in contrast to the temporary optimism from easing geopolitical risks, resulting in a mixed outlook for the digital asset.

At the same time, the actions of BitcoinOG and Gunden highlight the ongoing struggle between bearish and bullish market forces. BitcoinOG, who made $197 million shorting BTC during the October downturn, has continued to move funds to exchanges such as Binance and Hyperliquid, possibly signaling leveraged trading strategies, according to Yahoo. Gunden’s substantial transfers—including a 1,448 BTC ($159 million) transaction to Kraken on October 29—may indicate either portfolio adjustments or profit-taking after holding through several market cycles, the Yahoo article noted.

The crypto market now faces a mix of opposing factors: selling pressure from whales, ETF outflows, and optimism from geopolitical developments. While improved trade relations may provide short-term price support for Bitcoin, increased whale activity and institutional withdrawals could trigger renewed declines. Investors are closely monitoring these dynamics, with Bitcoin’s next significant move likely hinging on whether short-term bearish trends outweigh the broader positive economic signals.