The recent market downturn has catalyzed significant shifts in Bitcoin whale activity, with dormant wallets and substantial holdings now on the move. This resurgence in blockchain transactions among large-scale holders, following a notable market correction on October 10-11, 2025, suggests a potential redistribution phase and signals increased engagement from major market participants on centralized exchanges.
Analysis of on-chain data reveals a marked increase in the movement of Bitcoin from wallets that have remained inactive for extended periods. Specifically, around 14,000 BTC, untouched for 12 to 18 months, were transacted on October 14th. The following day, October 15th, saw activity from older coin cohorts, with over 4,690 BTC from addresses holding assets for three to five years being moved. Since the beginning of 2025, these long-term holdings have contributed over 892,000 BTC to market movements. Additionally, owners of Bitcoin aged two to three years transferred 7,343 BTC in the past week. One notable whale, identified as holding nearly 46,000 BTC, equivalent to over $5 billion, also executed a 2,000 BTC transaction.
These movements have led to a substantial rise in the Coin Days Destroyed (CDD) indicator, reaching a monthly peak. This metric, which quantifies the total number of days destroyed by coins moving on-chain, experienced a similar surge in July, coinciding with a price drop from $120,000 to $112,000. The recent spike in CDD indicates a higher volume of older coins being transacted, a pattern often associated with increased selling pressure from long-term holders.
Furthermore, data from CryptoQuant indicates a significant increase in Bitcoin inflows to exchanges from wallets holding over 1,000 BTC since October 11th. On October 15th, analyst Maartunn reported that large holders sent 17,184 BTC to exchanges, marking the highest monthly transfer volume in two weeks. While elevated inflows are typically viewed as a short-term bearish signal, suggesting preparation for sales, Maartunn characterizes this activity as a “typical redistribution phase” observed in previous market cycles.
The Exchange Whale Ratio, which tracks the proportion of the ten largest incoming transactions relative to total exchange deposits, has also reached a one-month high post-market correction. This metric underscores a greater reliance on centralized exchanges by large-volume traders for executing substantial transactions. Such increases in the Exchange Whale Ratio can contribute to heightened market volatility, as large whale transactions have the capacity to significantly influence liquidity dynamics. Experts at CryptoQuant previously suggested that Bitcoin had entered the late stages of its bull cycle.
Maxwell Reed is the first editor of Cryptovista360. He loves technology and finance, which led him to crypto. With a background in computer science and journalism, he simplifies digital currency complexities with storytelling and humor. Maxwell began following crypto early, staying updated with blockchain trends. He enjoys coffee, exploring tech, and discussing finance’s future. His motto: “Stay curious and keep learning.” Enjoy the journey with us!