Headline: Bitcoin supply on exchanges tightens as whales quietly buy — what it could mean Bitcoin’s price may be languishing compared with equities, but under the surface something notable is happening: BTC is leaving exchanges and large investors are scooping up coins. That combination is shrinking liquid supply and could set the stage for stronger upside when market conditions improve. What the on‑chain data shows - Monthly changes in Bitcoin exchange reserves have turned negative, according to Alphractal — more BTC is being withdrawn than deposited, and that trend has held even during weak price action. - Santiment reports wallets holding at least 1 BTC are down about 2.2% from their March peak, suggesting a pullback among smaller or mid‑size holders. - At the same time, “whales” have been accumulating: more than 136,000 BTC were added by larger holders over the same period. Why it matters When coins leave exchanges, they’re typically sent to cold storage or long‑term custody — a signal that holders intend to keep rather than sell in the near term. Persistent outflows reduce the amount of immediately tradable BTC, tightening supply. While outflows alone don’t guarantee price rises (they can occur in both bullish and cautious markets), sustained withdrawals are a bullish structural indicator of confidence in Bitcoin’s long‑term value. A shift in ownership The decline in wallets with ≥1 BTC might look like weakening interest, but the bigger story is a concentration of BTC into larger hands. Smaller participants appear to be stepping aside while institutional and high‑net‑worth players increase exposure. That dynamic typically doesn’t produce instant price moves but points to firmer long‑term conviction among major holders. Price and market context Bitcoin has been consolidating in a narrow range — and its underperformance versus equities is stark. David Schassler, Head of Multi Asset Solutions at VanEck, notes BTC has lagged the Nasdaq 100 by nearly 50% this year. He argues this reflects “softer risk appetite and temporary liquidity pressures, not a broken thesis.” If liquidity conditions normalize, Bitcoin could outperform equities again, potentially into 2026. Bottom line Exchange balances are falling and big players have added roughly 136,000 BTC, indicating tightened supply and growing long‑term confidence even as price action remains subdued. For traders and investors, the macro setup looks constructive if and when liquidity improves — though timing and triggers remain uncertain. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are high‑risk; do your own research before making financial decisions. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news