Bitcoin's Q1 2025 Sees 121% Year-Over-Year Increase, Whales Activate

Bitcoin's Q1 2025 performance has been notable, with over 62,800 BTC—dormant for more than seven years—suddenly moving on-chain. This marked a staggering 121% year-over-year increase, excluding any Mt. Gox-linked transfers, indicating organic repositioning by long-term holders. Their activity often marks a strategic repositioning, possibly driven by macro uncertainty or renewed bullish conviction. As liquidity tightens, such shifts may precede high-volatility phases. These coins rarely move without intent, so their emergence could signal either exit planning or fresh accumulation.

Bitcoin’s current structure combines broad profitability with rising whale activity. According to IntoTheBlock, 84.44% of Bitcoin addresses are in profit, limiting sell pressure and reflecting holder confidence. At the same time, retail-sized transactions (under $1,000) declined. In contrast, $1M–$10M transfers jumped 49.29%, and those over $10M rose 38.46%. Clearly, large players were stepping in, while smaller ones stepped back. When profitability and large flows align, they often preface strong upward moves. Therefore, the market structure appears stable and primed for expansion, supported by deep-pocketed players positioning for what could be a major breakout if momentum sustains.

BTC’s Liquidation Heatmap adds more intrigue. The exchange liquidation map reveals a high-leverage cluster concentrated between $93,000 and $95,000. At press time, BTC traded just below this level, at $91,889.54. This range is densely packed with long liquidations, and if broken with conviction, it could trigger a cascade of forced closures that amplify upward price action. The absence of similar pressure below the current price strengthens the case for bulls, as downside liquidity has already been absorbed or unwound. Therefore, this zone represents not just a resistance barrier, but a potential launchpad for explosive movement if bulls seize control.

Despite a modest 2.58% dip in the last 24 hours, technical indicators continue to support a bullish scenario. Bitcoin hovered near the upper Bollinger Band at $93,549, a level that often acts as a trigger for breakout behavior when supported by volume. Additionally, the MACD indicator recently completed a bullish crossover, signaling building momentum. These patterns reflect growing confidence among market participants and suggest that Bitcoin could extend its gains if it breaches the $93K resistance zone. Furthermore, widening volatility bands hint at an imminent expansion in price action, potentially confirming a new upward leg.

In parallel, internal exchange movements added another clue. In-house BTC flows have risen 2.24%, with 333.4K BTC moving within internal exchange wallets. While not dramatic, such movements often precede major shifts in market structure. Typically, exchanges reposition liquidity in anticipation of demand surges or volatility spikes. This uptick aligns with other bullish signals, suggesting that institutions and custodians are preparing for increased market activity.

Bitcoin is firmly preparing for a reclaim of the $95,000 mark. Dormant holders are reactivating, large players are transacting heavily, and the technical environment continues to lean bullish. With leverage clustered above and institutional behavior signaling preparation, the conditions are aligning for a breakout. If $93K is breached with conviction, the path toward $95K will likely be swift and forceful.