Bitcoin price prediction: BTC faces short-term weakness as whales counter ETF inflows

Bitcoin price prediction: BTC faces short-term weakness as whales counter ETF inflows
Bitcoin consolidates near $122,000

​Bitcoin price is consolidating near $122,000 in Wednesday’s European session after sharp volatility earlier in the week that saw BTC retreat from the all-time high at $126,000. 

The current intraday consolidation follows Tuesday’s 3% decline to a four-day low at $120,650, which erased the previous four days of gains. The decline reflects profit-taking and growing signs that long-term holders are starting to distribute holdings.

- Bitcoin consolidates near $122,000 as profit-taking rises and whale distribution pressures price.

- ETF inflows exceed $1.19 billion this week, reinforcing institutional demand behind Bitcoin rally.

- Technical setup shows 20-EMA death cross as traders eye $120,000 support rebound.

On-chain data confirms this behavioural shift among large Bitcoin investors. Average dormancy, a measure that tracks the movement of long-held coins, climbed to its highest level in a month during early October. Rising dormancy often indicates that older wallets are becoming active, suggesting that long-term holders are selling or moving their coins. This pattern typically precedes short-term corrections as selling pressure builds on the market.

 Bitcoin price dynamic ( Sept - Oct 2025). Source: Cryptoquant

However, Bitcoin’s broader structure remains supported by institutional flows. Bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.19 billion in inflows earlier this week, marking the largest single-day inflow of 2025. Total October inflows have now reached $2.29 billion, pushing the combined assets of U.S. listed Bitcoin ETFs above $61.25 billion. This surge in institutional participation highlights ongoing demand from fund managers and long-term investors, tempering the impact of short-term selling by whales.

Bitcoin 20-EMA crossover below 50-EMA confirms near-term bearish setup

Technically, Bitcoin pullback on Tuesday has led to a short-term shift in market structure. On the one-hour chart, the 20 EMA has crossed below both the 50 and 100 EMAs, forming a death cross that signals potential for near-term weakness. The recent consolidation zone between $120,650 and $122,200 has seen rising traded volume, showing that traders are positioning for a breakout expansion. Given the current setup and on-chain data, the breakout could initially skew to the downside before buyers re-enter at lower levels.

Key support lies at the $120,000 psychological mark, which aligns with previous consolidation from early October. A rebound from this area could attract dip buyers and stabilise the price, while a breakdown below it may extend the correction toward $118,000. On the upside, resistance sits near $122,200, and reclaiming this level would be the first sign that momentum is shifting back to the bulls.

Overall, Bitcoin’s pullback reflects a period of recalibration rather than structural weakness. ETF inflows demonstrate strong underlying demand even as short-term technicals soften. The next few sessions will determine whether buyers can defend $120,000 and restore upward momentum or whether whale activity will push prices into a deeper correction phase.

Recently, we discussed Bitcoin easing to $124,000 after setting a new all-time high. Trading volume declined, suggesting mild profit-taking even as investor confidence stayed firm.

This material may contain third-party opinions, none of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer. While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners.
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