Bitcoin has experienced its third major profit-taking wave in the current bull run, according to on-chain analytics from CryptoQuant.
Realized profits surged to an impressive $6–8 billion, aligning with previous peaks in March and December 2024. This spike, driven by new “whales”—large holders with significant influence—occurred as Bitcoin’s price surpassed $120,000, raising questions about the market’s next move.
Bitcoin just saw its third major profit-taking wave of this bull run.
Realized profits spiked to $6–8B in late July, on par with March and Dec 2024 peaks.
It was new whales who led the selling above $120K. pic.twitter.com/Q4FQkLXcin
— CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) July 31, 2025
The charts shared by CryptoQuant reveal a clear pattern: heightened profit-taking coincides with whale activity, particularly when prices hit key psychological thresholds. Whales, defined by Investopedia as entities holding substantial cryptocurrency amounts, can sway market dynamics through large transactions. This recent sell-off mirrors historical trends, with a 2023 study from the Journal of Risk and Financial Management noting that such moves often precede market corrections or tops, challenging the optimism of a perpetual bull run.
The data suggests that while prices may continue to rise, the increased selling pressure could signal a late-stage bull market phase. CryptoQuant’s follow-up post directs users to a detailed research report, hinting at deeper insights into what this profit-taking means for investors. The involvement of new whales, as opposed to long-term holders, adds a layer of complexity—potentially indicating fresh capital entering and exiting the market swiftly.
This volatility aligns with past cycles, such as the 2021 bull run, where similar profit-taking preceded a sharp correction, as noted by Cointelegraph in May 2025. For traders and investors, this development serves as a critical juncture. Monitoring whale movements and realized profit metrics could provide early warning signs of a market shift.
As Bitcoin’s ecosystem evolves with growing institutional participation, understanding these patterns becomes essential. Whether this wave marks the beginning of a correction or a consolidation phase remains uncertain, but the data underscores the market’s sensitivity to large-holder behavior.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. CoinCryptoNewz is not responsible for any losses incurred. Readers should do their own research before making financial decisions.
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