Major Bitcoin Investors Reach Record Highs as Price Consolidates Near $90,000

2026-01-10 economy

New York, Saturday, 10 January 2026.
Addresses holding over 100 Bitcoin hit a record high today, signaling robust institutional confidence even as prices consolidate around $90,000 amidst mixed macroeconomic signals.

Accumulation Amidst Price Consolidation

As of today, January 10, 2026, on-chain metrics indicate that the number of Bitcoin addresses holding at least 100 coins has climbed to a new all-time high [1][6][7]. This surge in accumulation by high-net-worth entities occurs even as the asset’s spot price remains range-bound, hovering near the $90,000 mark [7]. The daily trading volume is currently recorded at approximately $40 billion to $45 billion, with the total market capitalization standing at roughly $1.80 trillion [1][7]. This divergence between rising whale participation and stagnant price action suggests a period of “calm consolidation,” where large-scale investors are actively absorbing supply despite the lack of immediate upward price momentum [3][7].

Macroeconomic Triggers and Whale Activity

The recent purchasing behavior appears resilient in the face of broader economic events. Earlier this month, on January 3, Bitcoin’s price hovered near $90,000 following a delay in a U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding President Donald Trump’s tariff policy [1]. Despite such macroeconomic uncertainties, specific large-scale acquisitions have been detected; for instance, on-chain data recently revealed three individual wallets purchasing 3,000 Bitcoin, a transaction valued at approximately $280 million [2]. This activity aligns with a broader trend observed since late 2024, where the growth of 100+ BTC addresses has accelerated, reinforcing the asset’s perception as a strategic reserve [3].

Divergent Institutional Signals

While the accumulation by the 100+ BTC cohort is distinct, the broader institutional landscape presents a more complex, mixed picture. Contrasting the buying pressure from these whales, the tier of investors holding between 1,000 and 10,000 BTC has actually reduced their balances by approximately 220,000 BTC year-on-year, marking the fastest decline for this specific group since early 2023 [5]. Furthermore, leverage markets are showing signs of caution; margin longs on Bitfinex, which had reached levels comparable to early 2024 at approximately 72,700 BTC in late December 2025, have begun to roll over, signaling potential de-risking or profit-taking by stubborn spot buyers [4].

ETF Flows and Future Valuations

This mixed sentiment is further reflected in the volatility of U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF flows. While the year began with a net inflow of roughly $471 million on January 2, 2026, the market subsequently witnessed a significant outflow of $1.1 billion between January 5 and January 7 [4]. Despite these short-term fluctuations, long-term forecasts remain bullish. Standard Chartered has adjusted its end-2026 price target to $150,000, a figure that aligns with Bernstein’s maintained forecast for the same period [4]. With the circulating supply now just under 20 million coins [7], the market appears to be in a delicate equilibrium, balancing short-term distribution from older holders against fresh accumulation by new institutional entrants.

Sources

Capital Markets Bitcoin