Bitcoin Whales Accumulate as the Cryptocurrency Nears the $100,000 Mark

Bitcoin's ongoing price surge, which has seen the cryptocurrency near the $100,000 mark, is showing striking similarities to the bull market of 2020

Bitcoin’s (CRYPTO: BTC) ongoing price surge, which has seen the cryptocurrency approach the $100,000 price point, is showing striking similarities to the bull market of 2020, according to Ki Young Ju, the CEO of CryptoQuant.

In a recent Twitter thread, Ju explained that Bitcoin’s current rally appears to be driven by a pattern of long-term accumulation by large investors, or “whales,” similar to the behavior observed during the last major market surge.

Whale Accumulation and Market Surge

Ju pointed to the growing evidence of Bitcoin accumulation by whales over the past several months. He noted that while there were doubts surrounding on-chain data indicating this accumulation, those concerns have now been largely addressed. According to Ju, the long-term buildup of Bitcoin by major holders is now clearer, suggesting that these whales are positioning themselves for a significant price move.

“The accumulation data seemed exaggerated at first,” Ju admitted. “But now, it’s clear that the reasons behind it are becoming apparent.”

This accumulation phase by whales has coincided with Bitcoin’s price climbing steadily toward the $100,000 mark, a milestone that many market observers are watching closely. Bitcoin has gained over 160% in value since the start of the year, and it is on track to reach new all-time highs, mirroring the rapid price increase seen in 2020.

A Historical Pattern: Bitcoin’s 2020 Surge

Ju made the connection between Bitcoin’s current rally and the 2020 bull market, where the cryptocurrency’s value surged from around $10,000 to $67,000. He believes the patterns in whale activity and price movement are remarkably similar, suggesting that Bitcoin could be on a similar trajectory this time around.

The 2020 bull run was driven by several factors, including increased institutional interest and macroeconomic conditions like low-interest rates. However, the role of large Bitcoin holders (whales) quietly accumulating the asset for months before the price exploded cannot be overlooked. According to Ju, the same whale behavior is repeating today, setting the stage for another major rally.

Bitcoin Halving and Mining Profitability

One of the key factors contributing to Bitcoin’s price surge, as highlighted by Ju, is the recent Bitcoin halving event that occurred in April 2024. This halving cut Bitcoin mining rewards in half, from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC, significantly increasing the costs of mining.

Ju noted that to maintain mining profitability, Bitcoin’s price must rise. As miners are forced to sell fewer coins due to reduced rewards, this tightening of supply could further contribute to the price surge. Bitcoin’s supply-demand dynamics play a crucial role in determining its price, and with fewer coins entering circulation, the price could continue to rise in the coming months.

Short Squeeze Fuels the Bull Market

Ju also pointed out another important aspect of the current market conditions: the increasing number of traders betting against Bitcoin’s price. Many are shorting the cryptocurrency, hoping for a price drop, but this could be fueling the rally instead.

According to Ju, this short interest could create a “short squeeze,” where traders who have bet against the price are forced to buy back their positions, further driving the price upwards. This dynamic has the potential to accelerate the rally, leading to significant price movements, though Ju cautioned that the timing of such an explosion remains uncertain.

Looking Ahead: Bitcoin’s Future

While Ju has offered bullish predictions for Bitcoin’s price, he acknowledged that his past forecasts haven’t always been accurate. He had previously suggested a short-term correction in the middle of the ongoing bull market, a prediction that didn’t come to fruition. Nonetheless, Ju emphasized that he remains committed to speaking out if the market shows signs of a shift, whether toward a bear market or otherwise.

As Bitcoin approaches the $100,000 mark, many investors and market watchers are eager to see whether this rally will continue. The accumulation phase by whales, the halving’s impact on mining costs, and the possibility of a short squeeze are all factors that could propel Bitcoin’s price even higher.