Bitcoin whale or institutional investor sold 220 Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) for $95,710 each, netting 21.06 million USDT and a 174% profit of $13.37 million from a purchase in November 2023 at $34,938 per WBTC, according to on-chain data reported by EmberCN on X. This transaction highlights significant gains in the crypto market as Bitcoin trades near $95,000.

The sale reflects broader market trends, with short-term holders taking profits, creating selling pressure, while large investors continue accumulating Bitcoin. WBTC, a tokenized Bitcoin on Ethereum’s blockchain, supports decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, bridging Bitcoin’s value to Ethereum’s smart contract ecosystem. USDT, a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, is commonly used to hedge volatility, though its issuer, Tether, faces ongoing scrutiny over reserve transparency.

After repaying related loans, the investor distributed $13.02 million USDT across two addresses, suggesting potential further market moves. Blockchain analysts note that such large transactions can influence market sentiment, particularly when Bitcoin tests key price levels like $95,000.

The sale aligns with Bitcoin’s recent price recovery to between $94,000 and $96,000, following a dip below $75,000 in early April. Data from Glassnode indicates that entities holding over 10,000 BTC are actively accumulating, with strong buying activity reflected in their metrics. Spot Bitcoin ETFs also recorded $3 billion in net inflows in late April, signaling robust institutional interest despite a 0.3% U.S. GDP contraction in Q1 2025.

However, large transactions like this can spark volatility. “Significant trades often trigger automated trading responses, which can amplify price swings,” said a DeFi strategist in a Chainalysis report. Investors are advised to monitor on-chain movements and USDT inflows to assess liquidity shifts.

The crypto market remains resilient amid economic and regulatory challenges. President Donald Trump’s executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve with 200,000 BTC has fueled optimism. However, the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority’s proposed ban on borrowing for crypto purchases signals tighter regulations, which could affect retail investors.

In summary, the whale’s $13.37 million profit from selling 220 WBTC underscores individual gains and broader market dynamics. Bitcoin faces selling pressure but is bolstered by whale accumulation. Analysts project Bitcoin could reach $100,000 to $150,000 by late 2025, according to MV Global surveys, though macroeconomic factors and large transactions may drive volatility. Investors should use on-chain analytics to navigate this evolving market.

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