Bitcoin Surges Past $90K but Faces Rising Selling Pressure
The cryptocurrency world is buzzing as Bitcoin recently crossed the $90,000 mark, while Ethereum is trading above $3,000. Despite the upward momentum, market data reflects an unsettled picture, with increasing selling pressure and significant institutional activity shaping current trends.
Market Overview: A Split Between Buyers and Sellers
Bitcoin’s price reached $90,418, gaining 3.12% in the last 24 hours, though it remains 30% below its all-time high of $126,080 in October 2025. On the other hand, Ethereum is trading at $3,023.74, indicating a smaller daily gain of 1.74% compared to its August 2025 peak of $4,946.05. These price recoveries come on the heels of sharp corrections last week, when Bitcoin briefly dipped to $80,000.
One aspect driving this fluctuation is trading volume. In the past 24 hours, Bitcoin’s trading volume soared to $69.56 billion, while Ethereum recorded $21.27 billion. However, on-chain data points to contrasting participant activities, as exchange flows and market trends indicate divergence between price direction and trading behavior.
Exchange Inflows Signal Selling Pressure
Data from CryptoQuant reveals that large deposits—defined as transactions involving 100 Bitcoin (BTC) or more—to exchanges now represent 45% of overall BTC inflows. On November 21 alone, 7,000 BTC were deposited into exchanges, raising concerns about larger holders preparing for liquidations or shifting portfolio strategies. Historically, such sizable deposits correlate with short-term price losses as whales adjust positions.
Major exchanges like Binance and Coinbase observed high activity this week. Bitcoin and Ethereum inflows cumulatively hit $40 billion during this period, pointing to increasing liquidity events or aggressive trading plays.
Institutional Activity: Stability or Chaos?
Amid the mixed signals, one striking event has caught market attention—a massive outflow of 1.8 million BTC (approximately $162 billion) from exchanges occurred overnight. Such activity hints at institutional accumulation or strategic off-market repositioning. Exchange reserves have since dropped to 1.83 million BTC, which bolsters a bullish outlook for long-term storage or “HODLing.” Historically, declining reserves often align with future price surges as fewer coins are available for trading.
However, experts caution that some of these movements are likely the result of technical adjustments, such as the reallocation of exchange wallets or custody transfers rather than pure market sentiment.
Binance’s Stablecoin Accumulation Sets Records
Adding to the speculative environment is the record-breaking stablecoin reserve held by Binance, now at $51.1 billion. Stablecoins often act as a safety mechanism for traders, preparing them to capitalize on potential buying opportunities or hedge against further volatility. This trend indicates that market participants are bracing for continued price swings.
What This Means for Crypto Traders
The current market may feel tumultuous, but savvy investors have options for navigating volatility. One useful resource is the Ledger Nano X, a cryptocurrency hardware wallet. This device allows you to secure your assets offline, protecting them from sudden market fluctuations or exchange mishaps while ensuring long-term storage.
For traders, these market dynamics emphasize the importance of monitoring on-chain metrics alongside price direction. Rising deposits and withdrawals are key indicators to watch as they provide valuable insights into the actions of institutional players and whales.
Final Thoughts
Bitcoin and Ethereum are experiencing a volatile period with rising selling pressure from major holders offset by bullish long-term accumulation trends. Whether prices fall further or stabilize, this market landscape offers opportunities for prepared traders and investors. Staying informed and leveraging tools such as secure wallets can help navigate this dynamic environment.
