Bitcoin Holds $105K but Needs $130K to Activate Long-Term Holders

The new whale cost basis sits at 105,000 dollars, while the market trades just slightly above that level today

Long-term holders remain inactive with an average cost of 39,437 dollars, waiting for prices above 130,000.

A drop below 105000 may trigger exits, while a rally above 130,000 might bring older capital back again

Bitcoin is trading near $115,000 as key on-chain data reveals a price standoff between new whale entries and long-term holders. New whale investors, with an average entry price of $105,000, are still in profit but holding just above break-even levels. Meanwhile, older whales who entered the market at an average cost of $39,437 remain inactive, likely awaiting higher prices. The gap between these cohorts sets a critical tone for the current market structure.

Data from CryptoQuant shows a delicate balance between old capital and new market entrants. Market price stability may appear strong, but investor behavior suggests fragility. A drop below $105,000 could trigger exits from recently onboarded whales, while a breakout above $130,000 may invite legacy holders back into active trading.

Whale Behavior Splits at $105K and $130K Thresholds

New whale holders, defined as recent large-volume BTC buyers, have entered the market with an average realized price of $105,343. This group’s position has remained slightly profitable as BTC holds near $115,000. However, their profit margin is slim, and any pullback could shift sentiment rapidly.

Old whales, who bought in at much lower price levels, show no significant movement despite the recent rally. Their average realized price stands at $39,437, leaving them with significant unrealized gains. Still, this group remains inactive, suggesting they await stronger confirmation through price levels above $130,000.

This separation is further reflected in realized cap data. The percentage of capital controlled by new whales has sharply increased in 2025, while older whales' dominance has declined. This inversion shows growing influence from recent market participants, though they appear sensitive to price support near $105K.

Realized Cap Metrics Reveal a Power Shift

Charts tracking Bitcoin’s realized capitalization over time confirm a shift from older to newer whale dominance. For the first time since 2016, I realized the cap held by new whales has overtaken that of long-term whales. This metric tracks the total value of BTC based on the price at which each unit was last moved.

CryptoQuant data shows that new whale positions have grown steadily since early 2023. The realized cap percentage for old whales has declined in parallel, suggesting long-held coins are becoming a smaller share of total realized value. As these shifts take place, overall market behavior becomes more reactive to recent buyers' thresholds.

In addition, cohort-based supply charts show an increase in addresses holding over 10,000 BTC. The green line representing new whales has risen rapidly since mid-2023, indicating accelerated accumulation. This trend has contributed to the upward pressure seen in recent months.

Will Bitcoin Break Above $130K or Drop Below $105K First?

As Bitcoin sits near $115,000, a pivotal question now drives sentiment—will the next move be a breakout or a breakdown?

A move below $105,000 could cause newer whales to exit, creating downside volatility. Conversely, surpassing the $130,000 level might trigger renewed participation from long-dormant holders. This sets up a narrow price band with meaningful implications for both upside and risk management.