Amidst Bitcoin's recent decline post the launch of US spot ETFs, crypto whales holding substantial amounts of Bitcoin seem to be capitalizing on lower prices.
Bitcoin's Decline and Whales' Strategic Moves
Following the initiation of US spot ETF trading on January 11, Bitcoin has experienced a nearly 20% decrease, reaching $38,555. Despite this downtrend, some notable cryptocurrency whales are strategically acquiring Bitcoin at discounted prices.
Bitfinex Premium Indicates Whale Activity
Over the weekend, Bitcoin exhibited a noteworthy trend on Bitfinex, ranking among the top 10 exchanges globally by trading volumes. The cryptocurrency traded at a $100 premium compared to the global average price. This premium, currently at around $70, signifies a significant difference from prices on other exchanges like Coinbase and Binance.
Whale Tactics on Bitfinex
The observed premium on Bitfinex suggests that crypto whales are engaging in strategic buying, utilizing the exchange's reputation for inducing market volatility. It's speculated that whales on Bitfinex are employing the TWAP (trade-weighted average price) strategy, potentially contributing to the notable premium. TWAP helps large orders avoid slippage by algorithmically splitting them over time.
Understanding TWAP and Its Impact
TWAP, or trade-weighted average price, is an algorithmic strategy designed to execute large orders gradually, minimizing slippage. Slippage is the variation between the requested price of a buy or sell order and the actual execution price. Whales strategically utilizing TWAP on Bitfinex may be a driving force behind the observed premium.
Rising Interest in Leveraged Positions
In addition to strategic buying, there is a renewed interest in leveraged bullish positions on Bitfinex. The number of open BTC/USD long positions, representing leveraged bullish transactions, has surged by nearly 8% in a week, surpassing 73,000 contracts. This indicates a demand for leveraged positions, possibly driven by a bullish outlook among traders.
Whales Navigate Market Dynamics
Bitcoin whales, taking advantage of the recent price decline, are strategically acquiring Bitcoin on Bitfinex, leveraging the exchange's unique market dynamics. The observed premium and increased interest in leveraged positions underscore the complex strategies at play in the crypto market, with whales actively shaping market trends.