Bitcoin is holding above $64,000 even as major mining firms send hundreds of coins to exchange-linked platforms. At the same time, large whale wallets and spot Bitcoin ETFs are showing renewed buying interest, creating a clear split between short-term selling pressure and institutional demand.
Miners Move Bitcoin to Exchange Platforms
On Thursday evening, MARA deposited 200 BTC to NYDIG, according to Lookonchain. Riot Platforms transferred another 381 BTC, worth roughly $24.5 million, around the same time. These exchange-related deposits can increase available supply if the coins are sold. MARA continues to hold more than $2.3 billion in Bitcoin despite reporting over $600 million in second-quarter losses.
The latest transfers follow reports that Bitcoin miners sold a record 32,000 BTC during the first quarter of 2026. That period also saw a sharp drop in network hash rate. Smaller mining operations have been under particular strain during the prolonged bear market. Poolin has filed for Chapter 11 protection in New Jersey and is seeking approval for a $52 million sale of its Texas mining properties.
Whale Accumulation Contrasts With Smaller Holder Selling
Santiment data shows wallets holding between 10 and 10,000 BTC have accumulated more than 20,000 BTC since July 29. At current prices, that is approximately $1.2 billion. Meanwhile, smaller holders have continued to reduce their Bitcoin exposure. Santiment says this divergence improves the odds of Bitcoin trading above $70,000 and lowers the risk of a drop below $60,000.
That contrast raises a key question: can growing whale demand absorb sustained selling from miners while Bitcoin remains below a decisive breakout level? Analysts have linked recent price weakness to uncertainty around the CLARITY Act, limited directional movement, and the Coldcard hardware wallet hack, which involved about $120 million worth of Bitcoin.
ETF Inflows Return While Bitcoin Tests Resistance
SoSoValue data shows US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $754.69 million in net inflows this week. That pace puts the products on track for their strongest week since April. Demand has returned after a difficult June, when the funds saw their worst month since launch. Nexo analyst Liya Kalchev said ETF-related volumes offer an early sign of renewed institutional demand.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs also received more than $240 million on Wednesday. Kalchev added that the products have attracted more than half a billion dollars during August. Still, Bitcoin has not achieved a decisive upside breakout. Kalchev described the current bid as tactical rather than conviction-driven, with a clear move above $65,000 remaining important. Technical indicators suggest a larger rally could develop if Bitcoin clears resistance. Regulatory developments also remain in focus, with the CLARITY Act unlikely to pass the Senate this month.
Outlook: Can Institutional Demand Offset Miner Selling?
Bitcoin faces competing forces near $65,000. MARA and Riot have increased exchange-related transfers, while whales have accumulated more than 20,000 BTC and ETF inflows have strengthened. The market is now watching whether institutional demand can absorb miner supply as Bitcoin tests resistance and investors await regulatory clarity.