In a significant shift within the Bitcoin market, veteran investors have pulled back from a lengthy phase of selling. According to Alex Thorn, head of research at Galaxy Digital, the so-called 'Great Distribution' has come to an end, evident from a 50% drop in old wallet activity this year.
Thorn's analysis highlights a key trend in Bitcoin's trading patterns over the past two years. Previously, an influx of selling from long-term holders had characterized the market. Now, it seems that those who aimed to cash out during recent price surges have already done so, leading to a noticeable decline in coin movement from wallets that have been dormant for years.
Bitcoin’s Patterns Reinforced
Historical data from Galaxy Research illustrates a recurring cycle in Bitcoin's performance. Notably, during periods of significant price increases, such as those witnessed in 2017 and 2021, there tends to be a surge in the activity of older coins. For instance, at the end of 2025, wallets holding Bitcoin for one to two years moved nearly 900,000 BTC, marking a peak in distribution activity.
However, 2026 tells a different story. The absence of selling pressure from these long-term holders suggests that they are no longer motivated to liquidate their assets at high prices. This lull in activity points towards a changing landscape in Bitcoin investment strategies.
Thorn also touched on concerns surrounding Bitcoin's stability, particularly fears about quantum computing's impact on the cryptocurrency market. Interestingly, while some have speculated that large holders sold coins due to these technological risks, Thorn stated, “We work with a lot of whales and none has mentioned quantum as a reason for selling.” Instead, he views the current situation as a temporary pause in whale activity, not a reaction to technological threats.
The changing dynamics among veteran investors could signal a potential shift in market trends, influencing future trading behaviors. As more traders monitor these developments, it remains to be seen how the absence of selling pressure will affect Bitcoin's trajectory moving forward. Bitcoin continues to hold its position amidst evolving market scenarios.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.



