Concerns about deeper Bitcoin price declines are growing after several prominent long-term holders began offloading major portions of their holdings.
Gold investor and economist Peter Schiff believes these moves signal a structural shift in the market that could amplify future volatility.
He argued over the weekend that Bitcoin is “finally having its IPO moment,” claiming the market has matured enough for early adopters to exit with significant liquidity.
“This much Bitcoin moving from strong to weak hands not only increases the float, but also means future selloffs will be bigger,” Schiff said.
Long-Term Holders Increase Selling Activity
Fresh blockchain data shows that whales and other long-established Bitcoin holders sold more than 400,000 BTC throughout October.
That level of selling contributed to meaningful downward pressure and pushed Bitcoin’s price below the $85,000 mark.
The cryptocurrency market has been split in recent weeks, with some analysts expecting the bull cycle to resume once liquidity conditions improve, while others warn that these movements may be early signs of a broader bearish reversal.
Exchange inflows, which track the amount of Bitcoin being sent to trading platforms, remain elevated and indicate that additional selling could be underway.
Prominent Investors Exit Positions Amid Market Uncertainty
Notable early holder Owen Gunden became one of the most significant sellers this cycle after liquidating his entire 11,000 BTC position across October and November.
The stash, valued at approximately $1.3 billion, was accumulated during the earliest stages of Bitcoin’s development.
His exit was followed by another high-profile sale from Robert Kiyosaki, the “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” author and long-time Bitcoin supporter.
Kiyosaki disclosed on Friday that he sold all of his Bitcoin holdings, worth around $2.25 million.
He explained that he originally bought Bitcoin at approximately $6,000 and decided to take profits after the asset reached the $90,000 range.
According to Kiyosaki, the capital will now be redirected into income-producing ventures, though he stressed that he remains optimistic in the long term.
“I am still very bullish and optimistic on Bitcoin and will begin acquiring more with my positive cash flow,” he said.
Analysts Identify Key Drivers Behind the Price Decline
Market analysts at crypto exchange Bitfinex attribute the latest correction to two primary catalysts.
The first is the wave of large-scale selling from long-term holders seeking to lock in profits.
The second is heightened leverage in derivatives markets, which has led to liquidations that further intensified downward momentum.
Despite the short-term pressure, Bitfinex maintains that Bitcoin’s underlying fundamentals remain strong.
Institutional interest continues to increase, and analysts expect professional investors to keep accumulating BTC as part of long-term portfolio strategies.
Retail Investors May Struggle to Withstand Volatility
While institutions may continue building positions during market weakness, retail investors could amplify the next downturn.
Vineet Budki, CEO of venture firm Sigma Capital, said many retail participants lack conviction in the asset during periods of stress.
He warned that this behaviour could create extreme volatility if the market enters a new bearish phase.
Budki believes that retail selling could ultimately trigger an estimated 70% price decline in the next major bear cycle.
According to him, this dynamic—combined with the recent migration of Bitcoin from long-term holders to newer, less resilient market participants—may set the stage for a more dramatic correction than previous cycles.
Solana’s Uncertain Future
Solana has also suffered during the broader crypto market sell-off in recent weeks. However, many analysts remain bullish on SOL and have been accumulating at these lower prices.
Furthermore, the Solana blockchain is continuing to be used to transactions and Dapps. Those curious are Solana casinos can read analysis on Esports Insider and learn how Solana is powering many emerging digital sectors.
Market Braces for Potentially Wider Price Swings
Bitcoin’s recent movements highlight a growing divergence between long-term conviction holders and short-term participants seeking liquidity.
As early adopters exit with substantial profits and retail investors prepare for further volatility, analysts caution that the market may be entering a phase where price swings become even more pronounced.
While institutional inflows offer some stability, the broader market appears increasingly sensitive to selling events and macroeconomic shifts.
For now, traders continue to watch exchange inflows, whale behavior, and derivatives market positioning for signals on whether the selling pressure will ease or intensify in the weeks ahead.
