CryptoQuant says bitcoin, ether and XRP whales are accumulating, signaling a 'late-stage bear market'
Quick TakeLarge crypto holders are accumulating bitcoin, ether, and XRP as prices remain under pressure, CryptoQuant said.The firm said this suggests the bear market is likely in its final stage, but prices may fall further before a clear bottom is confirmed. Large crypto holders are increasing their bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH), and XRP (XRP) positions as prices remain under pressure, according to CryptoQuant, suggesting they may be preparing for the next market cycle. CryptoQuant said the activity signals that the bear market is likely in its final stage. However, the firm said the market has not reached a confirmed bottom, and prices may still fall further. “Across bitcoin, ether and XRP, the largest cohorts are adding supply as prices sit near or below their realized prices,” CryptoQuants head of research, Julio Moreno, said in a Wednesday report. “This positioning lowers downside pressure and is consistent with the final phase of the cycles decline.” Bitcoin whale balances, excluding exchanges and mining pools, have climbed to about 3.06 million BTC after it bottomed near 2.87 million BTC in December 2025, CryptoQuant said. The data also excludes exchange-traded funds or digital asset treasury companies, Moreno told The Block. Bitcoin whale holdings have recorded positive 30-day growth for most