Bitcoin’s next move hinges on U.S. institutions, with a return of buyers potentially driving a breakout above $100,000.
With Bitcoin (BTC) hovering near recent highs after touching about $98,000 a day earlier, traders are weighing geopolitical headlines against signs of shifting demand from large U.S. investors. The next move hinges on whether American institutions return as steady buyers or remain cautious, a decision that could keep prices range-bound or push volatility higher.
At a Glance
- Bitcoin touched $98,000 and now trades near $97,000
- Coinbase Premium Index will signal if U.S. institutions buy, stay neutral, or sell
- Whale wallets added 32,000 BTC since January 10 while small holders trimmed exposure
- Why it matters: A single cohort-large U.S. funds-could decide whether BTC breaks $100K or slides into a macro-driven correction
Market Awaits Institutional Signal
On-chain analyst GugaOnChain pointed to the Coinbase Premium Index as a key gauge for institutional sentiment. This metric compares Bitcoin’s price on the U.S.-based Coinbase exchange to global averages. A consistently positive reading suggests strong buying pressure from U.S. institutions.
According to them, this index will dictate one of three paths:
- A forceful return of U.S. institutional buyers, signaled by a positive index, could drive a rally past $100,000
- If these investors stay neutral, it would lead to further consolidation between $90,000 and $100,000
- A deep correction could be triggered if a macro shock prompts large funds to sell en masse
This view places institutional capital flows as the decisive factor for Bitcoin’s trend.
> “The entire market awaits the decision of a single group: the large institutional funds of the United States,” wrote the analyst.
Recent price action shows Bitcoin is up about 6% over the past week and 10% in the last month. It has stabilized following geopolitical developments, with recent reports that U.S. President Donald Trump ruled out a military attack on Iran causing little volatility, as the price held near $97,000. This stability followed a dip earlier in the month when the U.S. conducted an operation in Venezuela.
Whale Accumulation Contrasts With Retail Caution
Research shared by XWIN Research Japan described a consolidation phase marked by limited retail activity and steady participation from large holders. CryptoQuant metrics show muted spot and futures trading from smaller accounts, while large orders are still appearing, suggesting that supply is being absorbed without aggressive price expansion.
That view matches up with recent Santiment data, which showed wallets holding between 10 and 10,000 BTC adding more than 32,000 coins since January 10, even as the smallest holders trimmed exposure.
Nonetheless, there is still caution in the market, with futures volumes and taker buying pointing to pockets of leverage and raising the risk of sharp pullbacks if macro headlines turn adverse. But as it stands, Bitcoin’s structure reflects a market waiting on U.S. institutions, with whales active, retail subdued, and prices consolidating below the $100,000 mark.
Meanwhile, broader market sentiment has shifted, with the Bitcoin Fear and Greed Index climbing to 61 on January 16, entering “greed” territory for the first time since early October 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin’s $97,000 level holds as traders watch the Coinbase Premium Index for the next institutional move
- Whale wallets have accumulated 32,000 BTC in six days, signaling confidence among large holders
- Retail traders remain cautious, creating a lopsided market structure vulnerable to macro shocks
- A decisive push above $100,000 or a slide below $90,000 likely depends on whether U.S. funds re-enter the market
