Ancient Bitcoin Whales Stir: $117 Million Moves Ahead of Fed Decision

Long-dormant Bitcoin wallets suddenly active as anticipation builds for the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate announcement. Are they betting on a rate cut, or preparing for volatility?

Author
Branden Chen
Senior Crypto AnalystSeptember 17, 2025
Bitcoin trading chart with upward trend

Bitcoin's Sleeping Giants Awaken

After years of dormancy, some of Bitcoin's earliest adopters, often referred to as "whales," are on the move. On-chain data reveals significant Bitcoin transfers from wallets that have been inactive for over a decade, all happening just before the Federal Reserve's crucial rate decision.

A Blast from the Past

One notable transaction involved a whale who received 1,000 BTC in 2013 when Bitcoin was trading around $843. This stash, now worth approximately $117 million at a hypothetical $117,000 BTC price, was split and sent to four new wallets. This activity raises questions about the whale's intentions. Are they planning to sell, diversify, or simply restructure their holdings?

Other Whales Join the Fray

This wasn't an isolated incident. Another whale moved 1,176 BTC to the Hyperliquid exchange in two separate transfers. This behavior has, in the past, been a precursor to selling off Bitcoin for Ethereum, but no one knows for sure.

Institutional Demand Remains Strong

Despite some whales potentially looking to realize profits, ETF data suggests robust institutional demand for Bitcoin. Reports indicate that ETF inflows are significantly outpacing new Bitcoin supply, indicating a continued bullish sentiment from larger players.

All Eyes on the Fed

The market widely expects the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates. CME's FedWatch tool indicates a near certainty of a rate cut, with a strong probability of a 25 basis point reduction. The real focus will be on Fed Chair Jerome Powell's commentary following the announcement, which could provide clues about future monetary policy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Old Bitcoin whales are moving significant amounts of BTC.
  • The movement comes just before the Federal Reserve's rate decision.
  • Institutional demand for Bitcoin remains strong, despite whale activity.
  • The market anticipates a rate cut, but Powell's tone will be crucial.

Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. Bitcoin investments are risky.

Investment Considerations

As always, investors should consider their risk tolerance and investment timeline before making allocation decisions. Bitcoin remains a volatile asset despite increasing institutional adoption.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor.

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