Dormant Bitcoin Whales Move $325M After a Decade as Fed Rate Decision Looms

Inactive Bitcoin Whales Move $325M Ahead of Fed Rate Announcement

Two inactive Bitcoin wallets, silent since the early 2010s, have surprisingly reactivated, moving a combined $325 million in BTC just days ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s crucial interest rate announcement. The revival of these “Satoshi-era” wallets has caught the attention of analysts and traders, with questions on market timing and long-term holder activity.

10-Year Inactivity Ends With Massive Transfers

The first of those wallets transferred 2,343 BTC—approximately $222.2 million at the time of transfer—after lying dormant for over 10.5 years. It originally bought those in July 2013 for $185,850, or approximately $85 per coin.

The second wallet, inactive for more than 11 years, moved 1,079 BTC valued at $102.5 million. These coins were also bought in 2013 for around $91,713. Such legacy holdings reappearing usually suggest recovered private keys, estate settlements, or intentional liquidation.

Fed Rate Decision Looms Large

The timing of the whales matters. The Federal Reserve will announce its interest rate decision on May 7, and the majority of economists expect the central bank to stand pat at 4.25%–4.50%. With the markets still seeing uncertainty, like the recent threat of new U.S. tariffs, the whales’ behavior might be preparing for the possibility of a volatile event.

Bitcoin Consolidates, Eyes Profit-Taking

Bitcoin has fluctuated between $94,000 and $95,000 following a drop from $97,700 on May 2. On-chain data from Glassnode shows that about 88% of BTC supply is in profit, with Market Value to Realized Value (MVRV) ratio reverting to all-time average at 1.74.

The Realized Profit/Loss Ratio (RPLR) has crossed over 1.0, typically suggesting a wave of profit realization. That can be a source of near-term selling pressure, but perhaps evidence of a sound reset and regained investor confidence.

Outlook: Strategic Moves or Caution Ahead?

At the time of this writing, Bitcoin stood at $94,175. Whether these whale movements signify profit-taking or anticipation of macroeconomic adjustments is unknown—but they reflect the growing tension between conviction in the long term and prudence in the short term.