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- Ark 21Shares sold 559.85 BTC worth $64.4M, sparking caution.
- Bitcoin open interest dropped to $81B, signaling weaker momentum.
- Market shows profit-taking, not yet a clear bearish shift.
Ark 21Shares has offloaded 559.85 Bitcoin (BTC) worth $64.4 million, according to on-chain data flagged by Whale Insider. The move comes just as the Bitcoin derivatives market cools, with open interest (OI) slipping to $81 billion — its lowest level in a week.
This decline signals reduced institutional participation and suggests that profit-taking is outpacing new risk exposure. While the Ark sale may be just a fraction of the broader market, it highlights a growing sense of caution among large players.
JUST IN: Ark 21Shares sells 559.85 $BTC worth $64.4 million. pic.twitter.com/ib54DQbMgv
— Whale Insider (@WhaleInsider) August 19, 2025
Open Interest Signals Market Uncertainty
A drop in OI typically indicates that traders and institutions are closing positions rather than expanding them. Analysts note that net unrealized profits have also fallen to their lowest weekly level, showing that long-term holders are locking in gains.
The shift reflects less conviction in the current Bitcoin rally, with institutions stepping back from leveraged long bets. While this does not confirm an outright bearish turn, it underscores a temporary loss of momentum.
Profit-Taking or Bearish Shift?
The key debate is whether institutions are preparing for heavier short positioning or simply rebalancing portfolios after Bitcoin’s bullish run. Notably, while Ark 21Shares’ sale tilts sentiment bearish, data shows no significant rise in short futures. This suggests that the market’s current behavior is profit-taking-driven rather than outright pessimism.
At present, Bitcoin remains in equilibrium, with its long-term bullish narrative intact. However, if OI and unrealized profits continue to decline, BTC could face short-term downside pressure before any renewed upward trend.
Ark 21Shares’ Bitcoin sale highlights the growing caution in institutional circles. While not yet signaling a bearish reversal, profit-taking and declining derivatives activity suggest near-term headwinds for Bitcoin. A rebound in OI would be the clearest sign that institutions are preparing for the next leg higher.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses
Also Read: Bitcoin Analyst: BTC Will Not Drop Below $100K, $145K Still in Play
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