Bitcoin flows turned positive last week. Spot ETFs recorded +3.4K BTC inflows, ending a two-week outflow streak.

The shift signaled institutions stepping back into accumulation mode. With BTC price now pulling back, today’s flows matter. They’ll show if institutions buy the dip or revert to profit-taking.

#BTC spot ETFs recorded +3.4K $BTC inflows last week, ending a two-week outflow streak. With price pulling back now, today’s flows will be key in gauging whether institutions sustain demand or shift back to profit-taking. pic.twitter.com/iNRZeu32xy

— glassnode (@glassnode) August 18, 2025

BTC price, CoinMarketCap (August 18, 2025): $114,750

High: $118,000 | 24H Volume: $32.4B | Market Cap: $2.26T

Metaplanet Adds $93M in BTC

In Japan, publicly listed Metaplanet confirmed the purchase of 775 BTC, worth around $93 million. The buy lifts its holdings to 18,888 BTC as of August 18. The company has spent roughly $1.94 billion in total. Its average acquisition price now stands at $102,653 per BTC.

Metaplanet has acquired 775 BTC for ~$93 million at ~$120,006 per bitcoin and has achieved BTC Yield of 480.2% YTD 2025.  As of 8/18/2025, we hold 18,888 $BTC acquired for ~$1.94 billion at ~$102,653 per bitcoin. $MTPLF pic.twitter.com/9r1law8jyH

— Simon Gerovich (@gerovich) August 18, 2025

Metaplanet continues stacking through volatility. The play is consistent. The firm positions Bitcoin as a reserve asset against Japan’s weakening yen and rising debt profile.

Meanwhile, Strategy boosted its holdings with another 430 BTC. The buy cost $51.4 million at an average of $119,666 per coin. The fund also reported a BTC yield of 25.1% YTD 2025.

Strategy has acquired 430 BTC for ~$51.4 million at ~$119,666 per bitcoin and has achieved BTC Yield of 25.1% YTD 2025. As of 8/17/2025, Strategy hodl 629,376 BTC acquired for ~$46.15 billion at ~$73,320 per bitcoin.https://t.co/zPC5UCzDT6

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) August 18, 2025

As of August 17, Strategy holds 629,376 BTC. Total acquisition: $46.15 billion. Average cost: $73,320 per BTC.

That makes Strategy the largest institutional holder globally. Its scale gives it leverage across liquidity, yield, and narrative.

Dormant Wallets Move 31,968 BTC

But whales aren’t the only players making waves. Long-dormant wallets suddenly came alive. Data from CryptoQuant showed 3–5 year-old Bitcoin wallets moving 31,968 BTC ($3.7 billion) on August 16.

That’s the biggest age-band shift since June 2024. Analyst JA Maartunn flagged the event, noting its rarity. Historically, such moves imply profit-taking by long-term holders. It often sparks local tops or signals pressure ahead.

#Bitcoin Wallets Between 3 and 5-Years Old Awake to Move 31,968 $BTC: Here’s How Prices Have Reacted Historically. pic.twitter.com/Ou8bNQUazA

— TheCryptoBasic (@thecryptobasic) August 18, 2025

Markets reacted fast. Bitcoin pushed to $118,000 on Sunday before retreating sharply. Today’s low sits at $114,750. Traders flipped bullish, then bearish, in less than 48 hours.

“When long-term wallets wake, it usually means a turning point in market trend,” Maartunn noted in his August 17 commentary.

 ETFs vs. Old Coins, What To Watch 

The clash is clear. Spot ETFs pulled in 3,400 BTC last week. Institutions want exposure. At the same time, old wallets moved nearly 32,000 BTC back into circulation. Supply tightens on one side, expands on the other.

This sets up the next key test. If ETFs keep pulling coins while exchanges see fewer deposits, price could rebound quickly. If more old wallets awaken and supply floods the market, BTC may retest lower levels.

The speed of Bitcoin’s reversal shows how fragile sentiment is. Traders cheered the push past $118K. When dormant coins moved, optimism vanished. Short-term hands sold. Institutions now face a choice: keep stacking or trim exposure.

The answer may come today. ETF flows will act as the barometer. Positive inflows confirm conviction. Outflows hint that funds see risk ahead.

The Bitcoin market is in balance between two forces:

 Accumulation by institutions like Metaplanet and Strategy.
 Distribution by long-term wallets unlocking dormant supply.

Each move shifts liquidity, sentiment, and price. The next weeks will show which force dominates.

Bitcoin faces a tug-of-war. ETFs buy. Old wallets sell. Prices swing. The next ETF flow data will decide if this is just a pullback, or the start of a deeper correction.

For now, watch the flows. Watch the wallets. The battle between new demand and old supply writes the next chapter for BTC.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.

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Filed under: Bitcoin - @ August 18, 2025 10:18 pm