Key Insights
- Bitcoin price remains stuck near $88,000 despite a $74.6 billion liquidity injection from the Federal Reserve.
- Large Bitcoin holders are buying, but older coins are selling, keeping Bitcoin price under pressure.
- Bitcoin price needs a daily close above $89,530 to open room for a 7% move toward $94,000.
Bitcoin price has stayed quiet even after a large liquidity move by the US Federal Reserve. In late December, the Fed added $74.6 billion into the financial system through short-term funding tools.
Normally, extra liquidity helps risky assets move higher. But Bitcoin is still trading near $88,000. This gap is making traders ask one simple question. Where did the money go?
Right now, the answer looks mixed. Some of the liquidity helped calm markets, metals, and stocks precisely, but it has not fully reached Bitcoin yet. The Bitcoin price is moving sideways, waiting for a clear push from buyers or sellers.
Liquidity Is Back, But Bitcoin Price Is Not Moving Yet
The Federal Reserve added $74.6 billion to support short-term funding markets. This type of liquidity usually helps stocks and crypto feel safer. It lowers stress in the system and makes borrowing easier.
But Bitcoin price did not jump after this move. It stayed close to $88,000 for several days and keeps holding that level even at press time.
This tells us that liquidity alone is not enough. The money is not rushing into Bitcoin the way it did in earlier cycles.
One reason is timing.
Liquidity often helps markets first, then reaches risk assets later.
Another reason is confidence. Large investors want clear signals before pushing prices higher. Right now, Bitcoin is stable, but not exciting enough to pull in fast buying.
This is also happening while Bitcoin ETFs are seeing weak demand. The money from the ETF cycle seems to have moved elsewhere, at least for now.
When ETFs are not pulling in new money, Bitcoin depends more on traders and existing holders. That keeps the price move slower and more controlled.
Whales Are Buying, But Old Coins Are Selling
On-chain data gives more detail about what is happening under the surface. New whale wallets have been adding Bitcoin through 2025. These are large holders who are building positions slowly. This kind of buying usually supports the price.
But at the same time, older coins are moving again. Long-term holder SOPR surged to 101.7 at one point. This number shows whether long-term holders are selling, at a profit. A reading above 100 means they are selling more than holding. However, expect the number to stabilize over the next few sessions, as a 100+ spike is often an outlier.
Some of the Bitcoin being sold now was last moved in 2014. These are very old coins. When they become active, they add supply near current prices. That makes it harder for Bitcoin to move higher, even when whales are buying.
So the market is split. New buyers are stepping in, but older holders are taking profit. This keeps the Bitcoin price capped and slows momentum.
Bitcoin Price Chart Shows Decision Point Near $89,530
The daily Bitcoin (BTC) chart shows price moving inside a symmetrical triangle. This pattern forms when buyers and sellers reach a balance. Price moves in smaller and smaller ranges while waiting for a decision.
Right now, Bitcoin needs a daily close above $89,530 to show strength. That level sits near the top of the triangle. A clean close above it would tell traders that buyers are taking control.
If that happens, the next major level sits near $94,000. That move would be around 7% from the current price. It would also signal that liquidity and whale buying are finally pushing the price higher.
But the risk still exists. If BTC price fails to break higher, downside pressure remains. A drop toward $86,000 is possible if sellers stay active and buying slows again.
The $74.6 billion liquidity injection created the conditions for a move. But conditions alone do not move the price. The next break above $89,530 or below support will decide whether the Bitcoin price uses that liquidity or ignores it.
Source: https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/2026/01/02/why-the-bitcoin-price-isnt-moving-after-a-74-6b-liquidity-injection/
