Bitcoin sees its second-largest weekly whale accumulation of 2025

The Santa Rally, a phenomenon observed in December where stock and cryptocurrency markets tend to surge, raises the question of whether retail investors or large 'whales' are the primary drivers. Recent analyses indicate that both retail fear of missing out (FOMO) and significant capital flows from whales contribute to this market behavior. Understanding the dynamics between these two groups is crucial for predicting market trends during the holiday season.

The Santa Rally, a term used to describe the stock market's upward trend during the holiday season, raises the question of whether retail investors or large 'whales' are the primary drivers of this phenomenon. Recent analyses suggest that both retail FOMO (fear of missing out) and significant capital flows from whales contribute to the December market surge in stocks and cryptocurrencies. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for investors navigating the volatile market landscape.

Bitcoin has experienced a significant pullback, dropping below the key $100,000 price mark last week. Currently, the cryptocurrency is trading between $95,000 and $95,100. Despite this decline, the current drawdown remains milder than previous major corrections, indicating a less severe market reaction compared to past fluctuations.

US President Donald Trump has expressed support for a Senate proposal that would allow the imposition of tariffs up to 500% on imports from countries that continue to purchase Russian energy. The proposed tariffs would apply to oil, natural gas, petroleum products, and uranium, targeting major buyers like India and China. This measure aims to reduce Russia's export revenues, although it remains a proposal and has not yet become law. The announcement has caused significant volatility in the cryptocurrency market.

The Crypto Fear and Greed Index has fallen back to its lowest levels since 2022, reflecting a significant downturn in the cryptocurrency market. On November 17, Bitcoin's price dropped to $93,000, contributing to increased liquidation pressure across major assets. This decline in the index indicates heightened fear among investors, suggesting a bearish sentiment in the market as prices tumble.

Harvard University's endowment has significantly increased its investment in Bitcoin by making a spot Bitcoin ETF its largest reported US equity holding. This move indicates a growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin as a viable asset. Additionally, the Bitcoin Hyper presale is approaching $28 million, aiming to enhance Bitcoin's transaction speed and reduce fees, which could further support its adoption in decentralized finance (DeFi) and other blockchain activities.

As of November 17, 2025, 95% of Bitcoin has been mined, leaving just over 2 million Bitcoins remaining to be mined. This milestone marks a significant point in the cryptocurrency's lifecycle, indicating that the majority of Bitcoin supply is now in circulation. The remaining Bitcoins will be mined over time, which could influence market dynamics and investor behavior as the total supply approaches its limit.

Adam Back has stated that Bitcoin is not facing any significant quantum threat for at least the next 20 to 40 years. He emphasized that the adoption of NIST-approved post-quantum standards can be implemented in a timely manner, ensuring the security of Bitcoin against potential quantum computing risks in the foreseeable future.