Bitcoin's Institutional Buying Spree: A Correction Risk?

Wednesday Nov 12 2025 19:10

Duration

2 min

  1. 1. Bitcoin's Institutional Buying: A Double-Edged Sword?

  2. 1.1 Signs of Fatigue in the Bitcoin Market

  3. 1.2 Spot Bitcoin ETFs as a Key Driver

  4. 1.3 The Risk of Portfolio Rebalancing

  5. 1.4 Outflows from Bitcoin ETFs

  6. 1.5 Bitcoin's Underperformance in 2025

  7. 1.6 Focus on Ether as a Hedge

  8. 1.7 Profit-Taking by Whales

Bitcoin's Institutional Buying: A Double-Edged Sword?

Markus Thielen, CEO of 10x Research and a former portfolio manager, suggests that the surge of institutional buying that has driven Bitcoin's price upwards since early 2024 could also exacerbate a correction if market sentiment weakens.

Signs of Fatigue in the Bitcoin Market

In a Bloomberg interview, Thielen pointed out that the crypto market, particularly Bitcoin (BTC), is exhibiting signs of fatigue following a challenging October marked by the industry's largest liquidation event. These losses, he added, have compounded underlying macroeconomic risks that Bitcoin increasingly mirrors.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs as a Key Driver

Given that institutional inflows, especially from spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), have been a crucial factor in the 2024 rally, Thielen cautioned that the same investor base could accelerate downward pressure if activity slows.

The Risk of Portfolio Rebalancing

"At some point, the risk manager may step in and say, 'you need to eliminate or lighten your position'," Thielen explained. "There's a risk that Bitcoin is going to continue to underperform because people need to rebalance their portfolios."

Outflows from Bitcoin ETFs

These comments come as US spot Bitcoin ETFs have experienced increasing outflows. Funds collectively recorded $939 million in withdrawals last week, according to data from CoinShares, reflecting a decline in appetite among institutional investors.

Bitcoin's Underperformance in 2025

Surprisingly, Bitcoin has underperformed most major asset classes this year – an unusual trend in the year following its most recent halving. The leading cryptocurrency has trailed behind gold, technology stocks, and even several Asian equity indexes since January, despite reaching multiple record highs, including a peak above $126,000 in early October.

Focus on Ether as a Hedge

However, Thielen's 10x Research isn't entirely bearish on Bitcoin. As Cointelegraph previously reported, the firm considers shorting Ether (ETH) to be a more effective hedge than betting against Bitcoin, which remains the preferred asset for institutional investors seeking exposure to cryptocurrency.

Profit-Taking by Whales

Much of Bitcoin's recent weakness has been attributed to whales – large holders of the cryptocurrency – taking profits above the $100,000 level. Citigroup's Alex Saunders told Bloomberg that the number of wallets holding more than 1,000 BTC has been gradually decreasing in recent weeks.

Risk Warning: this article represents only the author’s views and is for reference only. It does not constitute investment advice or financial guidance, nor does it represent the stance of the Markets.com platform.When considering shares, indices, forex (foreign exchange) and commodities for trading and price predictions, remember that trading CFDs involves a significant degree of risk and could result in capital loss.Past performance is not indicative of any future results. This information is provided for informative purposes only and should not be construed to be investment advice. Trading cryptocurrency CFDs and spread bets is restricted for all UK retail clients. 

Default Author Avatar

Written by:

Ava Grace

Asset List

View Full List
Most Traded Commodities Indices Crypto Shares Forex
Asset
Sell
Buy
Change (%)

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now
Asset
Sell
Buy
Change (%)

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now
Asset
Sell
Buy
Change (%)

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now
Asset
Sell
Buy
Change (%)

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now
Asset
Sell
Buy
Change (%)

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now
Asset
Sell
Buy
Change (%)

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now

Trade Now

Latest

View all

Thursday, 9 April 2026

Duration

6 min

PLTR down 7.3% on April 9, 2026: Why Palantir Technologies (PLTR) stock dropped sharply today?

Thursday, 9 April 2026

Duration

3 min

Financial news today in ZA: South Africa Removed from FATF Grey List Amid Economic Rebound

Wednesday, 8 April 2026

Duration

8 min

UAE financial news today: UAE and Bahrain Ink AED 20 Billion Currency Swap Agreement

Latest news

Monday, 13 April 2026

Indices

Gold Price Today, April 14: Gold Dips Below $4,800 While Silver Holds Above $75 Amid Renewed Inflation Fears

Monday, 13 April 2026

Indices

Commodity Market Today: Gold and Silver Prices Swing Wildly as Fragile US-Iran Ceasefire Shows Cracks

Sunday, 12 April 2026

Indices

UAE Economy News: Non-Oil Sectors Drive Growth as Abu Dhabi Prepares for 2029 IMF Meetings

Sunday, 12 April 2026

Indices

Gold Price Today, April 13: Gold (XAU/USD) is currently trading around $4,726 – $4,729 per ounce

Thursday, 9 April 2026

Indices

Gold Price Today, April 10: Gold Price Surges Toward $4,900 on Fragile US-Iran Ceasefire and Falling US Yields

Thursday, 9 April 2026

Indices

PLTR down 7.3% on April 9, 2026: Why Palantir Technologies (PLTR) stock dropped sharply today?

Thursday, 9 April 2026

Indices

Financial news today in ZA: South Africa Removed from FATF Grey List Amid Economic Rebound

Wednesday, 8 April 2026

Indices

UAE financial news today: UAE and Bahrain Ink AED 20 Billion Currency Swap Agreement

Wednesday, 8 April 2026

Indices

Gold Price Today, April 9: Gold (XAU/USD) Rallied to Near $4,850 Despite Easing Tensions, Silver Jumps 7%

Tuesday, 7 April 2026

Indices

Gold Price Today, April 8: XAU/USD Surges Toward $4,900 as US-Iran Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire

See all news