Bitcoin whales accumulate ahead of crucial US inflation report as $744 million exits ETFs

Bitcoin whales are accumulating before Wednesday's US inflation report, despite $744 million in recent spot ETF withdrawals.According to an Oct. 13 CryptoQuant report, large holders have increased their combined Bitcoin holdings to 3.03 million BTC, with accumulation accelerating to its fastest monthly pace since February.The buying contrasts with $744.3 million in net withdrawals from US spot Bitcoin ETFs across six trading sessions through Oct. 12.The divergence comes as Bitcoin trades near $83,000 ahead of September's Consumer Price Index report, which is expected to show inflation accelerating. The release will test whether growing confidence among large holders can withstand continued pressure from interest rates and weaker investment flows.Bitcoin whales rebuild holdings as smaller investors retreatCryptoQuant's latest assessment suggests that Bitcoin's largest investors have shifted from selling their holdings to accumulating again following several months of subdued activity.The analytics firm said the 30-day growth rate of whale balances, excluding exchange and mining pool addresses, reached its highest level since Feb. 11.Meanwhile, the annual change in whale holdings has...