Bitcoin: How $335M whale move tests BTC as inflation looms

The impact of macro events on crypto largely comes down to timing.

Short-term moves hit fast as investors either jump in or pull out. The bigger picture, though, emerges once the market digests these shifts and adjusts strategies. Notably, the current cycle is playing out exactly like that.

The 20th of February packed a macro punch with two major events influencing investor behavior. Bitcoin [BTC] reacted quickly, closing the day up 1.52%, showing clear short-term bullish momentum.

Source: TradingView (BTC/USDT)

And yet, it still couldn’t break the $70k near-term resistance.

For context, the first event was the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that President Donald Trump’s tariffs were illegal. At the same time, the PCE inflation report came in hotter than expected, keeping inflation concerns front and center.

In this context, Bitcoin’s reaction was logical. The initial jump reflected relief that tariff uncertainty was off the table. However, the macro picture quickly reasserted itself, as traders digested the inflation data.

That said, one key event still stole the spotlight, reinforcing AMBCrypto’s thesis that “timing” is critical in the current macro-driven environment. Short-term moves can be swift, but the real impact often unfolds as Bitcoin investors adjust their strategies.

Insider moves shake Bitcoin as traders digest whale activity

Any major selling ahead of a key macro event tends to spark a frenzy.

Recently, an insider whale wallet moved $335 million worth of Bitcoin just 10 minutes before the U.S. Q4 GDP data hit, which came in at 1.4%, marking the weakest quarter since Q1 2025.

On top of that, lingering uncertainty from the Supreme Court ruling kept investors on edge. The decision exposed the administration to a potential $175 billion in tariff refunds, prompting President Trump to call for a “backup plan,” adding another layer of market tension.

Source: Department of Treasury

Taken together, the Bitcoin whale move looks strategic. 

Even with bullish news on the ruling, Bitcoin failed to break $70k, showing that the market is still cautious. This cautiousness seems longer-term, with tariff refunds and inflation likely influencing the whale’s decision to sell.

According to AMBCrypto, the timing of this move could be an early warning of market stress. Bitcoin is already in a fragile spot, with its support levels once again under renewed pressure.

Final Summary

• Bitcoin showed short-term momentum after the Supreme Court tariff ruling, yet it still couldn’t break $70k, highlighting cautious investor sentiment.
• An insider sold $335 million in Bitcoin minutes before weak U.S. Q4 GDP data, reinforcing AMBCrypto’s view that timing is key and Bitcoin’s support levels remain under pressure.