Whale Movement Update: Longs Close Positions at Losses, Shorts Increase Positions in XMR and DASH

LiquidityWitch · 2026-01-20T12:38:17+00:00

On January 20th, on-chain whale rebalancing was evident, with the bullish camp facing setbacks. One whale closed a position with a loss of over a million dollars after selling 242 BTC, while another whale adopted a hedging strategy. Meanwhile, the bears actively increased their positions, heavily shorting XMR and DASH, indicating differing outlooks on the market prospects.

LiquidityWitch

2026-01-20 12:38:17

Abstract generation in progress

【Blockchain Rhythm】On January 20th, on-chain whale movements showed a clear rebalancing.

On the bullish side, a major whale chose to close positions and cut losses, completely closing 242 BTC long positions, with a loss of up to $1.042 million. This move clearly dampened the enthusiasm of the bullish camp. However, some whales employed hedging strategies — nicknamed “Lightning Counterattack,” they simultaneously went long 99.8 BTC and went short 6355 ETH, a typical double-sided betting approach.

On the bearish side, things are even more aggressive. The whale nicknamed “20 Million Wave Hunter” showed no intention of reducing positions; instead, it continued to add to its XMR short positions, using 5x leverage to aggressively sell 8383 XMR, instantly becoming the largest on-chain XMR short. Another major whale, “Strategy Counterparty,” was also busy — first closing BTC and ETH long positions (losing 324,000), then switching to a 5x leveraged short of 73,000 DASH, taking the position of the largest on-chain DASH short, while also heavily shorting 2078.55 BTC with 20x leverage.

Judging by these moves, whales have quite divergent views on the future market.

DASH-2,64%

BTC-2,17%

ETH-5,01%

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DeFiChef

· 18h ago

Here we go again, the big players really know how to play the game --- 1.04 million just gone, the bulls really can't hold on anymore --- XMR being heavily shorted, retail investors are probably going to take the hit again --- Counterattack and kill, the whale's game is one we can't afford to play --- The question is, whose money was lost in this 1.04 million? In the end, it's just eroding the contracts of us working folks --- Leverage of 5x smashing hard, this move looks exciting but the risk is high --- Betting on both sides is safer, at least you won't go all-in and lose everything --- The shorts are so aggressive, it feels like another dump is coming --- Lightning Counterattack is a boring nickname, just a form of gambling --- With the market so volatile, whales have already closed their positions, retail investors really need to wake up

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rugged_again

· 18h ago

Haha, it's that old story of catching the top again. $1.04 million just evaporated. I said this bullish wave is a bit too optimistic. The bears are really going crazy. XMR broke through directly, it looks like someone is about to wipe out a wave of blood.

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PretendingSerious

· 18h ago

$1,042,000 closeout stop loss? That's a bit embarrassing, this bullish move is really interesting. The bears are so aggressive, adding to XMR, it feels like something's going to happen... Whales' strategy of betting on both sides, honestly, it's a gamble on who moves first. They've heavily bet on this XMR position, their guts are really big. Closing with such a loss and still daring to continue? How confident must they be in the rebound ahead. This rebalancing seems to show the bears are really gaining momentum, but the risk also seems to be accumulating. With BTC and ETH both dropping in this rhythm, small investors should probably exit. Whales are playing hedges very skillfully, going long and short at the same time, very steady. After this round of operations, market sentiment seems to be reversing. This move of over 8,000 XMR short, if it weren't driven by leverage, it's hard to imagine.

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0xSherlock

· 18h ago

Haha, these whales really never get tired of playing. They cut losses while hedging, the market is so competitive. --- They just threw away 242 BTC, lost 1.04 million. I really can't understand this move. --- That guy in XMR is really ruthless, smashing 8,383 short positions in one go. How bearish must he be? --- "Lightning counterattack" is a perfect nickname. Going long and short at the same time—are they betting on who will break first? --- The bears are so aggressive, the bulls should be worried. Holders, be careful. --- Both stop-loss and hedging, indicating this round of market is indeed a bit toxic. --- Playing XMR shorts with 5x leverage—how confident must they be to operate like this? --- Recently, whales have been sabotaging each other. Retail investors can only follow the trend and join in.

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BearMarketBuyer

· 18h ago

It's another day of whales tearing each other apart. I feel heartbroken watching the stop-loss order of 1,040,000 dollars. This is truly the real scene of leek harvesting.

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StakeWhisperer

· 19h ago

Oh no, another big show, 242 BTC directly cut, 1.04 million USD just gone, how tough is that mentality? XMR is really fierce, 8383 coins with 5x leverage, this is risking their entire fortune, the shorts really want to eat some meat this time. Lightning's counter-move is quite impressive, betting on both sides, just worried about prolonged nights and endless dreams. Leverage and liquidation again, life is more exciting than futures traders. The shorts are so aggressive, the longs are really starting to struggle.

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