On the eve of the January CPI report in the US, crypto whales are buying and selling these tokens

Source: CryptoNewsNet Original Title: What Crypto Whales Are Buying and Selling Ahead Of The January US CPI Print Original Link:

Market Backdrop

The January US CPI print approaches at a sensitive moment for markets, with crypto whales already positioning strategically. Inflation is expected to remain steady, broadly in line with November’s cooling data, but still high enough to keep early-2026 rate-cut hopes muted. November’s softer CPI failed to shift Federal Reserve expectations, leaving liquidity conditions tight.

In this backdrop, whale behavior matters more than price alone. When rate-cut optimism is low, large holders tend to act selectively rather than chase risk. On-chain data reveals a clear split between three tokens ahead of the CPI release: whales are accumulating two while reducing exposure to the third after a recent rally.

Maple Finance (SYRUP) — Accumulation Signal

Maple Finance stands out as a DeFi-focused bet rather than a macro one. Over the past 24 hours, whale wallets increased holdings by 7.41%, adding approximately 480,000 SYRUP worth roughly $0.19 million at current prices.

On a 30-day basis, Maple Finance whale balances are up over 718%, showing steady and persistent accumulation rather than reactionary buying.

Price Structure: SYRUP has climbed nearly 40% over the past 30 days, moving from around $0.23 to $0.40 since early December. On the daily chart, the 20-day EMA has crossed above the 50-day and 100-day EMAs—a sequence signaling strengthening upside momentum. The price now trades above all major EMAs, keeping the trend firmly bullish, with the 20-day EMA closing in on the 200-day EMA for another potential bullish crossover.

Resistance: The next challenge sits at $0.40, which rejected price on January 12. A clean daily close above this level would open the path toward $0.46, followed by potential extension to $0.50 if momentum holds.

Downside Risk: Losing $0.36 would be the first warning sign. A deeper move below $0.34 would push price back under key EMAs, weakening the bullish structure and exposing a pullback toward $0.30.

Chainlink (LINK) — Selective Positioning

Chainlink is seeing quiet whale positioning ahead of the CPI print, suggesting selective accumulation rather than broad risk-on behavior. Over the past 24 hours, whale wallets increased LINK holdings by roughly 390,000 tokens worth $6.6 million in fresh buying.

This positioning reflects a broader trend: with early-2026 rate-cut expectations remaining low, crypto whales appear to lean toward infrastructure names tied to the real-world asset narrative—a theme that stayed strong through 2025 and continues into 2026.

Price Structure: Chainlink is forming a double bottom on the 12-hour chart, a W-shaped base often signaling seller exhaustion. Price has stabilized after the second low and is grinding higher.

Upside Targets: For momentum to build, LINK must clear $13.50, followed by the more important $14.90 level, which has repeatedly capped upside. A clean 12-hour break above $14.90 would open the path toward $15.50 and $17.01, with higher resistance near $19.56 coming into view if follow-through holds.

Downside Risk: A drop below $12.90 weakens the recovery, while a loss of $11.70 would invalidate the double-bottom structure entirely.

Polygon Ecosystem Token (POL) — Distribution Phase

POL has seen a sharp shift in whale behavior just ahead of the CPI print. While POL remains up around 20% on the week, the token has slipped nearly 4% over the past 24 hours.

During this pullback, large whales holding between 10 million and 100 million POL have started reducing exposure after increasing holdings between January 10 and January 12. Over the past day, this cohort cut holdings from 585.39 million POL to 582.37 million POL, a reduction of about 3.02 million tokens.

Price Structure: POL surged sharply from early January lows, forming a steep pole followed by tight consolidation resembling a bullish flag. However, the pullback from highs has been aggressive rather than controlled. On-Balance Volume (OBV) has rolled over and sits near its rising trend line, signaling weakening buying pressure even as price attempts to hold its range.

Downside Risk: If POL loses $0.14 and then $0.13, the flag structure risks invalidation, opening downside toward $0.11 and potentially $0.09. A bullish continuation only regains credibility above $0.16, supported by improving volume.

Interpretation: Whale selling suggests the recent move looks more cyclical than conviction-driven, especially ahead of a major macro event like CPI.