FUD news and FOMO has normally been the tools used by the big whales in upsetting the market. For us that have been around for some appreciable time we know about this and doesn't see any bitcoin dip as anything disturbing anymore because we all know and understand the endgame... and that's that bitcoin price will rise again after all the fuss.
But what I don't fall in with you OP, is your claims, in your last paragraph. You should have evidence to backup your claims to make them more rational.
I think we all can pass OP is judgement since he said it was what he thinks, so let’s say his thinking isn’t backed up by any logical stats or evidence as such a false claim for now.
In general just as you have rightfully said the bitcoin market has actually been looking like a something that is manipulated because news either negative or positive have actually been affecting the market, what I will say is the market is mostly affected by sentimental analysis which I think those institutions looking to accumulate more bitcoin actually take advantage of. But do Dey really manipulate the market or are aware of the manipulation? I will say No, because if they truly are aware they wouldn’t be buying at every price they do even at the top, the u predictability of the market has force even larger institutions to simply DCA
Even, If some can understand the concept of taking advantage of FUDs and the idea of buying Bitcoin when there are so many panicking in the market, you're doing the smartest thing, I learned a lot of lessons during 2020 Coronavirus market crash, Bitcoin dipped to $3500, oil dipped and so many other asset class thanked in their prices whereas the smartest investors were busy buying up that opportunity.
Now, amidst the Israeli and Iranian war, BlackRock just announced they bought another huge Bitcoin, while the dump money are there on panic. The bottom-line is whether there's manipulation or not do the opposite and don't follow the masses follow the institutions and play the game, be greedy when there are FUDs and be fearful when almost everyone is excited about the market.
The market manipulations are mostly occuring with the negative because it provides the opportunity that the weak hands are scared of entering, while they are afraid to buy as the market dumps, those whales and institutions stockpiles and wait for a rise to make profit.
As a weak hand, It's a big flex to be able to have an insight on when and how to navigate through the manipulative market fundamentals to see it as an opportunity to buy at a time when the candles are in long reds.