Bitcoin Ownership Trends: Short-Term Spike As ETFs Gain Popularity – Report

Christian Encila

1 year ago

3 mins read

Reason to trust

Strict editorial policy that focuses on accuracy, relevance, and impartiality

Created by industry experts and meticulously reviewed

The highest standards in reporting and publishing

How Our News is Made

Strict editorial policy that focuses on accuracy, relevance, and impartiality

Ad discliamer

Morbi pretium leo et nisl aliquam mollis. Quisque arcu lorem, ultricies quis pellentesque nec, ullamcorper eu odio.

The winds of change are blowing in the Bitcoin market, bringing a fresh wave of short-term traders while veteran holders remain steadfast in their convictions.

A recent report by Bitfinex Alpha reveals a fascinating dichotomy in investor behavior, with new players chasing quick profits and seasoned hodlers (hold on for dear life) accumulating for the long haul.

Figure 1. Spot Bitcoin ETF flows across various providers in the US. (Source: Farside UK)

Short-Term Surge Fueled By ETF Frenzy

Spot Bitcoin ETFs, financial instruments that mirror Bitcoin’s price, have emerged as a game-changer. These easily accessible options are attracting a new breed of investor, one with a keen eye for short-term gains.

This influx is evident in the significant rise of short-term holders (those holding Bitcoin for less than 155 days). Their holdings have skyrocketed by nearly 55% since January, indicating a surge in speculative activity.

It looks like we still have overhang from last cycle.

Short term holders realized price is steadily rising as new players enter the market and Buy #Bitcoin. Hedge funds, Pension Funds, Banks etc.

But the price isn’t taking off because older coins are being distributed.

We… pic.twitter.com/VxaXozgANT

— Thomas | heyapollo.com (@thomas_fahrer) June 12, 2024

However, this newfound enthusiasm comes with a caveat. Short-term investors, by their very nature, tend to be more reactive to price fluctuations. A sudden market correction could trigger a sell-off, causing price volatility. The report highlights this vulnerability, emphasizing the need for caution amidst the current “greed” sentiment in the market (as measured by the Fear & Greed Index).

Long-Term Holders: Diamonds In The Rough

While the short-term scene buzzes with activity, long-term holders continue to display unwavering faith in Bitcoin’s potential. These digital veterans, who weathered previous market cycles, have shown a remarkable buying spree after initially offloading some holdings at Bitcoin’s all-time high in March.

The report further underscores this bullish sentiment by pointing out the minimal amount of Bitcoin held by long-term investors that was purchased above the current price point. This signifies a “hodling” mentality, where investors are confident that the current price represents a good entry point for future gains.

BTCUSD trading at $67,543 on the daily chart: TradingView.com

Additionally, Bitcoin whales (large investors holding significant amounts) are mirroring their pre-2020 bull run behavior by aggressively accumulating Bitcoin, indicating a potential repeat of the previous market upswing.

Navigating The Crosscurrents

The current Bitcoin market presents a unique situation. On one hand, the influx of short-term investors injects fresh energy and liquidity. However, their presence also introduces the risk of increased volatility. On the other hand, long-term holders continue to be the bedrock of the market, providing stability and confidence.

Bitcoin Price Forecast

The Bitfinex Alpha report coincides with a technical analysis-based prediction, forecasting a potential rise in Bitcoin’s price by 29.51%, reaching $87,897 by July 13, 2024.

However, the report also acknowledges the mixed sentiment in the market, with a Fear & Greed Index hovering at “Greed” territory. This indicates a need for caution, as investor optimism can sometimes precede price corrections.

Featured image from VOI, chart from TradingView

Christian Encila

They say journalists never truly clock out. But for Christian, that's not just a metaphor, it's a lifestyle. By day, he navigates the ever-shifting tides of the cryptocurrency market, wielding words like a seasoned editor and crafting articles that decipher the jargon for the masses. When the PC goes on hibernate mode, however, his pursuits take a more mechanical (and sometimes philosophical) turn.

Christian's journey with the written word began long before the age of Bitcoin. In the hallowed halls of academia, he honed his craft as a feature writer for his college paper. This early love for storytelling paved the way for a successful stint as an editor at a data engineering firm, where his first-month essay win funded a months-long supply of doggie and kitty treats – a testament to his dedication to his furry companions (more on that later).

Christian then roamed the world of journalism, working at newspapers in Canada and even South Korea. He finally settled down at a local news giant in his hometown in the Philippines for a decade, becoming a total news junkie. But then, something new caught his eye: cryptocurrency. It was like a treasure hunt mixed with storytelling - right up his alley!

So, he landed a killer gig at NewsBTC, where he's one of the go-to guys for all things crypto. He breaks down this confusing stuff into bite-sized pieces, making it easy for anyone to understand (he salutes his management team for teaching him this skill).

Think Christian's all work and no play? Not a chance! When he's not at his computer, you'll find him indulging his passion for motorbikes. A true gearhead, Christian loves tinkering with his bike and savoring the joy of the open road on his 320-cc Yamaha R3. Once a speed demon who hit 120mph (a feat he vowed never to repeat), he now prefers leisurely rides along the coast, enjoying the wind in his thinning hair.

Speaking of chill, Christian's got a crew of furry friends waiting for him at home. Two cats and a dog. He swears cats are way smarter than dogs (sorry, Grizzly), but he adores them all anyway. Apparently, watching his pets just chillin’ helps him analyze and write meticulously formatted articles even better.

Here's the thing about this guy: He works a lot, but he keeps himself fueled by enough coffee to make it through the day - and some seriously delicious (Filipino) food. He says a delectable meal is the secret ingredient to a killer article. And after a long day of crypto crusading, he unwinds with some rum (mixed with milk) while watching slapstick movies.

Looking ahead, Christian sees a bright future with NewsBTC. He says he sees himself privileged to be part of an awesome organization, sharing his expertise and passion with a community he values, and fellow editors - and bosses - he deeply respects.

So, the next time you tread into the world of cryptocurrency, remember the man behind the words – the crypto crusader, the grease monkey, and the feline philosopher, all rolled into one.

Disclaimer: The information found on NewsBTC is for educational purposes only. It does not represent the opinions of NewsBTC on whether to buy, sell or hold any investments and naturally investing carries risks. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use information provided on this website entirely at your own risk.