Feb 28, 2026
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BEARISH 📉 : Bitcoin’s Decline Attributed to Spot Selling, Not Manipulation
Ari Paul, founder of BlockTower, argues against the idea that Bitcoin's price is suppressed by market makers, instead attributing its failure to rise higher to the sell-side pressure from long-term holders. He emphasizes that while market manipulation occurs, it often affects prices only in the short term and not in a way that would keep Bitcoin from reaching higher values for an extended period.
- Paul refutes claims that Bitcoin is kept below its potential value due to manipulation, suggesting instead that large sell-offs by original holders are the primary reason for its current price levels.
- He acknowledges that market makers can influence short-term trading conditions, such as triggering stop orders, but this does not equate to long-term price suppression.
- Paul stresses that significant, sustained manipulation by Wall Street firms is rare and risky.
The discussion gains context from a lawsuit against Jane Street, accused of insider trading linked to the Terra collapse. While manipulation narratives persist, Paul's insights focus on actual market dynamics rather than conspiratorial explanations.
At the time of reporting, Bitcoin trades at $66,090.
