Bitcoin Trades Near $90K as Short-Term Holder Capitulation Deepens

The crypto market is in a tense phase, with Bitcoin trading at critical levels. New data from CryptoQuant indicates Bitcoin is experiencing a severe short-term capitulation. Short-term holders (STHs) are realizing losses similar to past major market turning points.

  • STH-SOPR metric dropped to 0.97, indicating STHs are selling at a loss, driven by fear.
  • This metric staying below 1.0 suggests emotional selling and aligns with late-stage corrections and potential market reversals.

Short-Term Holders Under Extreme Stress

  • XWIN Research on CryptoQuant reports the STH-MVRV ratio is far below 1.0, showing recent buyers hold Bitcoin at a loss.
  • 65,200 BTC were sent to exchanges at a loss, highlighting panic-driven selling.
  • This behavior often precedes cyclical recoveries as weaker hands deplete their holdings.

Bitcoin Short-Term Holder SOPR | Source: CryptoQuant

Testing Weekly Support

  • Bitcoin trades above $91,000 after a decline from $110,000–$105,000 range, approaching critical support near $88,000–$90,000.
  • The 50-week moving average acts as a potential pivot point for market direction.
  • Volume increase shows panic exits but also hints at nearing a capitulation threshold.
  • Despite downside pressure, Bitcoin remains above the 100-week and 200-week moving averages, maintaining a broader upward trend.

BTC testing key demand levels | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView

The current market situation indicates stress and potential for recovery, but volatility may persist as weak hands exit the market.