Briefing
The core insight is that Bitcoin’s Long-Term Holders (LTHs), the most patient investor cohort, have begun a clear distribution phase, signaling a major structural shift in the market. This suggests the market is transitioning from the accumulation phase into the mid-to-late stage of the bull cycle, where supply from experienced hands is sold to new demand. This LTH selling is a necessary step that historically precedes periods of high volatility and eventual cycle peaks. The thesis is proven by the fact that LTH supply has declined by 52,000 BTC, marking the start of this profit-taking behavior.
Context
The common market uncertainty is whether the current price action is a temporary consolidation before a major breakout or if the structural bull market is nearing its end. Investors are wondering if the market has enough underlying strength to absorb veteran selling or if a significant correction is imminent. This data answers the question of whether the market’s strongest hands are still accumulating or have begun to exit.
Analysis
The Long-Term Holder (LTH) Supply Change metric tracks the amount of Bitcoin held by investors who have not moved their coins for over 155 days. This indicator measures the conviction of the market’s strongest participants. When LTH Supply goes up, it means patient investors are accumulating and refusing to sell; when it goes down, it means they are taking profits.
The current pattern shows a decline in LTH Supply, which means the market’s most patient investors are beginning to distribute coins. This is not a sign of panic, but a calculated, cyclical profit-taking move that confirms the market has matured beyond the early accumulation phase.
Parameters
- Key Metric – LTH Supply Change ∞ The net change in Bitcoin held by investors who have not moved their coins for over 155 days.
- Supply Change ∞ LTH supply has declined by 52,000 BTC.
- Price Level ∞ Distribution began near the $118,000 price level.
- Trend Implication ∞ Confirms a structural shift from accumulation to distribution.
Outlook
This insight suggests the near-term future will be characterized by increasing price volatility as veteran supply meets new demand. The market will likely consolidate as it absorbs this distribution. A confirming signal to watch for is a sustained increase in the Short-Term Holder (STH) Realized Price, which would show that new buyers are successfully absorbing the LTH supply and establishing a higher price floor. A counter-signal would be a rapid, sharp acceleration of LTH selling, which could signal a more aggressive market top is forming sooner than expected.
Verdict
The most patient investors are now selling, confirming the Bitcoin bull market has structurally entered its cyclical distribution phase.
