Exchange Net Inflows

Definition ∞ Exchange net inflows represent the total value of cryptocurrency deposited into centralized exchanges minus the total value withdrawn over a specific period. A positive net inflow indicates that more assets are moving onto exchanges than off, suggesting potential selling pressure or a readiness to trade. Conversely, negative net inflows, or net outflows, imply assets are being moved to cold storage or decentralized finance platforms, often signaling a holder’s preference to retain assets. This metric offers insights into aggregate market sentiment.
Context ∞ Monitoring exchange net inflows is a fundamental practice for cryptocurrency traders and analysts seeking to gauge short-term market direction. A sustained period of high net inflows for a particular asset can signal an impending price correction as supply increases on trading platforms. Conversely, consistent net outflows might precede a price appreciation, indicating reduced selling pressure and a preference for long-term holding. This data provides a quantitative view of collective market behavior.