Market Supply Shock

Definition ∞ A market supply shock describes an unexpected or sudden reduction in the available supply of a specific asset, leading to rapid price increases. In the context of digital assets, this can occur due to events like Bitcoin halvings, which abruptly decrease the rate of new coin issuance. It can also result from a significant portion of the existing supply becoming illiquid or locked away. Such shocks disrupt the supply-demand balance, often resulting in upward price volatility.
Context ∞ Market supply shocks are highly anticipated and frequently discussed events in cryptocurrency news, particularly concerning Bitcoin. The predictable nature of halving events allows for forward-looking analysis of their potential impact on price. These supply contractions provide a significant narrative for market participants assessing future asset valuations.