Weak Hands

Definition ∞ In financial markets, “weak hands” describes investors or traders who lack conviction in their holdings and are prone to selling their assets quickly during periods of market volatility or price declines. These participants typically have low risk tolerance or insufficient capital to withstand downturns. Their selling activity can exacerbate price drops, particularly in less liquid markets. This term suggests a lack of long-term commitment to an asset.
Context ∞ In cryptocurrency news, the concept of “weak hands” is frequently invoked during market corrections or bear markets, often to distinguish between short-term speculators and long-term holders. Analysts may point to high selling volume during price dips as an indication of weak hands exiting the market. The liquidation of weak hands is sometimes seen as a necessary cleansing process before a market recovery. Understanding this dynamic helps interpret market sentiment and potential shifts in ownership.