Weak Hands Exit

Definition ∞ Weak Hands Exit describes the selling of cryptocurrency assets by investors who lack strong conviction or are highly susceptible to market fear and panic. These participants typically sell during market downturns, often at a loss, due to emotional reactions rather than fundamental analysis. This behavior contributes to increased selling pressure and can exacerbate price declines. It represents the departure of less resilient market participants.
Context ∞ News articles frequently refer to weak hands exit during bear markets or significant price corrections, often as a precursor to a potential market bottom. On-chain data showing a high volume of short-term holders selling at a loss can confirm this phenomenon. The purging of weak hands is sometimes seen as a necessary cleansing event before a market can begin a sustained recovery. This concept helps explain phases of extreme market volatility driven by emotional trading.