Bitcoin (BTC) may be holding above $90,000, but data implied that its price is still flashing a significant risk-off signal. CryptoQuant’s multi-metric risk-off oscillator remained near the “High-Risk” zone, a level that historically precedes corrections and diminishes the probability of a sustained bullish trend.
Key takeaways:
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Bitcoin’s risk-off signal was positioned near “High-Risk” territory, which has previously indicated a bearish period.
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BTC’s Profit–Loss sentiment has hit a rare -3 extreme, signalling a structural correction.
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BTC’s -32% drawdown placed it between a correction and capitulation zone, which may prolong the decline between $90,000 and $80,000.
Bitcoin is structurally weak near $90,000
CryptoQuant’s Risk-Off model incorporates six metrics — downside volatility, upside volatility, exchange inflows, funding rates, futures open interest and market cap behavior — to produce a data-driven assessment of market fragility. With the oscillator near 60 or the High-Risk zone, correction risk remains elevated.
Bitcoin risk-off signal. Source: CryptoQuantBitcoin researcher Axel Adler Jr also noted that the profit/loss score has dropped to -3, reflecting an extreme concentration of unprofitable UTXOs. Historically, this level aligned with bearish regimes and extended cooling phases. The current -32% drawdown exceeded normal cycle pullbacks (-20%–25%) but remains above capitulation thresholds (-50% to -70%), placing Bitcoin in a vulnerable “intermediate zone.”
Adler said that as long as macroeconomic conditions and onchain profitability fail to improve, the probability of continued downside remains high, despite the price stabilizing near $90,000.
Percentage drawdown of Bitcoin price from all-time high to historical lows. Source: Axel Adler Jr.At this stage, onchain data from Glassnode offered a small silver lining. The analytics platform noted that Bitcoin’s latest drawdown triggered the largest spike in realized losses since the FTX collapse in 2022, overwhelmingly driven by short-term holders (STHs).
However, long-term holder (LTH) losses remain comparatively muted, a dynamic that historically reflects core holder resilience and has sometimes cushioned deeper capitulation in past cycles.
Related: Bitcoin price action, investor sentiment point to bullish December
$100,000 Bitcoin is a battle between the momentum and the trend
One CryptoQuant analyst described Bitcoin’s approach to $100,000 as a “psychological turning point.” While a breakout could trigger renewed momentum, possibly helped by a Federal Reserve interest rate cut on Wednesday, major round numbers often produce volatility and failed attempts.
BTC’s growth rate difference (Market Cap vs. Realized Cap). Source: CryptoQuantThe growth rate difference (Market Cap vs. Realized Cap) remained at -0.00095, indicating that the market cap is shrinking faster than the realized cap. With BTC currently at $91,000, the analyst leaned more toward structural weakness rather than trend expansion.
Bitcoin futures trader Byzantine General also identified shaky price action for BTC, writing,
Related: Bitcoin accumulation trends strengthen as realized losses near $5.8B
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
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