Bitcoin (BTC) Market Shows Signs of Strain as Long-Term Holder Selling Accelerates: Glassnode

• Bitcoin is trading in a fragile range, with rising realized losses showing increased stress among investors.
• Long-term holders are accelerating their selling, signaling weakening confidence.
• Demand remains muted, while liquidity and ETF flows show no major pickup.
• Options markets are pricing in short-term volatility ahead of key macro events.

Bitcoin (BTC) is showing signs of fragility with key on-chain metrics now increasingly stressed, according to a new Week On-Chain report from analytics firm Glassnode. The company details that the market is currently “anchored, but under strain” as losses rise, long-term holder (LTH) selling accelerates, and demand remains notably weak.

Bitcoin Stuck in a Fragile Range

According to Glassnode, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading in a fragile zone whereby no side-takers have any reliable momentum. These precarious formations are a function of the increasing realized losses on the network; that is, an increasing share of coins is being sold below their cost basis.

Meanwhile, ETF flows, liquidity depth, and futures positioning have remained relatively muted. Stronger demand inflow, according to the report, is preventing the market from regaining upward momentum.

Also Read: Bitcoin Price Surge to 3 Week High: Fed Meeting & Rate Cut Impact on Volatile Crypto Market 

Long-Term Holder Selling Intensifies

The major concern for Glassnode, however, is the increase in selling from long-term holders-the usually resilient cohorts of Bitcoin investors. The data indicates that LTHs have started distributing coins into the market, often an early warning signal during periods of macro uncertainty.

This, combined with the increased spending from holders in the red, points to a cautious environment in which confidence among more experienced participants is thin.

Weak Demand Meets Rising Volatility Expectations

Options markets are already starting to price in short-term volatility ahead of next week’s US Federal Reserve FOMC meeting, despite the slow market conditions. It looks like traders are preparing for macro-driven swings that could break Bitcoin out of its current stagnation.

However, the tone in spot demand is soft, setting up a situation in which volatility will be skewed to the downside unless fresh capital enters.

Liquidity Conditions Still Tight

Glassnode also highlights a decline in liquidity across major trading venues and futures markets. Lower liquidity typically increases price reaction to large orders, making the overall market more susceptible to sharp movements.

Analysts note that BTC will remain under liquidity-driven pressure until either ETF inflows improve or stablecoin liquidity increases.

Also Read: Bitcoin Trading Now Available at $500B PNC, First Major US Bank via Coinbase