Coinbase premium gap hits low now, signaling institutional selling and ETF outflows as BTC trades cheaper on Coinbase vs. Binance.
Bitcoin market indicators are showing renewed stress as the Coinbase Premium Gap drops to a yearly low.
Analysts say the move may reflect weaker demand from Coinbase-linked venues. These venues are often associated with institutional and professional trading activity.
Coinbase Premium Gap Falls to Lowest Level Since 2024
The Coinbase Premium Gap measures the price difference between Bitcoin on Coinbase and Binance.
It compares the BTC/USD pair on Coinbase with the BTC/USDT pair on Binance. A negative value means Bitcoin trades lower on Coinbase than on Binance.
According to CryptoQuant, the premium gap has fallen to -167.8. This is the lowest level recorded since December 2024.
The indicator has trended downward for several months and weakened further in recent days.
CryptoQuant analyst Darkfost said the negative reading points to selling pressure on Coinbase-linked platforms.
He said, “The selling pressure is intensifying on the institutional side.” He added that this pressure is pushing prices lower on Coinbase.
Institutional Activity Linked to Sustained Selling Pressure
Coinbase Advanced Trade is mainly used by institutions and high-net-worth traders.
When prices fall below Binance levels, analysts often associate the move with institutional behavior. Retail-heavy platforms tend to show different pricing trends.
Darkfost explained that a falling premium suggests whales are selling at lower prices. He also said it reflects lower interest and activity on Coinbase.
This trend signals reduced participation from large market players.
CryptoQuant noted that the premium gap decline began after the mid-October market downturn.
The pace of the decline increased over the past week. This timing aligns with broader weakness across spot crypto markets.
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ETF Flows Add to Market Supply Pressure
CryptoQuant reported that institutional demand has reversed in recent months. The firm said US spot Bitcoin ETFs have shifted from buyers to sellers.
This change has added supply to the market. Data shows spot Bitcoin ETFs purchased over 46,000 BTC during the same period last year.
In 2026, these funds are net sellers, offloading about 10,600 BTC. CryptoQuant said this creates a 56,000 BTC demand gap compared with 2025.
Over the past week, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded about $1.2 billion in outflows. During the same period, Bitcoin fell below $71,000, reaching a 15-month low.
Analysts say these flows align with continued downside pressure.
CryptoQuant added that the current market climate remains uncertain. The analyst said it is “not conducive to risk-taking” and limits large Bitcoin investments.
Bitcoin continues to trade as a volatile asset under these conditions.
Source: https://www.livebitcoinnews.com/coinbase-premium-hits-yearly-low-a-signal-of-institutional-selling/
