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Crypto World

Bitcoin Bottom Signal That Preceded a 1,900% Rally Flashes Again

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Crypto Breaking News

Bitcoin’s on-chain signals have shifted in a way that several researchers say signals capitulation could be underway, potentially setting the stage for a cycle bottom. The most studied metric — the short-term holder stress — has sunk to levels not seen since the late-2018 bear market trough, according to data from Checkonchain. The indicator measures the gap between the spot price and the average cost basis of wallets holding coins for under 155 days, applying Bollinger Bands to identify oversold conditions. Traders and researchers see the print as aligning with prior macro bottoms, though consensus on timing remains mixed. The conversation also points to macro liquidity catalysts: Wells Fargo cites tax refunds in 2026 as a possible tailwind that could pour liquidity into Bitcoin and equities by March, potentially absorbing remaining selling pressure. The path forward will hinge on whether market participants sustain buying interest as on-chain stress remains subdued across multiple cohorts, including short-term holder wallets.

Key takeaways

  • Bitcoin’s Short-Term Holder (STH) MVRV Bollinger Band indicator has moved into its deepest oversold territory since the 2018 bear market bottom, signaling potential capitulation pressure.
  • Historical precedents show similar oversold prints preceding substantial rallies, including a roughly 150% gain within a year and a 1,900% surge over three years after the 2018 bottom.
  • The November 2022 trough, which preceded a multi-year rally to a record high near $126,270, is cited as another data point supporting cycle-bottom expectations.
  • Realized losses among short-term holder whales have remained muted since Bitcoin’s October 2025 peak near $126,000, suggesting larger buyers have not yet fully capitulated.
  • Macro liquidity signals, such as Wells Fargo’s note on sizable 2026 tax refunds potentially fueling a “YOLO” trade into Bitcoin and equities, could provide near-term upside pressure if flows materialize by end-March.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC

Sentiment: Neutral

Price impact: Neutral. While on-chain stress hints at a potential bottom, there is noConfirmed breakout scenario described and macro factors remain a key variable.

Market context: The combination of on-chain stress relief and a potential liquidity impulse from tax flows frames a window where risk appetite could improve in the near term. observers are watching whether the inflows materialize into persistent demand, or whether price action remains range-bound as macro conditions evolve.

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Why it matters

On-chain metrics have long been a yardstick for evaluating Bitcoin’s market cycle phases, distinct from price action alone. The Short-Term Holder MVRV Bollinger Band approach temporarily puts a spotlight on coins held by newer entrants, treating them as a proxy for imminent selling or hold-to-maturity behavior. When the oscillator breaks below its lower Bollinger Band, it suggests that the average cost basis of short-term holders is being undercut by the current price — a condition historically associated with capitulation in the broader market. The 2018 experience, where oversold prints preceded a multi-year uptrend, is frequently cited by analysts as a potential template for this cycle.

The depth of the current oversold reading is meaningful because it aligns with a broader narrative: that selling pressure could be waning as investors capitulate, potentially creating room for a sustainable bottom. Yet, the analysis cautions that such signals are not guarantees. Bitcoin’s price has previously rebounded from similar conditions only to face renewed headwinds from macro shocks or shifts in risk appetite. The discussion around realized losses among short-term holder whales adds nuance: even as prices have fallen, large holders have not uniformly capitulated, suggesting that demand may still exist at higher levels than recent prices imply. This balance matters because it influences the probability of a durable bottom versus a quick bounce that fails to gain traction.

The macro dimension adds another layer. Wells Fargo’s strategists highlighted the potential for tax refunds to unlock liquidity that could support risk-on assets, including Bitcoin, by injecting capital into the market through March. If the $150 billion figure referenced by analysts proves accurate, such inflows could mitigate selling pressure and help price discover a more meaningful bottom. The convergence of on-chain signals with real-world liquidity flows is the kind of alignment that market watchers view as a constructive sign for risk assets, even as they remain cautious about the pace and durability of any rebound.

Analysts also point to historical cycles where bottoms were followed by notable recoveries. The late-2018 experience showed that oversold conditions, when paired with improving macro sentiment and increasing demand from new buyers, could catalyze a multi-year upside. The November 2022 bottom, followed by a surge to near-record highs, reinforces the idea that bottoms often coincide with periods of intense buyer interest returning to the market, even if the path there is bumpy. In this environment, the emphasis is on how fast new money and existing holders re-enter the market and how quickly sellers exhaust their supply, factors that are inherently linked to broader liquidity and sentiment dynamics.

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Within the broader ecosystem, some traders and researchers also reference a smell-test of market psychology: the extent to which realized losses have cooled among the most active short-term participants suggests that the willingness to re-enter at higher levels remains present, albeit tentative. This is why the current data is interpreted as a potential setup for a cycle low rather than a guaranteed bottom. The shared takeaway is that while the signals are promising, the next few weeks — especially through the end of March — will be telling as tax-driven liquidity and on-chain dynamics continue to unfold.

The discussion around these dynamics is not isolated to Bitcoin. While the primary focus is on the flagship asset, the pattern of on-chain stress, macro liquidity, and historical analogs feeds into broader debates about the resilience of the crypto market amid evolving market structure and regulation. As always, readers are advised to view these signals as parts of a larger puzzle, not a definitive forecast. The intersection of on-chain data, fund flows, and macro risk sentiment remains the most informative lens for assessing where Bitcoin might head next.

What to watch next

  • Monitor whether Bitcoin price stabilizes or rallies in the coming weeks, particularly if the STH Bollinger Band reading remains in oversold territory or begins to recover.
  • Track tax-related liquidity flows into markets through March, as discussions around the $150 billion potential influx gain visibility.
  • Observe changes in realized losses among short-term holder wallets and any signs of capitulation shifting toward distribution or accumulation phases.
  • Watch updates from on-chain analytics providers like Checkonchain for new readings on short-term cost bases and holder behavior.

Sources & verification

  • Checkonchain on the Short-Term Holder (STH) Bollinger Band metric and its historical precedents.
  • Past Bitcoin bottoms in 2018 and 2022 that preceded major rallies, including a move to about $126,270 in 2022.
  • Bitcoin price context around the October 2025 peak near $126,000 and the persistence of muted realized losses among short-term holder whales.
  • Wells Fargo analysis cited by CNBC, noting potential liquidity inflows from tax refunds in 2026 and their possible impact on Bitcoin and equities.
  • Matrixport’s bottom outlook as part of the broader analyst consensus around on-chain signals and macro risk sentiment.

Bitcoin on-chain stress signals edge toward potential cycle bottom

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) on-chain metrics have shifted in a way that several researchers say signals capitulation could be underway, potentially setting the stage for a cycle bottom. Foremost among them is the Short-Term Holder (STH) MVRV Bollinger Band indicator, which dipped into levels not seen since the 2018 bear trough, according to data from Checkonchain. By applying Bollinger Bands to the gap between the spot price and the average cost basis for wallets that have held BTC for less than 155 days, the oscillator flags oversold conditions when the price trades beyond the lower band.

The pattern mirrors a historical playbook: when the STH oscillator crosses the lower Bollinger band, Bitcoin has tended to trade well below the average purchase price of recent buyers, signaling capitulation pressure that often precedes a multi-month or multi-year rebound. In late 2018, such an oversold print foreshadowed a substantial rally, with BTC staging roughly a 150% ascent within a year and a cumulative rise of about 1,900% over three years. Similarly, the November 2022 trough marked a turning point before a dramatic upleg toward a record high near $126,270. These episodes illustrate how on-chain stress and market cycles can align in the aftermath of stress events.

Beyond price gaps, the market’s on-chain composition offers a nuanced view: realized losses among short-term holder whales have remained muted since Bitcoin’s October 2025 peak around $126,000, implying that larger buyers may still be sitting on loss-adjusted positions rather than capitulating. This balance between buying pressure and seller fatigue is often critical for confirming a bottom rather than a simple bounce. The data point is echoed in other analyses showing that demand from new entrants and opportunistic buyers has not yet faltered, though the overall macro environment remains uncertain.

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Macro traders are also watching liquidity catalysts that could influence near-term direction. Wells Fargo’s Ohsung Kwon, cited by CNBC, highlighted that unusually large tax refunds anticipated in 2026 could revitalize what some call a “YOLO” trade — a rapid, all-in bet across equities and digital assets. Estimates floated in the note suggest as much as $150 billion could flow into stocks and Bitcoin by the end of March, a wave that may help absorb remaining selling pressure and support a stabilization narrative through the first quarter. More details

Such liquidity inflows would not, by themselves, guarantee a sustained rally, but they could dampen downside volatility and create a backdrop for a gradual rebound if on-chain metrics continue to show exhaustion of sellers. The discussion around short-term holder metrics is complemented by institutional commentary and analyst forecasts that point to a potential cycle low rather than a simple bounce. Some market observers, including researchers tracking long-run cycles, emphasize that the bottom’s timing is intrinsically linked to how quickly buyers re-emerge and how macro risk sentiment evolves in the coming weeks.

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Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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Crypto World

Bitcoin ETFs to surpass gold ETFs in size

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Bitcoin spot ETFs may soon surpass gold ETFs in assets under management, fracturing the long-standing narrative that “digital gold” is a perfect stand-in for investors seeking a safe haven. Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart shared the view in an interview linked to the Coin Stories podcast, arguing that Bitcoin’s multiple use cases — from store of value to growth asset and liquidity driver — create a broader appeal than gold, which the market typically frames in a single light.

“There are just more use cases of why somebody would put a Bitcoin ETF in a portfolio,” Seyffart said on the podcast. He emphasized Bitcoin’s roles as a store of value, a portfolio diversifier, a form of digital capital, and even a growth-risk asset, suggesting that the crypto may attract a wider spectrum of investors than gold over time. While gold has historically served as a hedge against monetary debasement, Bitcoin’s evolving narrative as both a digital asset and a potential macro hedge underpins the case for larger ETF demand in the years ahead.

Key takeaways

  • Bitcoin ETFs could grow to exceed gold ETFs in total assets under management as demand broadens beyond the traditional “digital gold” story, according to James Seyffart, a Bloomberg ETF analyst.
  • March ETF flows show divergent momentum: U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted about $1.32 billion in net inflows, while U.S. gold ETFs recorded net outflows of roughly $2.92 billion.
  • A single-day move underscored fragility in precious metals: GLD, the flagship gold ETF, posted a $3 billion withdrawal on March 4, the largest daily outflow in more than two years.
  • Longer-run macro signals remain mixed, with data suggesting a rotation dynamic between gold and Bitcoin rather than a single clear trend; Fidelity highlighted a historical pattern of leadership rotating between the two assets.

Flow dynamics in March: what they reveal about narrative shifts

The contrast in March ETF flows underscores shifting investor appetites for duration, liquidity, and narrative potential. Gold ETFs in the United States posted net outflows totaling about $2.92 billion in March, signaling renewed challenges for the traditional safe-haven metal in a period of evolving macro cues. In the same month, US spot Bitcoin ETFs drew approximately $1.32 billion in net inflows, illustrating a growing appetite for crypto exposure in diversified portfolios.

The divergence sits against a broader context in which Bitcoin and gold have moved more cohesively in recent weeks despite the divergent flows. The data points to a market that is re-evaluating the roles of these two hedges and growth assets in a landscape of persistent inflation concerns, evolving monetary policy expectations, and expanding acceptance of crypto-based investment products.

Gold’s pullback and retail versus institutional dynamics

Several pressures shaped gold’s March performance. The largest daily outflow in over two years hit GLD on March 4, reflecting sell-side and perhaps macro rotation pressures that have periodically punctured the gold regime. Meanwhile, more broad-based BIS data — cited by Cointelegraph — show retail gold purchases tripling over the past six months, while Wall Street selling has accelerated over the last four months. The juxtaposition implies a nuanced narrative: retail demand remains resilient even as institutional appetite shifts toward crypto exposure and related investment vehicles.

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These dynamics sit alongside anecdotal expectations that a growing cadre of investors view Bitcoin as a “growth risk asset,” complementary to its role as a hedge-friendly reserve. The evolving taxonomy — Bitcoin as a stores of value, digital currency with intrinsic scarcity, and liquidity-rich growth asset — contributes to a broader array of reasons to own a Bitcoin ETF beyond simply “digital gold.”

Price action and broader market context

As of publication, Bitcoin traded around $66,918, down about 8% over the prior 30 days, according to CoinMarketCap data. Gold hovered near $4,676 per ounce, down about 8.25% over the same period, per GoldPrice metrics. The near-term move preserves the sense that both assets have faced headwinds in a mixed macro backdrop, yet the flow data suggests that investor interest in Bitcoin ETFs remains persistent and possibly expanding even as gold faces episodic outflows.

The longer-term rotation story received some color from Fidelity Digital Assets analyst Chris Kuiper. In December 2025, Kuiper noted that historically gold and Bitcoin have rotated leadership, with gold performing strongly at times and Bitcoin catching up in others. That framework remains relevant as market participants weigh regulatory clarity, ETF availability, and the evolving ecosystem around Bitcoin-based investment products.

Implications for investors and markets

The potential overtaking of gold ETFs by Bitcoin ETFs in AUM would mark a notable shift in how investors allocate capital in search of diversification, liquidity, and growth exposure. If Bitcoin ETFs continue to capture inflows beyond the “digital gold” narrative, the market could see a broader base of participants embracing crypto exposure through regulated vehicles. This would not only change the composition of ETF portfolios but could also influence liquidity, product development, and the pace at which financial institutions bring more crypto-enabled offerings to retail and high-net-worth investors alike.

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From a portfolio-management perspective, the idea of Bitcoin acting as hot sauce in a diversified mix is persuasive for those seeking a growth-oriented, liquidity-rich sleeve within a broader asset allocation. Yet the data also underscores the need for caution and continued monitoring of regulatory developments, product approvals, and market structure changes that shape the appeal and risk profile of spot BTC ETFs.

In practical terms, readers should watch ETF inflow trends in the coming quarters, the rate of new product approvals, and the evolving evidence on how Bitcoin-based funds perform relative to gold during different macro regimes. The March data points demonstrate that the narrative around Bitcoin ETFs is gaining traction in investor discourse, even as gold maintains its own complex set of drivers and vulnerabilities.

Beyond price moves, the debate now centers on whether Bitcoin ETFs can sustain and broaden their appeal to a broader investor universe — from traditional equity and bond strategists to macro hedge funds and retail savers seeking diversified exposure. If inflows continue and more products arrive, the BTC ETF story may transition from a niche crypto offering to a core component of diversified portfolios.

What matters next is the trajectory of ETF approvals and listings, clear and consistent data on inflows across different regimes, and how macro factors like inflation momentum and monetary policy directions shape the risk-reward calculus for these funds. Investors should stay attentive to monthly flow prints, regulatory signals, and the evolving narrative around Bitcoin’s role in modern asset allocation.

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As the market awaits further clarity, the ongoing dialogue around Bitcoin’s ETF potential points to a future where crypto exposure becomes an increasingly standard instrument within traditional investment frameworks. The next few quarters will be telling, as inflows, product breadth, and price action converge to reveal whether Bitcoin ETFs can definitively eclipse gold ETFs in practical assets under management.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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Bitcoin ETFs Will Be Bigger Than Gold ETFs, Says ETF Analyst

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Bitcoin ETFs Will Be Bigger Than Gold ETFs, Says ETF Analyst

Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could surpass gold ETFs in total assets under management (AUM) as investor demand expands beyond the traditional “digital gold” narrative, according to ETF analyst James Seyffart.

“There are just more use cases of why somebody would put a Bitcoin ETF in a portfolio,” Seyffart said on the Coin Stories podcast published to YouTube on Friday. He pointed to Bitcoin’s (BTC) role as digital gold, a store of value, a portfolio diversifier, and a form of digital capital and property, adding that the market also views Bitcoin as a “growth risk asset.”

Seyffart explained that Bitcoin has “all these different ways” of being viewed, while gold only has “one of those things.”

“Our view is that Bitcoin ETFs will be larger than gold ETFs,” he added.

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Bitcoin ETFs are a “hot sauce” in the portfolio

“There are so many people that could use it. They could be viewing it to put in their portfolio because they want to bet on like a growth and liquidity trade,” he said. “It can be hot sauce in a portfolio in that way,” he added.

Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart spoke to Natalie Brunell on the Coin Stories podcast. Source: Coin Stories

Bitcoin is often compared to gold due to its limited supply and perceived role as a hedge against monetary debasement. 

US-based gold ETFs recorded net outflows of $2.92 billion in March, while US spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted $1.32 billion in net inflows over the same period.

Gold and BTC have declined over the past 30 days

The largest US gold-backed ETF, GLD, recorded a $3 billion outflow on Mar. 4, the largest daily withdrawal in more than two years.

On Mar. 19, Cointelegraph cited data from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) showing retail gold purchases have tripled over the last six months, while Wall Street selling has accelerated over the past four months.

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Related: Bitcoin ‘done’ with 85% crashes, says Cathie Wood amid new $34K target

Despite the divergence in ETF flows, both assets have moved broadly in tandem in recent weeks.

Bitcoin is trading at $66,918 at the time of publication, down 8.07% over the past 30 days, according to CoinMarketCap. Meanwhile, gold is trading at $4,676, down 8.25% over the past 30 days, according to GoldPrice data.

In December 2025, Fidelity Digital Assets analyst Chris Kuiper said that, “historically, gold and Bitcoin have taken turns outperforming. With gold shining in 2025, it would not be surprising if Bitcoin takes the lead next.”

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