Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Crypto World

Buying Bitcoin? Hold at least 3 years to avoid losses, data shows

Published

on

Crypto Breaking News

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) has repeatedly tested patient investors, and a long-hold thesis appears increasingly robust when examined through multi-year price histories. A Bitwise Europe study looking at BTC’s price data from mid-2010 through early 2026 finds that the odds of ending a multi-year position in the red shrink dramatically as the holding window extends. In particular, three-year holders show a loss probability of just 0.70%, with even smaller risk over longer horizons. The findings map onto a broader narrative: while near-term volatility and macro headwinds persist, the longest-dated exposure has historically delivered favorable outcomes for those who ride out cycles. The debate around price targets for 2026–2027 remains lively among analysts and researchers, with forecasts ranging widely.

Key takeaways

  • A three-year BTC holding has a 0.70% chance of ending in loss; five-year horizons drop to 0.2%, and ten-year horizons sit at 0% based on the Bitwise Europe dataset covering July 2010–Feb. 11, 2026.
  • Shorter horizons carry higher risk: intraday BTC positions were 47.1% underwater, with the probability staying elevated at 44.7% over one week, 43.2% over one month, and 24.3% over a one-year window.
  • As of a recent Saturday, BTC traded near $65,000 after a roughly 50% decline from the October 2025 peak; the three-to-five year realized price sits around $34,780, meaning long-hold investors in that window remain roughly 90% in profit.
  • Cost-basis insights show the depth of drawdowns varied by holding period: those in the 6–12 month band carried a cost basis near $101,250, while the 1–2 year cohort hovered around $78,150, illustrating how longer horizons dampen drawdowns during corrections.
  • Forecasts for 2026–2027 remain divergent. Bernstein has kept a bullish target of $150,000 for 2026, while Standard Chartered warns of potential downside toward $50,000 amid weak ETF flows before a recovery toward $100,000 by year-end. Timothy Peterson’s framework points to around $122,000 by early 2027, with odds skewing toward a level above that mark. Some analysts even flag a scenario where a drop toward $30,000 could intensify, should negative forces persist.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC

Market context: The analysis arrives as the macro backdrop and spot-Bitcoin ETF dynamics shape liquidity and sentiment. While near-term moves remain volatile, the data emphasize a structural resilience for long-duration exposure, complicating calls that rely solely on short- or medium-term price actions.

Why it matters

The central takeaway for investors weighing risk and time horizons is that holding Bitcoin for longer stretches has historically reduced downside risk. The Bitwise Europe analysis synthesizes decades of price history to illustrate a simple trade-off: time in the market tends to smooth out volatility and limit losses, even as drawdowns occur along the way. For market participants who favor patient exposure over quick wins, the results reinforce the strategic value of a multi-year horizon when assessing BTC’s risk profile.

But the narrative is nuanced. While long-hold cohorts show impressive downside resistance, shorter-term traders faced meaningful drawdowns during correction cycles. The intraday and weekly metrics underscore that market timing remains a challenging game. Investors who entered positions within the last year or two found themselves under considerable pressure during bear-market rallies and capitulation phases. The realized-price framework adds another layer: even as Bitcoin’s price dips, the difference between current levels and multi-year realized prices can offer a proxy for whether a given entry remains profitable on a longer horizon.

Advertisement

What to watch next

  • Track ETF flows and price action around key levels: Bernstein notes modest net outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs (around 7%), a dynamic that could influence near-term price action.
  • Watch for potential downside catalysts: some scenarios point to BTC testing the $30,000 region if macro and ETF dynamics worsen further, which would compress the cushion for long-term holders.
  • Observe longer-horizon projections evolving: Peterson’s model suggests roughly $122,000 by early 2027, while other analysts maintain targets near six figures or higher depending on liquidity conditions and risk sentiment.
  • Monitor realized-price indicators as a gauge of profitability across aging cohorts: data from Glassnode’s realized-price-by-age charts help contextualize whether current prices justify holding or adding to positions over time.

Sources & verification

  • Bitwise Europe research lead Andre Dragosch’s data referencing BTC price history from July 17, 2010, to February 11, 2026, showing loss probabilities by holding period. Link: X post.
  • Glassnode data on BTC realized price by age, used to illustrate realized-profit dynamics across holding windows: Realized price by age.
  • Bernstein’s price target for Bitcoin at $150,000 in 2026: Bernstein analysis.
  • Standard Chartered commentary on ETF flows and BTC price implications, including a potential move toward $50,000 and a recovery toward $100,000 by end-2026: Standard Chartered note.
  • Timothy Peterson’s historical price-metric projection of around $122,000 by early 2027: Peterson model.
  • Analyses discussing a potential price bottom around $30,000: BTC to $30k discussion.

Market reaction and key details

Bitcoin’s long-hold resilience narrative sits at the intersection of empirical price histories and forward-looking forecasts. The Bitwise Europe findings underscore a fundamental principle of risk management in crypto: time can be a mitigating factor against pronounced drawdowns, particularly for assets with long and volatile price trajectories like BTC. As of the latest data points, the price remains well above the 3–5 year realized-price band, suggesting investors who carried positions across that horizon stayed financially advantaged despite recent declines. Yet, with near-term price action vulnerable to ETF flow shifts and macro surprises, the timing of new entries or additions warrants careful consideration.

What this means for investors and the market

For builders and institutions, the message is clear: a multi-year exposure approach continues to be a meaningful risk management lever, provided entrants understand that near-term volatility can erase short-term gains. For traders and retail participants, the findings reinforce the importance of horizon management—knowing when to trim, when to accumulate, and how to interpret realized-price signals that contextualize profitability over time. As the debate over BTC’s fair value stretches into 2027, the balance between outflows from ETF products, macro momentum, and the technical price regime will increasingly shape the space. The data do not guarantee outcomes, but they do illuminate how holding patterns have historically influenced risk and reward in one of crypto’s most scrutinized markets.

What to watch next

  • ETF flow dynamics and their impact on spot BTC liquidity (watch for updates on net inflows/outflows and price correlation).
  • Key downside risk scenarios, including any approach toward the $30,000 level and the subsequent implications for longer-term holders.
  • Updated price targets for 2026–2027 from major analysts, including revisions to mid- or high-five-figure forecasts.
  • New data from realized-price analyses that track aging cohorts, offering updated insight into profitability by holding window.

Rewritten article: Understanding the enduring appeal of patience in BTC

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) has long been framed as a volatile asset class that tests the nerves of investors seeking quick profits. Yet, a synthesis of long-run price history and contemporary market dynamics suggests that the most durable gains may accrue to those who commit to time rather than timing. The Bitwise Europe analysis, which combs through BTC’s price journey from 2010 to early 2026, indicates a striking pattern: the longer you ride the cycle, the less likely you are to sit on losses. Specifically, a three-year holding period yields a loss probability of just 0.70%, while five-year and ten-year windows reduce the risk even further to 0.2% and 0%, respectively.

To put those figures into perspective, the risk calculus for traders who enter BTC positions with shorter horizons is markedly more precarious. Intraday entries show nearly half the time ending underwater, with 47.1% of positions in negative territory. The risk persists, albeit at different magnitudes, over one week (44.7%), one month (43.2%), and even a year (24.3%). These numbers illuminate a pattern: the shorter the time frame, the greater the exposure to abrupt price moves and regime shifts. It helps explain why many seasoned crypto investors emphasize patience and disciplined risk management as essential components of a successful strategy in this space.

The price action context is equally important. As of a recent Saturday, BTC traded around $65,000, roughly half its October 2025 high. Yet the longer-term perspective remains constructive when contrasted with realized-prices: the 3–5 year realized price sits near $34,780, implying that participants who bought around that window and held through the recent drawdown were still sitting on about a 90% profit. This contrast between current market price and multi-year realization offers a tangible signal for investors evaluating whether to add to positions or hold steady through volatility. The historical frame invites readers to consider not just where Bitcoin is today, but where it has been over the last decade and how those cycles tested the resilience of long-term holders.

Forecasts for the 2026–2027 horizon remain divergent, reflecting the many moving parts that drive crypto markets. Bernstein has maintained a bold target of $150,000 for Bitcoin in 2026, arguing that relatively modest outflows from spot-Bitcoin ETFs could sustain a price trajectory higher, even as the asset retrenched by roughly 50% from its prior peak. The analysts characterized the current price action as a “crisis of confidence,” suggesting that sentiment rather than fundamentals is a primary swing factor in the near term. On the other side of the ledger, Standard Chartered has warned of a possible “final capitulation” phase that could pull BTC toward $50,000, driven by weak ETF flows and a softer macro backdrop, before restoring momentum toward the $100,000 mark by year-end 2026. Timothy Peterson’s framework, which leverages a historical average-return approach, points to around $122,000 by early 2027, with a substantial likelihood of trading above that level.

Advertisement

Beyond these headlines, a broader data story centers on the aging of holders and the corresponding realized-price dynamics. Glassnode’s charts of realized price by age underscore a recurring pattern: the cost basis and drawdown profiles depend heavily on how long investors have held their BTC. The 6–12 month cohort, for instance, shows a cost basis near $101,250, translating to about a 35% unrealized loss at a given snapshot, while the 1–2 year cohort sits closer to $78,150, implying roughly a 15% unrealized loss. The practical takeaway is that longer holding horizons tend to dampen the severity of corrections, a trend that aligns with the three-year risk reductions highlighted in the Bitwise analysis. For readers tracking the macro picture, the conversation about ETF flows, risk sentiment, and regulatory signals remains essential, as these factors are likely to influence whether the market shakes off or sustains the next leg higher.

Looking ahead, the path for Bitcoin remains as much about risk management as about price discovery. The consensus between long-hold data and bearish risk scenarios suggests a bifurcated market: patient investors could ride out volatility and exit with meaningful gains, while shorter-term traders might face amplified drawdowns if macro or policy dynamics tilt unfavorably. As with prior cycles, the market’s future hinges on how liquidity, sentiment, and structural demand—whether via ETFs or institutional participation—interact with the entrenched volatility that has defined BTC since its inception. In that context, the discipline of holding—paired with vigilant risk assessment—appears to be the most durable approach for navigating Bitcoin’s evolving landscape.

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

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Crypto World

Visa to operate an ‘anchor validator’ on Stripe’s Tempo blockchain

Published

on

Visa to operate an 'anchor validator' on Stripe’s Tempo blockchain

The Stripe-backed Tempo blockchain gained a pair of heavyweight validators in Visa (V) and Zodia Custody, the crypto custodian majority owned by Standard Chartered (STAN).

Alongside Stripe, Visa and Zodia will participate in the Tempo blockchain by maintaining network security and verifying transactions.

Visa, a long-time collaborator of the payments services provider, configured and managed the validator node entirely in-house, following six months of joint work with Tempo’s engineering team to integrate the card giant’s infrastructure directly into the blockchain, according to a press release.

Visa plans to run nodes on some other blockchains following the Tempo integration. The card network had previously said it will join the Canton Network, where there are plans to serve as a “Super Validator.”

Advertisement

For the past seven years or so, Visa’s blockchain engineers have been “living and breathing stablecoins,” said the head of Visa’s crypto team, Cuy Sheffield. Now the focus is on supporting the evolution of new payment flows such as machine-to-machine commerce using AI agents, he added.

“We’ve been an early design partner, working very closely with the Tempo team, looking at designing infrastructure that can support many types of new payment flows, and particularly agentic payment flows,” Sheffield said in an interview with CoinDesk.

Tempo, which is also backed by crypto investment firm Paradigm, went live last month with Machine Payments Protocol (MPP), a protocol that lets software and AI agents pay for services autonomously.

“Visa is a big part of MPP,” Sheffield said. “We added the MPP card spec. We announced Visa CLI, which is a wallet that is built on top of MPP where agents can use a Visa card to be able to spend. So we’ve been deeply involved in the Tempo and the MPP ecosystem, and now we’re running the underlying infrastructure on Tempo.”

Advertisement

There’s no doubting Stripe’s conviction when it comes to assembling an end-to-end blockchain-based system for stablecoin payments. But, taking a step back, some people might question how open and decentralized such a system is.

Sheffield, in response, said Visa is simply being pragmatic, looking for products that can drive payment volume.

“Our view has always been that decentralization is a spectrum,” Sheffield said. “There are many use cases where decentralization for the sake of decentralization doesn’t solve a problem. I think we’re now entering a phase in the crypto industry where decentralization is not the primary value prop. It’s whether a new payment infrastructure is fast, efficient, programmable and can outperform some existing payment infrastructure for certain use cases.”

Stripe moved into the stablecoin industry when it acquired stablecoin specialist Bridge for $1.1 billion in 2024. Earlier this year, Mastercard made a similar move, buying stablecoin firm BVNK for $1.8 billion.

Advertisement

Asked if Visa had any plans to offer its own stablecoin, Sheffield said:

“It’s so early and the rules haven’t even been fully written yet. We spent a bunch of time with the OCC (Office of the Comptroller of the Currency) and others,” he said. “I think there are many different roles that Visa can play, but everything we do, we want to make sure that we’re doing it in partnership with our clients and our network.”

UPDATE (April 14, 14:16 UTC): Rewrites headline, first paragraph to include reference to Zodia Custody.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Crypto World

Bitcoin Shows Bullish Chart Pattern, Targeting $90k

Published

on

Crypto Breaking News

Bitcoin extended its latest bounce, surging about 5% on Tuesday to a fresh intraday high near $76,120 as traders weigh a renewed bullish setup and stronger on-chain activity. The move rekindles expectations of a broader rally, with market participants eyeing higher targets if momentum persists and key resistance zones are cleared.

Key takeaways

  • Bitcoin punched to an intraday high around $76,120, reclaiming earlier resistance and signaling renewed upside momentum.
  • Analysts see a potential breakout above an ascending triangle pattern, with the next major hurdle near $80,000 and a measured target around $89,050.
  • On-chain activity supports the price move: daily transaction count rose sharply in 2026, reaching 765,130 million as of April 5, a level last seen in November 2024 when BTC briefly topped $100,000.
  • Network activity is corroborated by higher fee revenue, with total on-chain fees up about 4% week over week to roughly $153,700, suggesting greater willingness to pay for priority processing.

Price action and the chart setup

Trading data shows Bitcoin breaking above the upper boundary of its latest consolidation, with Tuesday’s rally pushing the price above $76,000—levels not seen since early February. Analysts described the move as a breakout that validates renewed bullish momentum, noting that a decisive close above the $75,000 to $76,000 zone would confirm the breakout and widen the path toward higher targets.

“Bitcoin surged above the $76,000 level, breaking above its March highs and signaling renewed bullish momentum,”

Skeptics and optimists alike are watching the same crucial points: a sustained close above the moving averages near $75,000 and a daily close beyond the resistance front near $80,000. If these thresholds are crossed, traders anticipate a continued push toward the measured target implied by the formation—roughly $89,050—which would mark a meaningful shift in the short-term trajectory.

Technical commentary also highlights the pattern at play: Bitcoin appears to be validating an ascending triangle after breaking above the upper trend line around $73,000 earlier in the week. A close above the confluence of the trend line and the 100-day moving average would bolster confidence in a bullish breakout, while a failure to sustain above $75,000 could reintroduce volatility and test lower supports.

As observers map the road ahead, one analyst emphasized that breaking above the pattern and the 100MA would indicate a genuine shift in momentum, potentially accelerating a move toward the $84,000 area and higher. The discussion underscores how chart structure, not just price level, is shaping expectations for the near term.

Advertisement

On-chain activity corroborates the price move

Price strength is aligning with rising on-chain usage. Bitcoin’s daily transaction count has surged in 2026, reaching about 765,130 million as of April 5, according to CryptoQuant data cited in market briefings. This level marks a multi-month high and echoes earlier bursts of network activity that accompanied major price moves.

That activity level was last observed during a period in November 2024 when Bitcoin briefly traded into the six-figure territory, approximating a macro moment when speculative fervor and investor interest peaked. An analyst known on social channels noted that the current transaction count is higher than during some earlier high-price eras, suggesting sustained network engagement rather than a fleeting spike.

The on-chain signal is complemented by commentary from observers who point to the broader implications of rising usage: increased transaction counts can reflect a growing number of market participants, higher merchant adoption, or greater trader activity seeking to execute orders with priority. In this context, the 2026 uptick in activity helps explain why the market is not only chasing higher prices but also experiencing more active on-chain participation.

“The network is showing bull market behavior,”

That sentiment came from a Twitter analyst who highlighted the robust on-chain activity as a meaningful backdrop to price action. While the precise drivers behind the surge remain multifaceted, the association between rising transaction counts and bullish momentum is a recurring theme in recent market cycles.

Advertisement

Fees rise as demand for on-chain priority grows

Beyond transaction counts, Fee activity also rolled higher. Glassnode’s Market Pulse observed that Bitcoin’s total on-chain fee volume increased about 4% over the prior week, reaching roughly $153,700. The uptick in fees is interpreted as heightened willingness among users to pay for priority processing, signaling sustained or expanding network demand even as price moves unfold.

From a market perspective, rising fees can reflect a mix of transaction acceleration by traders attempting to front-run or secure confirmations in a volatile environment, and real-world use cases driving higher activity. While fees alone do not determine price direction, they provide a complementary read on how busy the network is and how users are prioritizing their transactions in this phase of renewed activity.

What this means for traders and investors

The combination of a renewed price breakout, a believable chart pattern, and stronger on-chain signals paints a cohesive picture of renewed appetite among market participants. For traders, the key inflection point remains the daily close above critical resistance—roughly $75,000–$76,000—and confirmation of the ascending triangle’s breakout with a follow-through beyond the next hurdle near $80,000. If these thresholds hold, the measured move toward the mid-to-upper $80,000s—and potentially toward $89,050—becomes more credible.

Investors will also be watching whether the surge in on-chain activity and rising fee volume persists, as it can indicate longer-term engagement rather than a purely speculative sprint. The last time the network showed similar on-chain vigor was during prior price cycles when BTC breached notable price milestones, which adds a layer of historical context to the current setup.

Advertisement

Nevertheless, uncertainties remain. The macro landscape—regulatory developments, policy shifts, and broader market conditions—will always color Bitcoin’s trajectory. A decisive close above resistance levels, followed by sustained momentum, would strengthen the case for a continued advance; a retreat or muted follow-through could prompt a reversion to nearer support around the $75,000 mark.

For readers watching the next chapters, the immediate priority is confirmation: a daily close above the $76,000 zone and a sustained push beyond $80,000 would provide a clearer path toward the higher targets implied by the chart pattern and the improving on-chain backdrop. Until then, the market remains in a wait-and-watch phase, balancing chart psychology with real-time network activity.

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

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Crypto World

Bitcoin Hit $76K But Did Bulls Fall Into A Trap?

Published

on

Bitcoin Hit $76K But Did Bulls Fall Into A Trap?

Key takeaways:

  • The US Federal Reserve’s shift toward balance sheet expansion may provide the liquidity needed to boost Bitcoin and broader risk markets.

  • The war in Iran and high oil prices might be driving investors toward scarce assets to hedge against rising inflation.

On Tuesday, Bitcoin (BTC) price surpassed $76,000 for the first time in over two months, triggering $285 million in leveraged short liquidations. The rally closely tracked the S&P 500, indicating a high probability of a macroeconomic-driven event. Is the war in Iran the only factor behind Bitcoin’s price gains, and what are the odds of a bull trap?

Crude Brent oil (inverted, left) vs. Bitcoin/USD (right). Source: TradingView

Crude oil prices stabilized near $95 after peaking at $104 over the weekend, a move many traders view as positive. The inverted chart of crude oil prices depicts a high-intraday-correlation environment.

The war in Iran has been a major source of concern due to its impact on US inflation and supply chain logistics, which limits the ability of global central banks to trim interest rates and exerts negative pressure on economic growth. 

Simultaneously, gains in the S&P 500 and gold prices likely indicate a higher probability of stimulus measures, causing investors to seek shelter in scarce assets.

Advertisement
Gold futures (left) vs. S&P 500 futures (right). Source: TradingView

The recent gains in the S&P 500 following failed negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz may seem odd, but the added risk of recession provides the strongest incentive for governments to implement expansionary measures. Regardless of whether the US Federal Reserve opts for a cautious approach, the US Congress and the Trump administration can authorize direct investment in infrastructure projects and social programs, or provide tax credits.

Inflationary worries line up with investors’ Fed policy expectations

Bitcoin does not need to compete with stocks or even gold to capture the capital currently held in money market funds and short-term bonds. The longer oil prices remain above $90, the higher the upward pressure on forward inflation.

Reduced expected returns on fixed-income assets may be the primary catalyst behind Bitcoin’s surge above $75,000, and governments have few alternatives without expanding the monetary base.

US Federal Reserve total assets, USD billion. Source: St Louis FED

The US Fed changed its strategy to expand the balance sheet in January, reversing the trend from the previous two years. This move is highly supportive of risk markets, as short-term concerns about the bond market are diminishing. Financial institutions and hedge funds have greater access to liquidity and face less competition to offload US Treasuries, providing temporary relief to the stock market.

Regardless of whether Bitcoin holds above $75,000, there are few incentives for traders to take profits after two months of trading near $68,000, given the meager 10% gains. Even if Bitcoin eventually rallies to $80,000, that would represent a modest 20% gain for those who purchased at $66,500. Unless traders perceive an imminent risk to oil prices, the odds do not favor continued sell pressure on Bitcoin.

Related: Bitcoin’s struggle to build long-lasting uptrend continues–Here’s why

Advertisement

Ultimately, given the likelihood of expansionary monetary policy and inflationary pressures, Bitcoin bears will have a difficult time showing strength, making the odds of a successful bull trap extremely low.