The crypto world woke up to a jolt: Bitcoin has fallen below $100,000, the first time since June, signalling a fresh wave of selling pressure. But the driver of this drop isn’t just speculative margin calls or wild swings—it’s long-term holders offloading major amounts. In the past month alone, roughly $45 billion worth of Bitcoin changed hands from holders who’d sat tight.
What exactly is happening
According to on-chain data, around 319,000 BTC from coins held 6-12 months were reactivated and moved out—an indicator of profit-taking rather than panic margin-liquidation. ([The Times of India][1])
The price plunged as much as 7.4 % in one session, touching a low near $96,794.
Multiple altcoins followed suit, with Ethereum down ~15 %, underscoring the systemic nature of this correction.
Why it matters
Psychological threshold broken: $100k was a strong market landmark. Falling below it signals a shift in sentiment.
When long-term holders begin to sell, it suggests less conviction in the prevailing rally or belief in further upside.
For newer entrants, this highlights that crypto remains highly volatile and still behaves like a risk asset influenced by larger macro forces.
What pushed this downtrend
Risk-off global mood: As equities and other risk assets faltered, crypto lost tailwinds.
Decreasing institutional demand: With fewer large buyers stepping in, sellers dominate.
Technical factors: Breach of key support zones and breakdowns in market structure amplify moves downward.
What to watch now
Support zone near ~$97,000 – if that fails, next levels could be $90k or lower.
If long‐term holders stop selling and accumulation resumes, it may mark the bottoming process.
Altcoins: If Bitcoin leads the slump, other digital assets may still offer sharp rallies on recovery.
Regulatory/macro headlines: Crypto remains sensitive to broader policy, interest rates, and institutional flows.
Key Take-aways
This isn’t just another dip—the shift to long-term holder selling is notable.
Crypto remains high-risk/high-volatility; viewing it as a stable store is premature.
For investors: review exposure, risk management, and keep focused on the long-term thesis rather than the short-term headlines.
FAQ
Q1. Why did Bitcoin fall below $100,000 now?
Because long-term holders began selling large volumes (~$45 billion worth), which put fresh downward pressure on the market.
Q2. Does this mean the bull market is over?
Not necessarily—but it marks a shift in dynamics. With large holders selling, the market is entering a phase of consolidation or correction rather than pure upside.
Q3. Should I panic or sell?
It depends on your investment horizon. If you’re long-term and believe in the fundamentals, such dips might be normal. If you’re short-term or leveraged, review your risk.
Q4. Are altcoins safe now?
They may be even more vulnerable. Historically when Bitcoin leads downward, many smaller tokens fall harder.
Q5. When might recovery come?
Recovery may begin when large-holder selling slows, institutional demand returns, and macro-risk appetite improves. No fixed timeline.