By: Isha Das
The Bitcoin market is witnessing a notable trend with strong signals of institutional demand continuing to bolster its standing. According to insights from CryptoQuant, large custody wallets have accumulated an impressive $53 billion in Bitcoin over the past 12 months, which underscores the sustained interest from institutional investors. Particularly, wallets holding between 100 and 1,000 BTC have shown an uptick in accumulation, indicating a robust confidence in Bitcoin's future among institutional players. This demand wave coincides with the period following the launch of the first spot Bitcoin ETFs.
Meanwhile, market observers note Bitcoin's internal strength as a point of cautious optimism. Recent data from Glassnode reveals an uptick in spot trading volume with a reduced net sell pressure, suggesting traders are slowly rebuilding their positions after the profit taking of late 2025. Though Bitcoin experienced a 3.2% drop from its weekend high, wiping out significant leveraged positions, the consolidation phase indicates a cautious rebirth rather than a major breakdown. Analysts mention that lower liquidity levels and slowed network growth echo past cycles characterized by significant consolidation, hinting at potential momentum in the future.
Furthermore, the impact of macroeconomic factors such as tariff announcements has added a layer of volatility to the market. Despite these fluctuations, ETF flows indicate that institutional entities buy during pullbacks. Such behavior suggests institutions are hedging their portfolios with Bitcoin amidst global economic uncertainties, alongside the rise of traditional safe havens like gold, which has surpassed $4,650. The move suggests a blend of traditional and digital asset strategies as market participants seek to balance risk.
Overall, while the market depicts resilience, Bitcoin's next substantial rally may hinge on stronger buy-side dynamics and improved liquidity levels. Observers suggest that a more decisive uptrend would require clarity in institutional conviction and a recovery in network growth. As volatility remains, any geopolitical shocks or policy shifts might further sway market sentiments.