Long-term Bitcoin Hodlers Now Own Over Half the Circulating  Supply: Report

Bitcoin holders maintain steady course amid market turbulence, accumulating 69% of circulating supply.
By Sunil Sharma
Bitcoin Price

After a week marked by relative stability across the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin held its ground Sunday after prices failed to hold above $27,200 earlier this week. Factors contributing to this stability included the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting, which concluded without any new interest rate hikes.

Furthermore, signs of global cryptocurrency adoption continued to emerge, underscoring the industry’s ongoing growth with Nomura, a Japanese banking behemoth, Nomura launching a Bitcoin fund earlier in the week.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Hodlers Stay Strong Amid Market Volatility

Amidst this backdrop of market stability and growing adoption, a compelling trend has also surfaced within the realm of Bitcoin- the unwavering resolve of long-term holders to hold onto their coins. Long-term holders (LTHs) or “Hodlers” are typically individuals who have maintained their Bitcoin positions for over 155 days.

According to data from crypto analytics firm “Into the Block,” these individuals have consistently displayed an unwavering commitment to the cryptocurrency. Notably, this cohort now holds an impressive 13.44 million Bitcoins, nearing a record high, which equates to an astonishing 69% of the total circulating supply which currently stands at 19.49 million BTC.

“Historically, these holders sustain prices in bear markets and take profits in bull runs,” the firm wrote on Sunday.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Short-term Holder Challenges

On the flip side, short-term holders (STHs), characterised as Bitcoin investors who have held their assets for 155 days or less, are experiencing a notable shift. In the latest “Week Onchain Newsletter” from chain analytics firm Glassnode, STHs now possess a smaller portion of the available Bitcoin supply than they have in over a decade.

Glassnode’s data revealed that 97.5% of short-term holders are currently facing unrealized losses suggesting a significant reduction in their influence. Interestingly, onchain data also revealed that Bitcoin Hodlers are increasingly acquiring more Bitcoin from short-term holders.

Notably, as nearly all Short-Term Holders find themselves in a losing position, sentiment has also taken a notable downturn, raising the likelihood of seller exhaustion, which could give bulls an upper hand. Conversely, when over 97.5% of short-term holder positions are in the green, these participants often seize the opportunity to exit their positions either at break-even or with a profit.

That said, this shift in Bitcoin ownership dynamics could play a pivotal role in shaping the cryptocurrency’s price trajectory, regardless of short-term market turbulence.

Advertisement
Sunil Sharma
Sunil is a serial entrepreneur and has been working in blockchain and cryptocurrency space for 2 years now. Previously he co-founded Govt. of India supported startup InThinks and is currently Chief Editor at Coingape and CEO at SquadX, a fintech startup. He has published more than 100 articles on cryptocurrency and blockchain and has assisted a number of ICO's in their success. He has co-designed blockchain development industrial training and has hosted many interviews in past. Follow him on X at @sharmasunil8114 and reach out to him at sunil (at) coingape.com
Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.