Bitcoin HODLer Pain Surpasses FTX Crash Levels As BTC Drawdown Deepens

bitcoinistPublished on 2026-06-05Last updated on 2026-06-05

Abstract

Bitcoin long-term holders (those holding coins for over 155 days) are experiencing significant losses, with 5.3 million BTC currently held at an unrealized loss. This level surpasses the peak seen during the 2022 FTX crash bear market and is the highest since the COVID-19 crash in March 2020. The sharp increase follows recent price declines, with Bitcoin trading around $64,000, down over 13% in a week. Historically, such extreme readings in long-term holder loss supply have often coincided with market lows and potential trend reversals. The analyst suggests the high level of underwater supply indicates the market's adjustment process is still ongoing.

On-chain data shows the Bitcoin long-term holders are now holding more underwater supply than even the lowest point of the 2022 bear market.

Bitcoin Long-Term Holders In Deepest Pain Since COVID Crash

As highlighted by Glassnode lead research analyst CryptoVizArt in an X post, the Bitcoin long-term holders have seen a spike in loss supply following the latest price crash.

“Long-term holders” (LTHs) refer to the BTC investors who have been holding onto their coins for a period longer than 155 days. These holders make up for one of the two main divisions of the network done on the basis of holding time. The other side, containing investors who purchased within the past five months, is known as the short-term holders (STHs).

Statistically, the longer investors keep their coins dormant, the less likely they become to sell them in the future. As such, LTHs with their relatively long holding time are considered to include the resolute hands of the market.

Currently, the 155-day cutoff for the LTH group puts their buying point before January. BTC traded above the latest spot price throughout 2024, so a notable amount of the cohort’s members would be underwater right now.

Below is the chart shared by CryptoVizArt that shows the exact amount of supply that’s being held in loss by the Bitcoin LTHs.

The value of the metric appears to have shot up in recent days | Source: @CryptoVizArt on X

As is visible in the graph, the amount of Bitcoin LTH supply being held at some net unrealized loss rose as the cryptocurrency’s price observed a bearish shift in Q4 2025. Another particularly sharp surge in the metric came this year alongside the February price crash, which took its value near the highs from the 2022 bear market.

Now, the latest price crash has induced further expansion in the indicator, with LTHs carrying 5.3 million BTC at a loss. From the chart, it’s apparent that this level is higher than the peak registered at the lows that followed the FTX crash.

In fact, this value is higher than other bear markets as well. The only period that saw the loss supply of the LTHs exceed this level was the crash caused by COVID-19 in March 2020.

In the past, extreme readings in the metric have usually coincided with market lows and reversals in its value have led into a change of trend. “The scale of underwater LTH supply suggests the resolution process is still in progress,” noted the analyst.

It now remains to be seen whether the Bitcoin LTH loss will reach even higher heights in this cycle or if a turnaround will follow next.

BTC Price

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading around $64,000, down more than 13% over the past week.

The trend in the price of the coin over the past five days | Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView

Related Questions

QAccording to the on-chain data, which group of Bitcoin investors is currently holding more underwater supply than during the FTX crash lows?

ABitcoin long-term holders (LTHs), defined as investors holding their coins for longer than 155 days, are currently holding more underwater supply than at the lowest point following the FTX crash in the 2022 bear market.

QWhat is the current amount of Bitcoin supply held at a loss by long-term holders as mentioned in the analysis?

ALong-term holders are currently carrying approximately 5.3 million BTC at a net unrealized loss.

QWhat major event does the article state as the only period where LTH loss supply exceeded current levels?

AThe only period where the loss supply of long-term holders exceeded the current level was during the market crash caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

QWhat is the typical market implication, as noted by the analyst, when the Bitcoin LTH loss supply metric reaches extreme readings?

AHistorically, extreme readings in the metric tracking Bitcoin long-term holder loss supply have often coincided with market lows, and a reversal in its value has sometimes led to a change in trend.

QWhat was Bitcoin's approximate trading price and weekly performance at the time the article was written?

AAt the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading around $64,000, reflecting a decline of more than 13% over the past week.

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Bitcoin's 'Rally Ends,' Officially Entering the Later Stage of a Bear Market?

Bitcoin prices declined 13% this week, reversing the recent rebound and signaling a likely transition into the later stages of a bear market. Key on-chain metrics deteriorated, with the short-term holder cost basis falling below the Realized Price—a pattern last seen in early 2022, characteristic of bear market maturity. The rally to ~$82k proved to be a bear market bounce, as evidenced by the 90-day realized profit/loss ratio failing to sustain above the bullish threshold of 2. Daily realized losses surged to $1.35B, including significant selling from long-term holders who accumulated near cycle tops, indicating ongoing supply redistribution. Price was rejected almost precisely at the aggregate US spot ETF cost basis of ~$83k, turning that level into resistance and leaving the average ETF investor underwater again. Spot market selling pressure intensified, with the 7-day volume delta turning significantly negative to its weakest level since February. While a major long liquidation event cleared over $400M in leverage, spot demand has not yet stepped in to absorb the resulting supply. Options markets continue pricing in higher future volatility (elevated volatility risk premium) and maintain a skew toward put options, reflecting persistent demand for downside protection, though not yet panic. Overall, market structure remains fragile. Sustained recovery likely requires a reclaim of the ETF cost basis, a shift back to positive spot demand, and a slowdown in realized loss-taking. Until then, the market risks further downside or extended consolidation within the broader bear trend.

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