Bitcoin spot demand weakens as new capital hesitates despite ETF inflows

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-07-20Last updated on 2026-07-20

Abstract

Bitcoin remains unable to decisively break above the $65k-$67k local supply zone despite a recent positive turnaround in spot Bitcoin ETF inflows since mid-July. Analyst data shows a significant drop-off in 30-day Bitcoin spot demand, deteriorating from -80k BTC to -170k BTC. While short-covering in derivatives and reduced sell pressure from short-term holders have provided stability, key indicators suggest this is stabilization, not a bullish reversal. The Bitcoin New Investors metric, while increased, remains near yearly lows at 8.1, indicating insufficient new capital strength. Furthermore, the short-term holder spent output profit ratio (STH SOPR) remains below 1.0, meaning these holders are on average realizing losses, a sign bearish sentiment persists. The overall conclusion is that the market lacks the momentum from new capital and positive short-term holder sentiment required for a sustained bullish trend reversal.

1alt HD: ETF Turnaround Proves Insufficient to Trigger True Macro Bullish Turnaround for Bitcoin Traders

Bitcoin [BTC] was struggling to scale the $65k local supply zone. Since July 14, the spot Bitcoin ETF inflows have been positive. The injection of capital has not been enough to substantially elevate prices yet.

Source: CryptoQuant

Crypto analyst ScenarioX noted a steady drop-off in the 30-day Bitcoin spot demand. The metric recovered to -80k BTC in early July, but has since deteriorated to -170k BTC, the analyst explained in a post on CryptoQuant Insights.

Despite decreased demand, prices have stayed relatively stable around $65k because of short-covering in the derivatives market. Easing short-term holder sell pressure was also a contributing factor.

AMBCrypto reported that the turnaround in ETF flows was not enough to confirm a bullish reversal. A reading of the short-term price structure highlighted the importance of the $67.3k local swing high.

Lack of new investors growth signals stabilization, not reversal

Source: Axel Adler Jr.

The Bitcoin New Investors metric remained near its yearly lows. It measures the share of capitalization concentrated among coins younger than 1 month [not moved in a month or less].

Crypto analyst Axel Adler Jr. used this metric to gauge new capital activity and short-term demand. The analyst observed a reading of 8.1, with the lower boundary at 7 and the upper at 50.

This meant an increase in new capital, but not in enough strength to point toward a BTC trend reversal.

Source: Axel Adler Jr.

Further evidence of a local stabilization instead of a reversal came from the short-term holder spent output profit ratio [STH SOPR]. The metric measures the average profitability of short-term Bitcoin holders.

Its 7-day moving average was at 0.99, below the 1.0 mark that separates profitability from realized losses.

A sustained recovery in the metric above 1.0 would signal market sentiment has shifted. As things stand, the lack of significant participation from new capital and short-term holders realizing losses meant that bears were still in control.


Final Summary

  • Bitcoin has not yet found the momentum to take prices above the $65k-$67k local supply zone.
  • The bounce toward $65k was only a brief respite from selling, and not the beginning of a bullish recovery, the metrics showed.

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Related Questions

QWhat is the main reason Bitcoin has been unable to break above the $65k-$67k supply zone, despite positive ETF inflows?

AThe main reason is weakening spot demand and a lack of significant new capital entering the market. While ETF flows turned positive, this injection was insufficient to substantially elevate prices. Key metrics like the 30-day Bitcoin spot demand and the New Investors metric indicate hesitation from new capital.

QAccording to the analyst ScenarioX, how has the 30-day Bitcoin spot demand metric changed from early July?

AAccording to analyst ScenarioX, the 30-day Bitcoin spot demand metric recovered to -80k BTC in early July but has since deteriorated to -170k BTC, indicating a significant drop-off in demand.

QHow does the article explain Bitcoin's price stability around $65k despite decreased spot demand?

AThe article explains that price stability around $65k is maintained due to short-covering in the derivatives market and easing sell pressure from short-term holders, which are offsetting the weakness in spot demand.

QWhat does the 'Bitcoin New Investors' metric measure, and what was its recent reading according to Axel Adler Jr.?

AThe 'Bitcoin New Investors' metric measures the share of Bitcoin's market capitalization concentrated among coins that have not moved in one month or less (coins younger than 1 month). According to analyst Axel Adler Jr., its recent reading was 8.1, which is near yearly lows.

QWhat signal would indicate a shift in market sentiment according to the STH SOPR (Short-Term Holder Spent Output Profit Ratio) metric?

AAccording to the STH SOPR metric, a sustained recovery above the 1.0 mark would signal that market sentiment has shifted. This level separates profitability from realized losses for short-term holders. Currently, its 7-day moving average is at 0.99, indicating losses are still being realized.

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