BTC Market Pulse: Week 21

insights.glassnodePublished on 2026-06-03Last updated on 2026-06-03

Abstract

Bitcoin's market structure shows signs of softening in Week 21, with weakening momentum and spot demand. Spot trading volume increased, but this was accompanied by a dramatic rise in selling pressure as indicated by a steep decline in Spot CVD. Futures market activity reflects caution, with decreased open interest yet a significant surge in demand for long positions. Concurrently, substantial sell-side pressure persists in perpetual contracts. Options traders are increasingly positioning for downside protection, evidenced by a sharp rise in the 25-Delta Skew, alongside growing open interest and volatility expectations. Traditional finance sentiment has softened, with weaker ETF netflows and falling MVRV, though ETF trade volume rose. On-chain metrics show mixed activity with declining active addresses but increased large-scale transfers. Overall, while long-term holder strength and stable liquidity provide resilience, the market exhibits fading euphoria, defensive positioning, and a prevailing shift toward bearish sentiment across spot, futures, and options segments.

Concurrently, a pronounced shift towards selling pressure has been observed, with Spot CVD decreasing by 848.7%. Despite this shift, Spot Volume has risen by 4.2%, indicating increased trading activity, potentially driven by increased interest in trading, rather than a bullish market sentiment.

In the futures market, a 2.9% decrease in Futures Open Interest suggests a cautious market stance with a reduced appetite for leveraging amidst uncertain market conditions. However, a significant 136.6% increase in Long-Side Funding Payment indicates a renewed demand for long positions, suggesting a stronger bullish sentiment among traders. Nonetheless, a sharp 278.7% decline in Perpetual CVD highlights substantial sell-side pressure, suggesting a bearish sentiment dominating the market.

The options market has seen a 42.75% increase in the Options 25-Delta Skew, indicating a significant shift towards bearish sentiment as traders seek more downside protection. Despite the cautious market sentiment, Options Open Interest and Volatility Spread have increased by 1.7% and 124.52% respectively, indicating growing market participation and anticipation of greater future price volatility.

TradFi sentiment has softened, with US Spot ETF MVRV falling 6.1% and ETF Netflows deteriorating sharply, pointing to weaker institutional conviction. Despite this, ETF Trade Volume rose 7.0%, while on-chain activity remained mixed, with Active Addresses declining and Entity-Adjusted Transfer Volume increasing, suggesting quieter network usage alongside continued large-scale capital movement.

Liquidity and profitability metrics continue to cool, although market structure remains relatively stable. Long-term holder dominance continues to build, while NUPL and the Realized Profit-to-Loss Ratio weakened sharply, reflecting fading euphoria and increasingly defensive positioning.

Overall, Bitcoin’s market structure is beginning to soften as momentum, spot demand, and speculative positioning weaken across the market. Options traders are increasingly positioning for downside protection, although stable liquidity conditions and long-term holder strength continue to provide a layer of resilience.

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Disclaimer: This report does not provide any investment advice. All data is provided for information and educational purposes only. No investment decision shall be based on the information provided here and you are solely responsible for your own investment decisions.

Exchange balances presented are derived from Glassnode’s comprehensive database of address labels, which are amassed through both officially published exchange information and proprietary clustering algorithms. While we strive to ensure the utmost accuracy in representing exchange balances, it is important to note that these figures might not always encapsulate the entirety of an exchange’s reserves, particularly when exchanges refrain from disclosing their official addresses. We urge users to exercise caution and discretion when utilizing these metrics. Glassnode shall not be held responsible for any discrepancies or potential inaccuracies.

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Related Questions

QWhat are the key conflicting signals in the spot and futures markets mentioned in the report?

AIn the spot market, there is increased trading activity (4.2% volume rise) alongside a massive 848.7% decrease in Spot CVD, signaling strong selling pressure. In the futures market, a 136.6% surge in Long-Side Funding Payment points to renewed bullish interest, but this is contrasted by a sharp 278.7% decline in Perpetual CVD, indicating dominant sell-side pressure and a cautious reduction in leverage (2.9% drop in Open Interest).

QAccording to the article, what does the significant increase in the Options 25-Delta Skew suggest about trader sentiment?

AThe 42.75% increase in the Options 25-Delta Skew indicates a significant shift towards bearish sentiment. It means traders are paying higher premiums for downside protection (put options) relative to upside bets (call options), reflecting growing caution and anticipation of potential price declines.

QHow does the report describe the state of TradFi (Traditional Finance) institutional conviction towards Bitcoin?

ATradFi sentiment is described as softening. The US Spot ETF MVRV fell by 6.1% and ETF Netflows deteriorated sharply, pointing to weaker institutional conviction. However, ETF Trade Volume rose by 7.0%, suggesting active trading despite the net outflow of funds.

QWhat is the overall assessment of Bitcoin's market structure provided in the conclusion?

AThe overall assessment is that Bitcoin's market structure is beginning to soften. Momentum, spot demand, and speculative positioning are weakening across the market, with options traders increasingly positioning for downside protection. However, stable liquidity conditions and continued strength among long-term holders are noted as factors providing a layer of resilience.

QWhat mixed signals are highlighted regarding on-chain activity?

AOn-chain activity shows mixed signals: Active Addresses declined, suggesting quieter individual network usage, while Entity-Adjusted Transfer Volume increased, indicating continued large-scale capital movement by larger entities or whales.

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