BTC Market Pulse: Week 22

insights.glassnodePublished on 2026-05-25Last updated on 2026-05-25

Abstract

Bitcoin's price weakened in Week 22, falling from $79K to around $74K before a partial recovery, with momentum down 21.7%. While selling pressure appeared to ease based on CVD metrics, overall market activity cooled as spot volume and futures open interest declined, signaling reduced speculation and a more cautious backdrop. Contrasting signals emerged. A 135.4% surge in long-side funding payments pointed to strong demand for bullish bets. Meanwhile, options skew shifted slightly, indicating greater demand for downside protection. In TradFi, US Spot ETF netflows improved 28.9%, though trade volume fell sharply. On-chain data showed minor dips in active addresses and transfer volume, hinting at a consolidation phase. Liquidity metrics suggested a more stable market with higher conviction. However, profitability ratios flagged increased market stress, with a notable rise in loss realization versus profit-taking. In summary, the market displayed signs of moderation and consolidation, characterized by reduced activity, cautious sentiment, and a mixed picture of risk appetite.

Bitcoin traded lower over the last week, falling from $79K to a local
low near $74K before rebounding toward $77K, with price
momentum declining by 21.7%, reflecting softer price action and
rising selling pressure. At the same time, Spot CVD and Perpetual
CVD increased by 77.2% and 35.5% respectively, suggesting
selling pressure is easing and market sentiment is becoming more
balanced. Activity has also cooled, with Spot Volume down 10%
and Futures Open Interest declining 3.5%, pointing to reduced
speculative appetite and a more cautious market backdrop.

Despite this, signs of renewed risk appetite are emerging. Longside
funding payments surged 135.4%, highlighting strong demand
for long exposure and improving bullish sentiment. In options
markets, 25-Delta Skew ticked higher, signaling slightly greater
demand for downside protection, while Open Interest remained
broadly stable, suggesting positioning remains intact.

Within TradFi markets, US Spot ETF MVRV rose 0.69%, indicating
slightly larger unrealized gains for ETF holders. Meanwhile, ETF
netflows improved by 28.9%, pointing to easing capital outflows
and stabilizing sentiment, although ETF trade volume fell 22.9%,
suggesting a slowdown in speculative activity.

From a network activity perspective, the daily active address count
and entity-adjusted transfer volume have experienced minor
reductions, hinting at a possible consolidation phase or diminishing
investor activity. Liquidity metrics, including the hot capital share
and STH to LTH supply ratio, indicate a more stable liquidity profile
and a market characterized by higher conviction and lower
speculative activity, suggesting a phase of consolidation.

Profitability metrics, however, flag a potential increase in market
stress. The net unrealized profit to loss ratio has seen a significant
decline, while the realized profit to loss ratio suggests an increase
in loss realization over profit-taking, indicating a cautious and
potentially bearish market sentiment. In summary, the market is
exhibiting signs of moderation and consolidation, characterized by
reduced activity, cautious sentiment, and a mix of risk appetite.
This nuanced picture underscores the importance of continued
close monitoring of market dynamics and investor behavior.

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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

QAccording to the article, what happened to Bitcoin's price momentum during Week 22, and what did this reflect?

ABitcoin's price momentum declined by 21.7% during Week 22, reflecting softer price action and rising selling pressure.

QWhat do the increases in Spot CVD and Perpetual CVD suggest about market conditions?

AThe increases in Spot CVD (77.2%) and Perpetual CVD (35.5%) suggest that selling pressure is easing and market sentiment is becoming more balanced.

QWhat does the 135.4% surge in long-side funding payments indicate about market sentiment?

AThe 135.4% surge in long-side funding payments highlights strong demand for long exposure and improving bullish sentiment among traders.

QWhat is the overall state of the Bitcoin market as summarized in the article?

AThe market is exhibiting signs of moderation and consolidation, characterized by reduced activity, cautious sentiment, and a mix of risk appetite, suggesting a nuanced picture.

QBased on profitability metrics, what potential shift in market sentiment is flagged?

AProfitability metrics flag a potential increase in market stress, indicating a cautious and potentially bearish sentiment, as shown by a significant decline in the net unrealized profit to loss ratio and an increase in loss realization over profit-taking.

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