BTC Market Pulse: Week 24

insights.glassnodePublished on 2026-06-08Last updated on 2026-06-08

Abstract

Bitcoin market sentiment remains cautious as sellers dominate activity across spot and derivatives markets. Increased spot volume reflects defensive selling rather than new demand, while futures open interest contracts and options skew indicates heightened demand for downside protection. U.S. spot ETF data shows surging volumes but persistently negative net flows, suggesting institutions are re-evaluating exposure. Despite this pressure, fundamental network metrics like active addresses show broadening engagement, and long-term holders continue to dominate supply, maintaining a resilient underlying structure. The market appears to be navigating a phase of capitulation, balancing short-term liquidation pressure against a stable long-term holder base.

Bitcoin remains under pressure as sellers continue to dominate
market activity. Spot markets have seen momentum deteriorate
sharply, with aggressive taker selling driving a notable increase in
spot volume. Rather than signaling renewed demand, the rise in
activity suggests market participants are using liquidity to reduce
exposure, reflecting a more defensive market tone.

Derivatives markets tell a similar story. Futures open interest has
contracted as leverage is unwound, while perpetual positioning
reflects persistent sell-side aggression. In options markets,
demand for downside protection has risen materially, with both
25-delta skew and the volatility spread moving higher. Together,
these signals point to growing caution among investors as the
market navigates a period of heightened uncertainty.

Institutional behavior, observed through U.S. spot ETFs,
underscores this cautious sentiment. While trading volumes have
surged in response to recent volatility, net capital flows remain
persistently negative, and aggregate investor profitability has
compressed toward cost-basis levels. This suggests that
institutional participants are currently re-evaluating their exposure,
contributing to the broader atmosphere of uncertainty.

Despite these headwinds, fundamental network metrics show a
broadening base of engagement, with active addresses and
transfer volumes expanding. While total fee volume has cooled,
long-term holders continue to dominate supply distribution,
maintaining a resilient market structure. Ultimately, the transition
toward realized losses and the contraction in unrealized
profitability signal a phase of capitulation, as the market balances
short-term liquidation pressure against a stable, long-term holder
base.

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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 is the main driver behind the notable increase in Bitcoin spot market volume during Week 24?

AThe rise in spot volume is not driven by renewed demand. Instead, it is driven by aggressive taker selling, suggesting market participants are using available liquidity to reduce their exposure, which reflects a more defensive market tone.

QWhat signals from the derivatives and options markets indicate growing investor caution?

AIn derivatives, futures open interest has contracted as leverage is unwound, and perpetual positioning shows persistent sell-side aggression. In options, demand for downside protection has risen, evidenced by increases in both the 25-delta skew and the volatility spread.

QWhat does the behavior of U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, as mentioned in the report, suggest about institutional sentiment?

ADespite surging trading volumes due to recent volatility, net capital flows for U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs remain persistently negative, and aggregate investor profitability has compressed toward cost-basis levels. This suggests institutional participants are re-evaluating their exposure, contributing to the overall uncertainty.

QDespite the selling pressure, what positive fundamental network metrics are highlighted in the article?

AFundamental network metrics show a broadening base of engagement, with active addresses and transfer volumes expanding. Furthermore, long-term holders continue to dominate supply distribution, which helps maintain a resilient market structure.

QWhat does the report conclude is the current phase of the Bitcoin market, based on profitability and holder behavior?

AThe report concludes that the transition toward realized losses and the contraction in unrealized profitability signal a phase of capitulation. The market is balancing short-term liquidation pressure against a stable, long-term holder base.

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