Wintermute Analysts Name Reasons for Cryptomarket Stagnation

cryptonews.ruPublished on 2026-08-19Last updated on 2026-08-19

Abstract

Analysts at Wintermute attribute the stagnation of the crypto market to factors largely external to the industry itself. July's US Consumer Price Index rose 0.1% month-over-month, matching forecasts. Weak retail sales and consumer sentiment data have reduced the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September. Brent crude oil prices surged 7.91% over the week due to escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, with a dramatic drop in weekend vessel traffic. Wintermute warns that further oil price increases could accelerate US inflation in August, potentially giving the Fed grounds to maintain a tight monetary policy. Additionally, pressure on major cryptocurrencies comes from mining companies like Riot Platforms selling significant Bitcoin reserves—4,300 BTC in Q2 following 3,778 BTC in Q1. Facing record-high hash rates, some miners' costs now exceed mining revenue, forcing them to liquidate holdings to cover expenses and fund new ventures, including AI infrastructure. For a positive market reversal, Wintermute analysts state that capital must return not only to spot Bitcoin ETFs but also to other segments of the crypto market. Their view aligns with earlier reports from QCP Capital, which cited Middle East tensions, US inflation risks, and AI industry uncertainty as key market pressures.

According to analysts, the main reasons for the cryptomarket's stagnation lie outside the crypto industry. The US Consumer Price Index in July increased by 0.1% compared to the previous month, matching forecasts. Weak retail sales and consumer sentiment have lowered the likelihood of a key interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) in September.

Over the week, Brent crude oil rose in price by 7.91% due to increased tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. As noted in the Wintermute review, only five vessels passed through it on Saturday, and none on Sunday. In the previous weekend, 31 vessels were observed.

Experts at the market maker believe that a further increase in oil prices could accelerate inflation in the US as early as August. In such a case, the main financial regulator would receive an additional argument for maintaining a tight policy, Wintermute specialists suggest.

Another source of pressure on major cryptocurrencies, according to Wintermute, is the sale of 4,300 bitcoins by the major company Riot Platforms in the second quarter — after selling 3,778 $BTC in the first. By the end of June, the company's reserves had shrunk to 11,380 $BTC. The problem is not limited to Riot. Against the backdrop of a record hash rate, the costs for some companies exceed mining revenues. This forces miners to sell accumulated coins to cover expenses and finance new business directions, including infrastructure for artificial intelligence needs.

For the cryptomarket to recover its positive dynamics, a return of capital is needed not only to spot Bitcoin ETFs but also to other segments of the cryptomarket, Wintermute analysts announced.

Earlier, experts from the trading company QCP Capital named the factors putting pressure on the cryptomarket. Among the main ones are tensions around Iran, inflation risks in the US, and uncertainty regarding the prospects of the AI industry.

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Related Questions

QWhat does Wintermute consider the main reasons for crypto market stagnation to be?

AAnalysts at Wintermute believe the main reasons for the crypto market stagnation are external factors, namely US inflation data and geopolitical tensions affecting oil prices, rather than issues within the crypto industry itself.

QHow could rising oil prices, as noted by Wintermute, impact US monetary policy and the crypto market?

AWintermute experts believe further increases in oil prices could accelerate US inflation in August, potentially giving the Federal Reserve a reason to maintain a tight monetary policy. This could indirectly pressure the crypto market by keeping interest rates higher for longer.

QWhat specific action by Riot Platforms is cited as a source of pressure on major cryptocurrencies?

ARiot Platforms is cited for selling 4,300 Bitcoin (BTC) in Q2 2024, following the sale of 3,778 BTC in Q1. This reduced its reserve to 11,380 BTC by the end of June, contributing to selling pressure on major cryptocurrencies.

QWhy are some Bitcoin miners selling their coins, according to the article?

ADue to a record-high hash rate, the operational costs for some mining companies now exceed their mining revenue. This forces miners to sell their accumulated coins to cover expenses and fund new business ventures, including AI infrastructure projects.

QWhat does Wintermute say is needed for a recovery in the crypto market's positive momentum?

AWintermute analysts state that for the crypto market to recover its positive momentum, capital inflows must return not only to spot Bitcoin ETFs but also to other segments of the crypto market.

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