This Key Bitcoin Metric Signals That The Downside May Persist A Bit Longer

bitcoinistPublished on 2026-02-13Last updated on 2026-02-13

Abstract

After a sharp pullback in Bitcoin's price, speculation suggests the market may have entered a bearish phase. A key metric, the Bitcoin Z-Score, indicates that the downside movement has not yet climaxed, with BTC hitting a historically extreme -3σ downside deviation near the $60,000 mark. This suggests selling pressure and weak demand are likely to persist in the coming days, weeks, or even months. Analysts note that final market bottoms are typically formed through prolonged choppy compression rather than sharp crashes. Additionally, the Bull Score Signals metric, which assesses on-chain health, shows most indicators are still negative, indicating a challenging environment for Bitcoin to reach new all-time highs in the short term. The drop below $60,000 has also pressured Bitcoin whales, who have increased their inflows to exchanges like Binance, with over 50,000 BTC moved since February 1. This activity often signals heightened selling pressure, especially in a tightening liquidity environment.

After a sharp pullback in Bitcoin’s price, there are speculations that the cryptocurrency market has shifted into a bearish phase, marking an end to the bull market. Despite this significant drop, a key metric is showing signs that the market pain is likely to continue, reinforcing this current downward pressure.

Bitcoin Metric Warns The Pullback Isn’t Over Yet

Bitcoin’s ongoing downside movement does not seem to have reached its climax yet. An indicator of the Bitcoin market that is closely monitored indicates that the current dip has not ended, and the correction may continue for a short time.

This data from the Bitcoin Z-Score metric suggests that selling pressure and weak demand conditions are highly likely to continue in the upcoming days, weeks, or even months. Following an analysis of the metric, On-Chain Mind disclosed that BTC has hit a -3σ downside deviation in the recent crash.

The -3σ downside deviation, which is sitting at the $60,000 price mark, is the most extreme statistical stretch in the history of BTC. On-Chain Mind outlined that a continued severe breakdown below this level now would be historically unprecedented.

Given the data from the metric, the crypto expert predicts that the negative chop will continue for a little while longer. Interestingly, the final bottoms are created by monotonous, choppy compression and now vertical crashes. In the meantime, the possibility of a continued short-term weakness before a stronger recovery emerges remains high.

Source: Chart from On-Chain Mind on X

Darkfost, a market expert and author at CryptoQuant, has shed light on the current state of the BTC environment using the Bull Score Signals metric. This metric provides an overview of the market’s on-chain health and highlights multiple key elements affecting Bitcoin’s price behavior.

It further covers a variety of significant information regarding demand, liquidity, and the value of Bitcoin. Currently, the majority of these indicators are still in the red, which suggests that the environment is not improving yet. As long as this is the case, Bitcoin’s difficulty of reaching a new all-time high in the short term becomes extremely hard.

Whales Under Pressure Due To BTC’s Drop

With a temporary break below $60,000, a wave of nervousness has been ignited across the market, putting Bitcoin whales under pressure. Despite popular opinion, these big holders do not consistently constitute a type of patient and logical smart money because they react to market shocks either opportunistically or under pressure.

Examining their inflows on the Binance platform, Darkfost has highlighted an increase in the monthly time frame. The monthly inflow rose from around 1,000 BTC to nearly 3,000 BTC, with a notable spike of roughly 12,000 BTC on February 6 alone. When there is significant price stress, this kind of action indicates that transfers to exchanges are more intense.

Since February 1, more than 50,000 BTC inflows were observed from this group, suggesting sensitivity to rapid market swings from the investors as they adjust their positions. These investors can abruptly influence price dynamics, which can be good in gauging the forces shaping the market. In an environment where overall market liquidity is tightening, rising inflows are often a sign of increased selling pressure.

BTC trading at $66,141 on the 1D chart | Source: BTCUSDT on Tradingview.com

Related Questions

QWhat does the Bitcoin Z-Score metric's -3σ downside deviation at the $60,000 mark indicate?

AIt indicates the most extreme statistical stretch in Bitcoin's history, suggesting that selling pressure and weak demand conditions are highly likely to continue, and a continued severe breakdown below this level would be historically unprecedented.

QAccording to the Bull Score Signals metric, why is it difficult for Bitcoin to reach a new all-time high in the short term?

ABecause the majority of the indicators in the Bull Score Signals metric are still in the red, suggesting that the on-chain market environment is not improving yet.

QHow have Bitcoin whales reacted to the recent price drop, as observed on the Binance platform?

AThere has been an increase in monthly inflows from whales, rising from around 1,000 BTC to nearly 3,000 BTC, with a notable spike of roughly 12,000 BTC on February 6 alone, indicating intensified transfers to exchanges during price stress.

QWhat does the analysis from On-Chain Mind suggest about the nature of final market bottoms?

AIt suggests that final bottoms are created by monotonous, choppy compression and not by vertical crashes.

QWhat is the overall prediction for Bitcoin's market movement based on the key metrics discussed?

AThe prediction is that the negative chop and downward pressure will continue for a little while longer, with a high possibility of continued short-term weakness before a stronger recovery emerges.

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