Whales drop stablecoins like hotcakes, analysts wait for turnaround in Bitcoin demand


  • Whale stablecoin holdings have dropped consistently since June.
  • Stablecoin holdings of whales are at their lowest level in six months.
  • On-chain analysts suggest that once whale wallets larger than $5 million begin adding stablecoins, a Bitcoin recovery can emerge.

Large wallet investors’ stablecoin holdings have typically been considered an indicator for determining whether there is demand or buying power in the crypto market. A rise in stablecoin balances of the wallets could indicate a recovery in Bitcoin, according to on-chain analysts on crypto intelligence tracker Santiment.

Also read: Optimism airdrop distributes 19 million OP tokens to more than 31,000 addresses

Whale buying power should fuel Bitcoin price demand

Whale wallets holding more than $5 million worth of stablecoins own over 51.14% of stablecoin supply, the lowest level since March 18. Analysts at Santiment note that a spike in  whale holdings increases buying pressure on Bitcoin and acts as a catalyst for BTC price rallies.

In June 2023, Bitcoin price crossed $30,000. Analysts identified this by observing the change in stablecoin holdings of whales holding $5 million or more in stablecoins

Whales with $5 million in crypto

Whales with $5 million in crypto

As of September 20, the stablecoin holdings of these whales have hit the lowest point in six months. Market participants can typically predict a recovery in BTC price as large wallets in this segment begin accumulating stablecoins. This could increase demand for the largest asset by market capitalization across centralized exchanges, and in turn, drive prices higher.

Bitcoin price is above the $27,000 level on Binance at the time of writing. BTC price is above three long-term Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) at $26,615, $27,037 and $25,883, respectively. A recovery in stablecoin demand from whales could catalyze BTC price recovery, driving it toward its August 29 intraday high of $28,000.

Bitcoin, altcoins, stablecoins FAQs

What is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, a virtual currency designed to serve as money. This form of payment cannot be controlled by any one person, group, or entity, which eliminates the need for third-party participation during financial transactions.

What are altcoins?

Altcoins are any cryptocurrency apart from Bitcoin, but some also regard Ethereum as a non-altcoin because it is from these two cryptocurrencies that forking happens. If this is true, then Litecoin is the first altcoin, forked from the Bitcoin protocol and, therefore, an “improved” version of it.

What are stablecoins?

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to have a stable price, with their value backed by a reserve of the asset it represents. To achieve this, the value of any one stablecoin is pegged to a commodity or financial instrument, such as the US Dollar (USD), with its supply regulated by an algorithm or demand. The main goal of stablecoins is to provide an on/off-ramp for investors willing to trade and invest in cryptocurrencies. Stablecoins also allow investors to store value since cryptocurrencies, in general, are subject to volatility.

What is Bitcoin Dominance?

Bitcoin dominance is the ratio of Bitcoin's market capitalization to the total market capitalization of all cryptocurrencies combined. It provides a clear picture of Bitcoin’s interest among investors. A high BTC dominance typically happens before and during a bull run, in which investors resort to investing in relatively stable and high market capitalization cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. A drop in BTC dominance usually means that investors are moving their capital and/or profits to altcoins in a quest for higher returns, which usually triggers an explosion of altcoin rallies.


Like this article? Help us with some feedback by answering this survey:



Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.

If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.

FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.

The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.

Join Telegram

Recommended content


Recommended Content

Editors’ Picks

Celebrity meme coins controversy continues amid Pump.fun revenue dominance

Celebrity meme coins controversy continues amid Pump.fun revenue dominance

Pump.fun outperformed the Ethereum blockchain on Tuesday after raking in $1.99 million. Following this achievement, a meme coin based on actress Sydney Sweeney was the subject of controversy after its developers dumped their bags on investors.

More Meme Coins News

PEPE's on-chain metrics indicate potential rally after weeks of silence

PEPE's on-chain metrics indicate potential rally after weeks of silence

PEPE has struggled to see any significant price move after reaching an all-time high in May. Increased adoption rate and low MVRV ratio indicate a bullish run may be on the horizon. A single PEPE outflow from Binance worth $14.7 million gives credence to signs of bullish expectation.

More Pepe News

Ethereum has failed to overcome key resistance despite bullish sentiment surrounding ETH ETF

Ethereum has failed to overcome key resistance despite bullish sentiment surrounding ETH ETF

Ethereum (ETH) is down more than 1.4% on Tuesday following another ETH sale from the Ethereum Foundation. Meanwhile, crypto exchange Gemini's recent report reveals that ETH ETF could see about $5 billion in net inflows within six months of launch.

More Ethereum News

Crypto community blasts Polkadot following report of treasury spending

Crypto community blasts Polkadot following report of treasury spending

Polkadot reports $87 million of treasury spending during H1. Crypto community members expressed harsh feelings toward the DOT team's high spending. DOT is up more than 2% in the past 24 hours but risks correction following the report.

More Polkadot News

Bitcoin: BTC price correction could end in July, according to seasonal data

Bitcoin: BTC price correction could end in July, according to seasonal data

Bitcoin (BTC) price appears poised for a decline this week, influenced by slight outflows in US spot ETFs, selling activity among BTC miners, and a combined transfer of 4,690.28 BTC to centralized exchanges by the US and German governments.

Read full analysis

BTC

ETH

XRP