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Negative sentiments by new market participants behind bitcoin’s bearish phase- Bitfinex Alpha

By Solomon Victor

New bitcoin (BTC) investors are facing significant challenges as the market experiences a severe downturn. The current market conditions are causing huge financial stress for new investors, reports Bitfinex Alpha, a publication by Bitfinex, a leading crypto exchange, in its latest issue.

The Bitfinex report highlights the severity of the recent decline, with BTC price dropping 33.32% from its cycle high and all-time high (ATH) of $73,666. This significant drop has led to a strong bearish phase, with BTC trading below its average historical trend. 

A sharp pace of decline and negative sentiment among newer market participants, shows Bitfinex report

The recent BTC price drop from its cycle high and ATH has marked the largest decline of the current cycle, indicating a strong bearish phase. The US economy is showing mixed signals, with recent data offering a more optimistic outlook despite ongoing concerns of a potential downturn. 

The crypto space is experiencing certain significant developments, including Kamala Harris’s emergence as a frontrunner in the 2024 U.S presidential race, which may impact crypto policy. Besides, major financial institutions like BlackRock and Nasdaq are making moves in the digital asset market, and the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (U.S SEC) continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the U.S crypto landscape. 

The recent BTC sell-off has pushed the price to levels seldom seen in relation to the short-term holders’ cost basis, indicating a sharp pace of decline and negative sentiment among newer market participants. These current market conditions are causing huge financial stress for new investors, who are holding the largest amount of unrealized losses, and this in turn, can exacerbate market volatility and increase selling pressure in a bearish market.

Key metrics, such as the Mayer Multiple, which compares current BTC price to its 200-day moving average, indicate a severe downturn, with the Multiple dropping to 3.88. This level has not been seen since November 2022, signaling a strong bearish phase. 

On-chain metrics, including the Short-Term Holder Realised Price (STH Cost-Basis), currently at $64,860, and the Chatelem Header MVRV, reveal a significant sell-off, with BTC spot price approaching the 1 standard deviation band below the STH Cost Basis. This is a rare occurrence seen in only 71% of trading days. 

Read also: Crypto market faces $900 million liquidation as Bitcoin retreats to $65k ahead of the halving.

Market volatility testing new investors’ resolve

The current state of the BTC market is characterized by high volatility, with prices experiencing significant fluctuations. This volatility can be particularly challenging for new investors, who may be more prone to making emotional decisions based on short-term market movements. 

The recent sell-off, which saw BTC price drop by 33.32% from its cycle high, has resulted in widespread losses among new investors, showing the need for caution and informed decision-making in such market conditions.

Market volatility can have a significant impact on new investors, who may be more likely to sell in panic during further price drops. This can exacerbate market downturns, leading to rapid declines in BTC price

Read also: Bitcoin at all-time high of over $73,000: What is fueling the surge in the crypto market?

Insights and Analysis

Current market conditions are indicative of a strong bearish phase, with BTC trading significantly below its average historical trend, as indicated by the Short-Term Holder MVRV ratio. 

According to the analysts in the Bitfinex report, this metric highlights the severity of the current market downturn and the significant financial strain it is placing on new investors. The analysts note that “Such conditions can exacerbate the volatility of the market as these investors may be more prone to sell in panic during further price drops, potentially leading to accelerated declines in BTC price.”

The recent drop in BTC price below $50,000 brought BTC spot price close to the -1SD band, signaling a severe market slump. This event is rare, having occurred on only 364 out of 5139 trading days, underscoring the intensity of the current market downturn.

The analysts added that “this situation not only reflects the sharp pace of the decline but also serves as a crucial signal for investors about the extent of negative sentiment and potential stress among newer market participants. Such insights are valuable for assessing market conditions and potential recovery scenarios.”

Implications for investors and traders

The implications are clear: The BTC market is experiencing significant volatility, and new investors are facing huge challenges. 

The metrics the Bitfinex report cited, such as the Mayer Multiple and Short-Term Holder MVRV ratio, provide valuable insights into market sentiment and dynamics. By understanding these dynamics, investors and analysts can better predict potential market movements and make informed decisions.

With the current negative sentiment among new market participants, BTC investors and traders are not likely to ride on the back of a bull at this time.

Read also: The ‘Tug-o-War’ on Exchanges: A Technical Analysis of Bitcoin Price Action


Solomon Victor is a Technical Analyst who is also knowledgeable about various aspects of blockchain and cryptocurrency.