This article was first published on TurkishNY Radio.
The Bitcoin market cycle may be quietly shifting as holders of record reduce the amount they sell after months of steady pressure. For average investors, this move appears to be an opportunity to pause and evaluate what comes next, rather than a dramatic turn of events.
While prices have yet to recover, on-chain data indicates that affected Bitcoin investors are no longer fleeing the market, an early emotional shift that is often greater in significance than temporary price swings.
A Pause From the Smart Money in the Bitcoin Market Cycle
persistent holders, wallets that have held Bitcoin for more than five months, have traditionally played an important role in defining each Bitcoin market cycle. Recent statistics reveal that those who invest are not anymore adding additional inventory to the Bitcoin market cycle, indicating a pause as opposed to panic selling.
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One analyst described it simply: “When long-term holders stop selling, it usually means fear has cooled, even if confidence hasn’t fully returned yet.”

Why a “Broken” Chart Confused Traders
Some charts initially suggested heavy selling was still underway. Later analysis revealed that large exchange wallet movements were responsible for much of that noise. These internal transfers looked like selling but did not reflect real exits from the market.
This misread temporarily distorted how traders viewed the Bitcoin market cycle, making conditions seem weaker than they actually were.
What This Shift Really Means for Prices
In past cycles, a slowdown in long-term holder selling rarely led to instant rallies. Instead, Bitcoin often entered a choppy, sideways phase. This cooling-off period allows the market to absorb earlier excess before choosing a direction.
As one market watcher put it, “This is how the Bitcoin market cycle catches its breath, quietly, not with fireworks.”
What Analysts Are Watching Next
The next critical signal will be whether long-term holders begin accumulating again. A steady rise in dormant supply would suggest the Bitcoin market cycle is rebuilding strength beneath the surface, even if prices remain range-bound for now.

Conclusion
The recent pause in selling suggests the most aggressive phase of distribution may be behind us. While uncertainty remains, this behavior hints that the Bitcoin market cycle could be transitioning into a calmer, more balanced phase rather than sliding deeper into weakness.
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Summary
The Bitcoin market cycle looks to be stabilizing, as long-term holders cease selling during months of distribution. On-chain data reveals experienced investors pulling back, although false exchange signals previously obscured this trend. Whilst this cannot be considered a strong breakout, it alleviates negative pressure and indicates that the economy may be approaching the phase of consolidation before its next significant move.
Glossary of Key Terms
Long-term holders (LTHs): Include individuals whose work have held Btc for at least 155 days in total.
On-chain data: Knowledge gleaned from the bitcoin transactions.
Distribution: Entails selling commodities on the open exchange.
Accumulation: Is the process of gradually purchasing or retaining assets over time.
Exchange wallet movement: Transactions within the exchange that don’t match actual deals.
FAQs for Bitcoin market cycle
1. Why do long-term holders matter so much?
They tend to be experienced investors whose actions often signal broader market shifts.
2. Does stopping selling mean a bull run is coming?
Not immediately. It usually points to stabilization, not instant growth.
3. Why were traders confused by recent charts?
Exchange wallet transfers created misleading selling signals.
4. Can ETFs override on-chain trends?
Yes. Large inflows or outflows can still strongly affect price action.
5. What confirms a true market reset?
Sustained accumulation combined with improving liquidity conditions.





