Bitcoin Short-Term Holders Face Panic Selling as BTC Price Dips Below $90,000 Mark

Bitcoin’s recent price drop has sent shockwaves through the market, especially among short-term holders who are now grappling with significant losses as prices tumble below the psychologically critical $90,000 mark.

In an unexpected turn of events, nearly 80,000 BTC were transferred to exchanges by short-term holders, signaling a drastic panic sell-off amidst fears of a prolonged downturn. This mass movement of assets is indicative of a larger trend affecting novice investors.

“This is the largest Bitcoin sell-off of 2025,” remarked Axel Adler Jr., a contributing analyst at CryptoQuant, emphasizing the scale of the transactions as BTC/USD dipped to levels not seen in 15 weeks.

Bitcoin Short-Term Holders Face Unprecedented Losses

As Bitcoin continues to lose ground, short-term holders (STHs) — defined as those holding assets for less than 155 days — have seen their investments plunge into the red. On February 25, BTC fell to approximately $86,000, prompting a massive sell-off where 79,300 BTC, equivalent to about $7 billion, was transferred to exchanges within a single day. This reaction highlights the volatility and fear present in the market.

The latest data from CryptoQuant illustrates that this episode represented the largest exchange outflow of loss-making transactions seen so far this year. While there is no definitive confirmation that sold coins reached exchange wallets, the marked increase in distressed transactions signals a growing unease among newer market participants.

Long-Term Holders Remain Resilient Amid Market Turbulence

In stark contrast to short-term holders, long-term Bitcoin investors have largely remained unfazed, maintaining their positions and continuing to support price stability during this volatile period. As observed by analyst Avocado_onchain, the Spent Output Profit Ratio (SOPR) metric, which reflects the profitability of assets being moved, fell to its lowest point since last August, indicating the stress short-term holders are exhibiting.

“While the panic selling among short-term holders is evident, long-term holders continue to provide a counterbalance, reducing the impact of further price declines,” Avocado_onchain noted in a recent analysis. This divergence sheds light on the varying behaviors of different investor cohorts within the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Market Sentiment and Future Outlook

Despite the current selling frenzy, some market analysts believe that recovery is possible if price levels stabilize around crucial support zones. James Check, creator of Checkonchain, pointed out that the crossing of the $90,000 aggregate breakeven point for short-term holders could signal a potential turning point. He emphasized that, historically, significant support tends to hold at these levels.

Joe Carlasare, a digital asset attorney, echoed this sentiment, advising against overly bearish perspectives. “This is the buy zone,” he asserted, emphasizing that investors must maintain a long-term view rather than get caught up in short-term fluctuations. “Bitcoin can overshoot both ways, and while it may dip, patience is key for future gains,” he added.

Conclusion

The current market situation for Bitcoin underscores the emotional volatility often experienced by short-term holders, contrasting sharply with the sturdier stance of long-term investors. As these dynamics continue to unfold, it remains essential for market participants to carefully assess their strategies and temper their responses to instantaneous price movements. With support levels holding at around $90,000, the future may still hold positive opportunities for those willing to remain steadfast in their investment philosophies.