Bitcoin’s Long-Term Demand Persists Despite Short-Term Slowdown, Hinting at Possible Surge

• Bitcoin dolphins, entities holding 100-1,000 BTC, now control 26% of the supply, fueling sustained demand.

• On-chain data shows these holders added 681,000 BTC this year, outpacing other cohorts.

• Analysts predict a 75% chance of positive returns in the next three months, with an average 25.9% gain based on historical trends.

Discover how Bitcoin’s dolphin accumulation signals a potential price surge despite short-term slowdowns. Explore on-chain insights and expert predictions for BTC’s 2025 trajectory—stay informed on crypto trends today.

What Is Driving Bitcoin’s Demand in the Current Bull Cycle?

Bitcoin’s demand in the ongoing bull cycle is primarily propelled by institutional players known as “dolphins,” entities holding between 100 and 1,000 BTC, which represent a significant portion of the network’s supply. These holders, including ETFs and corporations, have demonstrated consistent accumulation, adding substantial volumes throughout 2025. This structural support underscores Bitcoin’s resilience, even as short-term trading momentum wanes, according to on-chain analytics from firms like CryptoQuant.

How Are Bitcoin Dolphins Shaping Market Direction?

Bitcoin dolphins currently hold approximately 5.16 million BTC, accounting for 26% of the total supply, making their accumulation patterns a key indicator for price movements. On-chain data indicates these entities have net added 681,000 BTC so far in 2025, while other holder groups have trimmed positions, highlighting institutional dominance. CryptoQuant analysts note that historical trends show growing dolphin holdings often precede price surges, whereas slowdowns can signal corrections. For instance, the firm’s data reveals dolphin balances remain above their one-year moving average, unlike the 2021 cycle peak, suggesting sustained ETF and treasury demand. Expert Quinn Thompson, CIO of Lekker Capital, emphasized, “The current setup for Bitcoin and Ethereum is rare. Opportunity ahead is similar to pre-Trump victory ‘24.” This concentration of holdings positions dolphins as pivotal influencers, with their behavior directly impacting market sentiment and liquidity flows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Signs of Bitcoin’s Bull Cycle Maturity?

Bitcoin’s bull cycle shows maturity through declining short-term momentum, as evidenced by 30-day balances falling below their moving average, per CryptoQuant’s on-chain metrics. However, long-term structural demand from dolphins persists, indicating the cycle may extend rather than end abruptly, with potential reacceleration in accumulation driving further gains.

Will Bitcoin See a Price Surge in the Next Few Weeks?

Yes, analysts from CryptoQuant anticipate a reacceleration in dolphin accumulation over the next few weeks, which could propel Bitcoin to new highs, building on its current price of around $111,397. This outlook aligns with historical patterns where institutional buying has sustained upward momentum, though a continued slowdown risks deepening recent corrections.

Key Takeaways

• Institutional Demand Persists: Bitcoin dolphins have added 681,000 BTC in 2025, maintaining 26% supply control and supporting long-term price stability.
• Short-Term Caution Advised: Declining 30-day momentum signals potential corrections, but overall bull cycle indicators remain positive for Ethereum and Bitcoin alike.
• Global Banking Integration: Firms like JPMorgan plan to accept BTC and ETH as loan collateral by late 2025, enhancing mainstream adoption and liquidity.

Conclusion

In summary, Bitcoin’s bull cycle maturity is marked by robust Bitcoin dolphins accumulation and institutional demand, countering short-term momentum dips and positioning the asset for potential surges, as highlighted by CryptoQuant and experts like Valter Rebelo from Empiricus, who forecasts a 75% chance of positive returns averaging 25.9% over the next three months. Ethereum mirrors this resilience with recent gains to $3,977. As traditional finance integrates digital assets—evidenced by JPMorgan’s forthcoming BTC and ETH collateral options and dormant wallet activations signaling profit-taking—investors should monitor on-chain trends closely. Looking ahead, these developments promise expanded opportunities in the evolving crypto landscape; consider diversifying portfolios with informed strategies to capitalize on sustained growth.

On-chain data from Thursday highlights Bitcoin’s short-term momentum waning, yet its long-term structural demand stays firm. Analytics from CryptoQuant indicate the bull cycle is in a late-stage phase, not concluding. BTC dolphins—encompassing ETFs, corporations, and major holders—continue to anchor the demand framework.

CryptoQuant forecasts possible upticks in dolphin accumulation soon, potentially elevating BTC prices to fresh peaks. Conversely, prolonged price deceleration might intensify the ongoing correction.

Dolphins are defined by CryptoQuant as addresses with 100 to 1,000 BTC. These now command the biggest BTC share, at 26% or about 5.16 million coins.

The firm stresses that dolphin actions critically influence Bitcoin’s market path. Rising accumulation has traditionally boosted prices, while lulls have led to distributions or drops in past cycles.

Year-to-date, dolphins have incorporated roughly 681,000 BTC, as other segments divest, per on-chain records. Yet, the 30-day balance dipping under its average points to softening short-term interest, warns CryptoQuant.

“The current setup for Bitcoin and Ethereum is rare. Opportunity ahead is similar to pre-Trump victory ‘24.”

–Quinn Thompson, CIO of Lekker Capital.

Valter Rebelo, Empiricus’s digital assets lead, on Thursday pegged a 75% likelihood of Bitcoin gains over the next quarter. This follows a 30-40% open interest jump on October 10, with expected 90-day returns at 25.9%.

Bitcoin trades at $111,397, up 2.15% daily and 5.5% weekly, though down 1.44% monthly.

Ethereum rose 3.22% to $3,977 in 24 hours, up nearly 5% weekly but down over 5% monthly.

A Bitcoin miner wallet with 4,000 BTC—valued at $442 million—reactivated after 15 years dormant. Lookonchain data shows it moved 150 BTC ($16.6 million), assets from 2009 mined and held since 2011, likely for sales amid high prices and profits.

Cryptopolitan noted Friday that JPMorgan Chase plans BTC and ETH as loan collateral by 2025’s end, globally via third-party custody. This builds on prior ETF collateral acceptance, amid U.S. regulatory shifts encouraging bank crypto expansion.

Morgan Stanley eyes similar digital asset access in 2026, while State Street, BNY Mellon, and Fidelity provide custody.

The CryptoQuant Twitter post stated: “The bull cycle isn’t done yet. Dolphin holdings (100–1K BTC) are still growing above their 1-year MA — unlike the 2021 peak. It suggests ETF and treasury demand remains strong.”