Bitcoin Shows Mixed Signals With Rising ETF Demand But Persistent Capital Outflows

Bitcoin Consolidates In $80K-$90K Range / Shutterstock.com
Bitcoin Consolidates In $80K-$90K RangeImage: Shutterstock.com

Bitcoin (BTC) entered 2026 consolidating between the low-$80,000s and mid-$90,000s following its fourth-quarter drawdown, according to Glassnode's latest market analysis.

The cryptocurrency shows improving momentum indicators and returning institutional demand through ETF inflows.

However, persistent on-chain capital outflows suggest structural demand remains subdued.

Glassnode analysts characterized the market as transitioning into a "fragile consolidation regime."

What Happened

US spot Bitcoin ETF flows reversed from a $740 million weekly outflow to a $324 million inflow.

ETF trading volume increased 40% to $14 billion.

The MVRV ratio for ETF holders reached 1.68, indicating elevated unrealized profits and potential near-term profit-taking risk.

Derivatives markets rebuilt positioning with futures open interest rising 2.5% to $30.3 billion.

Options open interest contracted 22.6% to $25.7 billion, signaling aggressive de-risking.

Network activity improved with active addresses rising 6.9% to 665,000 and transfer volume jumping 22.4% to $8.7 billion.

Read also: Starknet Restores Service After Four-Hour Network Outage

Why It Matters

Realized capital growth remained negative at -0.4%, indicating persistent net capital outflows despite improving participation metrics.

The short-term holder to long-term holder supply ratio stood at 19.3%, above historical norms.

This elevated share of price-sensitive capital increases market sensitivity to near-term volatility.

Supply in profit recovered to 68.4% from 65.3%, while realized loss-taking pressure declined sharply.

The market faces competing dynamics as institutional flows improve but structural on-chain demand stays weak.

Glassnode noted the combination leaves Bitcoin "sensitive to volatility and profit-taking risk as it attempts to rebuild higher ground."

Read next: Bitcoin Climbs To $94,000 On Venezuela Tensions Despite Trading Volume Hitting 2-Year Low

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Kostiantyn Tsentsura

Kostiantyn Tsentsura is a Content Writer at Yellow.com with over 8 years of experience in crypto, dedicating the last 4 years to writing about the industry. Based in Kyiv, he’s passionate about football, fishing, and kayaking. When he’s not tracking market trends or exploring crypto news, you’ll find him on the water—because even in crypto, sometimes it’s best to just go with the flow.

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