Bitcoin Longs Lose Strength as Coinbase Premium Hits Fresh Lows

Bitcoin’s long-standing support near $80,000 faces renewed pressure as U.S. investor activity signals persistent weakness. The cryptocurrency last closed a monthly candle below the level in early 2025, though things could change. Analysts are growing worried by the sustained weakness in the Coinbase Premium Index. 

The Coinbase Premium Index is calculated by taking the price discrepancy between Coinbase in the U.S. and Binance internationally. A lower reading indicates greater selling pressure from U.S. investors. The index stood at -0.14 on Dec. 30, according to CryptoQuant. It was the weakest level for August since February. The index remained negative for 16 straight days.

Source: CryptoQuant

Bitcoin has also not closed a weekly candle at over $90,000 during this uptrend. Analysts think that this pattern suggests Bitcoin is yet to print a macro low. They point out that the selling pressure isn’t letting up. Analyst Johnny mentioned that a local bottom could be found when the Coinbase premium is restored.

Bitcoin’s $80K Dip Sparks Bounce Comparisons as ETF Outflows Slow

A drastic decline in the premium at the beginning of February pushed Bitcoin through support at $80,000. The price rebounded briskly following that breakdown. Analysts now draw comparisons with that earlier maneuver. Some anticipate a comparable transient rupture and bounce back.

Data on ETF flows adds something extra to the trend. December was the second consecutive month with negative ETF flows. But the outflows were lower vs last month. And that pattern was the same during February and early March, indicating a further sell-off by U.S. investors but at a slower pace.

Source: SoSoValue

Also Read: Bitcoin (BTC) Surpasses 35K Accumulation: Is It Gearing Up for a New All-Time High in 2026?

This decrease opens up room for a possible bounce. Even if Bitcoin falls below $80,000 temporarily, the cryptocurrency could recover, analysts say. They note that a weakening outflow can set the stage for an upturn. They consider the slowdown more of an early warning than a sign of strength.

Large Holders Add 10,700 BTC, Signaling Early Accumulation Shift

Long-term holders are also starting to feel a difference. According to CryptoQuant, in late December their supply flipped from distribution into accumulation. Close to 10,700 BTC enters long-term holding. That’s the first uptick since July. Analysts consider the change marginal but significant.

Source: CryptoQuant

These types of shifts happen before consolidation cycles, Darkfost wrote. He added that comparable moves have happened ahead of recoveries. He stressed that how the market performs more widely will also determine the result. Yet he saw the holder’s behavior as a positive signal.

Bitcoin is currently hovering between strong support and heavy selling pressure. The Coinbase Premium Index remains at deeply negative levels. ETF redemptions also persist. But the change in supply among long-term holders serves as a counterweight. A rebound is still possible if the market gets a reprieve from selling pressure, analysts say.

Also Read: Crypto Derivatives Boom in 2025 As Perpetual Futures Cross $1.2 Trillion Monthly