What does it mean when the chip concentration is more than 90%? How to operate in combination with price breakthroughs?

High chip concentration above 90% in cryptocurrencies can lead to volatility and manipulation, but combining it with price breakthroughs can guide investment strategies.

Jun 10, 2025 at 10:35 am

When discussing the cryptocurrency market, the concept of chip concentration is crucial, especially when it reaches levels above 90%. This article will delve into what this means and how investors can operate in combination with price breakthroughs.

Understanding Chip Concentration

Chip concentration refers to the percentage of a cryptocurrency's total supply held by a small number of addresses. When this concentration exceeds 90%, it indicates that a very small group of investors control the majority of the cryptocurrency's supply. This can have significant implications for the market dynamics and price movements.

In the context of cryptocurrencies, high chip concentration can lead to increased volatility. The reason is that the price of the cryptocurrency can be more easily manipulated by these large holders, often referred to as whales. When whales decide to buy or sell large amounts of the cryptocurrency, it can cause significant price swings.

Impact of High Chip Concentration

When the chip concentration is more than 90%, it can signal a few potential scenarios. Firstly, it might indicate that the cryptocurrency is in the hands of early investors or a few large institutional players. This can be both a positive and a negative sign. On the positive side, it might suggest strong confidence in the project from these large holders. On the negative side, it could mean that the market is ripe for manipulation.

Secondly, high chip concentration can lead to a lack of liquidity. With fewer participants in the market, it becomes harder to buy or sell large amounts of the cryptocurrency without significantly impacting the price. This can deter new investors from entering the market and can lead to a stagnant price.

Combining Chip Concentration with Price Breakthroughs

When analyzing the cryptocurrency market, combining the information about chip concentration with price breakthroughs can provide valuable insights. A price breakthrough occurs when the price of a cryptocurrency moves above a significant resistance level or below a significant support level.

If the chip concentration is above 90% and a price breakthrough occurs, it can be a strong signal for investors. For example, if the price breaks through a resistance level, it might indicate that the whales are starting to sell their holdings, which could lead to a price drop. Conversely, if the price breaks through a support level, it might suggest that the whales are accumulating more of the cryptocurrency, potentially leading to a price increase.

Operating Strategies in High Chip Concentration Scenarios

When the chip concentration is above 90%, investors need to be cautious and strategic in their operations. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Monitor Large Transactions: Use blockchain explorers to track large transactions. If you notice significant movements of the cryptocurrency from or to a few addresses, it might indicate that the whales are preparing to make a move.
• Set Price Alerts: Set up price alerts at key resistance and support levels. If a price breakthrough occurs, you can quickly react to the new market conditions.
• Diversify Your Portfolio: Given the potential for manipulation and volatility in high chip concentration scenarios, it's wise to diversify your investments across different cryptocurrencies to mitigate risk.
• Use Stop-Loss Orders: To protect your investments, consider using stop-loss orders. If the price drops significantly due to whale activity, a stop-loss order can help limit your losses.

Practical Steps for Combining Chip Concentration and Price Breakthroughs

To effectively combine chip concentration data with price breakthroughs, follow these detailed steps:

• Gather Data on Chip Concentration: Use tools like Glassnode or CryptoQuant to track the chip concentration of the cryptocurrency you are interested in. Look for data that shows the percentage of the supply held by the top addresses.
• Identify Key Resistance and Support Levels: Use technical analysis tools like TradingView to identify key resistance and support levels for the cryptocurrency. These levels are crucial for spotting price breakthroughs.
• Set Up Price Alerts: Use a trading platform that allows you to set up price alerts. Set alerts at the identified resistance and support levels so you can be notified if a breakthrough occurs.
• Analyze Large Transactions: Use a blockchain explorer like Blockchain.com or Etherscan to monitor large transactions. Look for patterns that might indicate whale activity, such as large transfers to exchanges or cold wallets.
• React to Price Breakthroughs: If a price breakthrough occurs, analyze the situation. If the price breaks through a resistance level and you see large sell orders, it might be a signal to sell or take profits. If the price breaks through a support level and you see large buy orders, it could be a signal to buy.

Case Study: Bitcoin's Chip Concentration and Price Breakthroughs

To illustrate how chip concentration and price breakthroughs can be combined, let's look at a case study involving Bitcoin. In the past, Bitcoin has experienced periods of high chip concentration, especially during its early years.

For example, in 2017, Bitcoin's chip concentration was high, with a significant portion of the supply held by early adopters and large investors. During this period, Bitcoin experienced several price breakthroughs, both to the upside and the downside. When the price broke through resistance levels, it often led to significant rallies, driven by FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) among retail investors. Conversely, when the price broke through support levels, it sometimes triggered sell-offs as whales cashed in their profits.

By monitoring the chip concentration and reacting to price breakthroughs, investors could have made informed decisions about when to buy or sell Bitcoin during these volatile periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can high chip concentration always be considered a negative sign for a cryptocurrency?

A: Not necessarily. While high chip concentration can lead to increased volatility and potential manipulation, it can also indicate strong confidence from large investors in the project's future. It's important to consider other factors such as the project's fundamentals and market sentiment.

Q: How can retail investors protect themselves in markets with high chip concentration?

A: Retail investors can protect themselves by diversifying their portfolios, using stop-loss orders, and staying informed about large transactions and price movements. Additionally, focusing on cryptocurrencies with lower chip concentration might reduce the risk of manipulation.

Q: Are there tools specifically designed to track chip concentration in real-time?

A: Yes, several tools like Glassnode, CryptoQuant, and Nansen provide real-time data on chip concentration for various cryptocurrencies. These tools can help investors stay updated on the distribution of a cryptocurrency's supply.

Q: How does chip concentration affect the long-term viability of a cryptocurrency?

A: High chip concentration can impact the long-term viability of a cryptocurrency by potentially deterring new investors due to the risk of manipulation and lack of liquidity. However, if the project continues to develop and attract more participants, the chip concentration might decrease over time, improving its long-term prospects.