Bitcoin (BTC) Market in a Cooling-Off Phase, Not a Reversal, Data Shows

Recent price action has seen Bitcoin (BTC) surging past $108,000 before facing a price correction, sparking contrasting views on the market’s future trajectory. While the majority still anticipate the bull market continuing, some now worry that the correction, which began in March, may continue to linger.

However, onchain data from CryptoQuant suggests that the market is not yet in full reversal but rather in a cooling-off phase. Several key indicators can be used to gauge this.

One important indicator is the Adjusted Spent Output Profit Ratio (aSOPR). This metric filters out short-term noise by removing observations less than one hour and applies a seven-day Simple Moving Average (SMA). Currently, the SOPR (7-SMA) is above 1 but declining. Historically, when Bitcoin’s SOPR drops below 1, the coin tends to bounce upward afterward as selling below the cost basis triggers a shift in market sentiment.

Miners are holding Bitcoin, suggesting a cooling-off in bull market

Another key indicator is the Miner Position Index (MPI), which monitors Bitcoin sales and the level of miner activity. Halving events usually see miners selling BTC closer to or before the market peaks. As of now, the MPI is decreasing, and there haven’t been many Bitcoin transfers to exchanges, indicating that the miners are holding the Bitcoin and do not plan on selling it anytime soon. However, smaller sales for operational costs might still occur.

The total network fees also highlight the activity of on-chain transactions. The fees are already decreasing, suggesting a reduction in on-chain activity. This drop could be due to the lower trading activity in the market now. It serves as an indication that the market overheated earlier on, but now this heat is cooling off.

Furthermore, funding rates, which reflect market sentiment, have declined. Historically, periods of extreme drops in funding rates have ended poorly, except when the rates turn negative, in which case Bitcoin has performed its best. Another price recovery could be on the cards if this scenario plays out.

As the correction unfolds, onchain data signals that the bull market is still continuing, with the current phase being more akin to a cooling-off period rather than a closing period of the cycle. However, the market remains volatile in the short term, and investors are advised to zoom out and not chase quick gains.