Binance Sees Accelerated Bitcoin Inflows as Long-Term Holders Capitulate Amid Market Correction

In a significant shift in bitcoin market dynamics, long-term holders—typically the most resilient participants during downturns—have begun accelerating sales as prices correct sharply. On-chain metrics reveal that these seasoned investors are offloading coins at losses not witnessed since the 2023 bear market, with the Long-Term Holder Spent Output Profit Ratio (LTH SOPR) dropping to 0.88. This ratio, falling below 1, indicates that coins are being sold below their acquisition costs, signaling capitulation among historically steadfast holders. Concurrently, Binance, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, is experiencing accelerated Bitcoin inflows. This trend suggests that long-term holders are moving their assets to exchanges, likely in preparation for selling, which adds selling pressure to the market. The current price slump is testing the resolve of Bitcoin's most committed investors, and their increased selling activity marks a notable departure from their traditional 'hodling' behavior. This development highlights a critical phase in the market cycle where weak hands are being shaken out, potentially paving the way for a healthier foundation once the selling pressure subsides. For Binance, the influx of Bitcoin represents both increased trading activity and a shift in holder sentiment, as even the most patient investors react to sustained price declines. As of February 18, 2026, the market watches closely to see if this capitulation will mark a local bottom or precede further downside, with exchange flows serving as a key indicator of investor behavior.

Long-Term Bitcoin Holders Accelerate Sales Amid Price Correction

Bitcoin's recent price slump is testing the resolve of its most steadfast investors. On-chain data shows long-term holders—traditionally the last to sell—are now offloading coins at losses not seen since the 2023 bear market. The Long-Term Holder Spent Output Profit Ratio (LTH SOPR) has dipped to 0.88, signaling coins are being sold below acquisition costs.

Binance is seeing accelerated BTC inflows as these seasoned participants exit positions. While the yearly LTH SOPR average remains healthy at 1.87, the breach below parity suggests mounting stress. This behavioral shift among crypto's traditional "diamond hands" could signal deeper structural changes in market dynamics.

Ripple (XRP) Shows Signs of Bottoming After 50% Rally

XRP plunged to a 15-month low of $1.12 on February 6 before staging a dramatic 50% recovery to $1.67. The token remains 60% below its multi-year peak of $3.66, but on-chain metrics suggest the worst may be over.

Exchange reserves tell a compelling story. Glassnode data reveals exchange balances have dwindled to 12.9 billion XRP - the lowest since May 2021. This exodus from trading platforms typically signals reduced selling pressure as holders MOVE to self-custody. Binance's XRP reserves mirror this trend, falling to 2.57 billion tokens with both 50-day and 100-day moving averages in decline.

Market mechanics flash bullish signals. Binance's funding rates hit -0.028% during the February low, matching April 2025 levels that preceded sharp reversals. Meanwhile, spot XRP ETFs continue attracting capital, recording inflows in 53 of the past 59 trading days totaling $1.23 billion.

Technical analysts see room for explosive growth. CryptoBull's Elliott Wave analysis projects a potential $13 target within three months, suggesting the recent recovery might be just the beginning.