Binance’s Bitcoin Deposit Drought: A Bullish Signal for Long-Term Crypto Growth
In a striking development that underscores the evolving maturity of the cryptocurrency market, Binance, the world's leading digital asset exchange, has recorded its lowest level of medium-sized bitcoin deposits since 2017. This seven-year low, observed as Bitcoin maintains a strong position above $66,000, points to a profound shift in investor psychology and market structure. Data reveals a dramatic plunge in deposits from this key cohort—from 12,600 BTC to a mere 2,990 BTC between February 6 and February 22, 2026. This trend is far more than a statistical anomaly; it is a powerful indicator of changing behavior among a significant segment of the crypto-holding population. Rather than interpreting this as a sign of dwindling interest, a bullish analysis suggests this reflects a strategic pivot from active trading to long-term accumulation and holding, commonly known as 'HODLing.' This reduction in readily available sell-side liquidity on exchanges typically precedes periods of supply scarcity, which historically correlates with upward price pressure. The phenomenon indicates growing confidence among investors who are choosing to self-custody their assets in private wallets, viewing Bitcoin not as a short-term speculative vehicle but as a foundational digital store of value. This behavioral shift reduces immediate selling pressure on exchanges like Binance and contributes to a tighter circulating supply on the open market. For the broader finance sector, this trend validates Bitcoin's progression toward an asset class characterized by patient capital. It signals that a mature investor base is emerging, one that is less reactive to short-term volatility and more focused on the long-term macroeconomic narrative surrounding digital scarcity and decentralized finance. This foundational change in holder dynamics, observed at a pivotal exchange, strengthens the bullish thesis for Bitcoin's enduring value proposition and its deepening integration into the global financial landscape.
Binance Sees Sharp Drop in Medium-Sized Bitcoin Deposits as Market Dynamics Shift
Bitcoin's market dynamics are undergoing a quiet transformation. Despite hovering above $66,000, Binance recorded its lowest medium-sized BTC deposits since 2017—a seven-year nadir that signals changing investor behavior. Between February 6 and February 22, deposits from this cohort plummeted from 12,600 BTC to just 2,990 BTC, suggesting either reduced selling pressure or a strategic shift toward holding.
Short-term holders face mounting pressure. The STH MVRV Z-Score, a key metric tracking unrealized gains and losses, has tumbled to historic lows. This convergence of depressed deposits and strained short-term positions paints a picture of a market in flux—one where participants are recalibrating strategies amid uncertain signals.
Ethereum Slides to $1,848 as Vitalik Buterin's $18M Sell-Off Adds Pressure
Ethereum extended its decline, touching $1,848 amid a wave of selling pressure. Co-founder Vitalik Buterin liquidated 8,800 ETH worth $18.45 million in February—accelerating the downtrend that began when ETH dropped 22.7% from $2,360 following his earlier sales.
Binance recorded $33.3 billion in ethereum inflows, the highest since November 2025. Declining staking demand compounds the sell-off, flooding markets with liquid supply. One analyst warns of a potential 60% crash to $600 before any sustained recovery toward five-figure valuations.
