Bitcoin Long-Term Holder Selling Pressure Overstated Due to Exchange Transfers, Analysis Reveals

Recent data indicating record-level selling by bitcoin long-term holders (LTHs) may be painting an inaccurate picture of market dynamics, according to a new analysis from CryptoQuant. While metrics showed the 30-day sum of LTH spending reaching a peak of 1.55 million BTC in November 2025, deeper examination reveals that a substantial portion of these transactions represented internal exchange transfers rather than genuine selling pressure on the open market. This distinction is crucial for understanding true supply dynamics as Bitcoin continues its maturation within the global financial landscape. Julio Moreno, head of research at CryptoQuant, explains that long-term holders—typically defined as investors holding Bitcoin for more than 155 days—are often misinterpreted when their coins move to exchange wallets. Many of these transfers represent preparatory moves for institutional rebalancing, collateralization for decentralized finance activities, or security enhancements rather than direct market sales. This analytical nuance suggests that actual selling pressure from committed holders remains significantly lower than headline metrics indicate, potentially supporting a more bullish structural outlook for Bitcoin's price trajectory through 2026 and beyond. The implications of this research are substantial for both institutional and retail investors. By distinguishing between economic transactions and administrative transfers, market participants can better assess true supply constraints. With Bitcoin's fixed issuance schedule and growing adoption as a digital store of value, understanding genuine holder behavior becomes increasingly important for price forecasting. This analysis suggests that long-term conviction among Bitcoin's most committed holders remains strong, with apparent selling activity being largely overstated by conventional metrics that fail to account for the complex operational realities of modern cryptocurrency management.

Bitcoin Long-Term Holder Selling Inflated by Exchange Transfers, Says CryptoQuant

Recent data suggesting record-level selling by Bitcoin long-term holders (LTHs) may be misleading, according to CryptoQuant's head of research, Julio Moreno. While the 30-day sum of LTH spending peaked at 1.55 million BTC in November, a significant portion of these transactions involved internal exchange transfers rather than genuine economic activity.

Long-term holders—investors who retain Bitcoin for more than 155 days—are typically seen as the market's steadfast participants. Their recent selloff raised eyebrows, but Moreno clarifies that the figures were skewed by non-economic movements, such as wallet reorganizations within exchanges. This nuance tempers concerns about a mass exodus of Bitcoin's most committed investors.

CryptoGames Emerges as Top Bitcoin Casino in 2026 with Lightning Network Integration

CryptoGames has positioned itself as a leader among Bitcoin Casinos in 2026, leveraging Lightning Network technology for faster transactions and a seamless user experience. The platform’s modern interface and provably fair gaming mechanics cater to both novice and seasoned players, setting it apart from legacy competitors.

The casino’s jackpot system, currently at 1.99 BTC, rewards players with every bet on Dice and Roulette. Daily contests with over $500,000 in monthly prizes further enhance engagement, while VIP perks—including reduced house edges and exclusive event access—create a loyalty loop.

Market buzz around CryptoGames reflects broader trends: Bitcoin-based gaming platforms are prioritizing mobile-first designs and transparent algorithms to attract a new wave of crypto adopters.

MSCI Backtracks on Digital Asset Treasury Exclusion, Signals Policy Review

MSCI has abandoned its proposal to remove digital asset treasury companies from its equity indexes, opting instead for a broader reassessment of how it classifies firms holding significant non-operating assets like Bitcoin. The decision maintains the status quo for companies meeting the 50% digital asset threshold, including Strategy—a stock that surged 6% in after-hours trading despite a brutal 47.5% year-to-date decline.

"A strong outcome for neutral indexing and economic reality," Strategy tweeted, celebrating MSCI's confirmation that such firms will remain in its benchmarks through at least February 2026. The reprieve comes as institutional investors voice concerns that some digital asset treasury companies resemble investment funds, which typically don't qualify for equity index inclusion.

The index provider now faces mounting pressure to develop clearer crypto accounting standards. With Bitcoin ($BTC) holdings becoming material balance sheet items for public companies, MSCI's policy rethink could set precedents for how traditional finance indexes accommodate blockchain-native business models.

Riot Platforms Funds AI Expansion with $200M Bitcoin Sales

Riot Platforms, a publicly traded Bitcoin mining firm, liquidated nearly $200 million worth of BTC in late 2025 to finance its AI infrastructure push. The company sold 383 BTC in November for $37 million and 1,818 BTC in December for $161.6 million—an 8% monthly increase—leaving it with 18,005 BTC in reserves.

VanEck's digital asset research head Matthew Sigel framed the MOVE as strategic capital allocation. "One winter of BTC sales funds Phase 1 AI buildout," he noted, highlighting miners' growing role as Bitcoin liquidity providers for tech investments. The $198.6 million proceeds will fully cover the 112MW Corsicana data center project, slated for completion by Q1 2027.

The pivot reflects tightening credit conditions and rising capex demands. Sigel observed strengthening correlation between BTC and Nasdaq, suggesting institutional capital flows increasingly treat digital assets as growth funding vehicles rather than speculative holdings.

Bitcoin Slips as Gold Holds Steady Amid Venezuela Oil Deal Speculation

Bitcoin retreated below $93,000 despite heavy futures trading volume, while gold stabilized NEAR $4,470 after a three-day rally. Market attention shifted from global tensions to upcoming U.S. economic data.

Former President Trump's claim about Venezuela sending $3 billion in oil to the U.S. stirred markets, though the WHITE House neither confirmed nor denied the assertion. Meanwhile, China restricted military exports to Japan, and silver fell 2.2%.

Crypto markets showed muted reaction to these developments, with major coins maintaining their positions. The broader digital asset space continues watching institutional adoption trends and macroeconomic indicators for direction.

50 Cent's Bitcoin Windfall: A $88 Million Missed Opportunity

In 2014, rapper 50 Cent made headlines by accepting Bitcoin (BTC) for his album 'Animal Ambition,' accumulating 700 BTC worth approximately $463,400 at the time. The crypto payment experiment marked a milestone in mainstream adoption, but bankruptcy filings later revealed the coins were converted to dollars before reaching the artist.

Had 50 Cent held the BTC through October 2025's all-time high of $126,080, his stake WOULD have ballooned to $88.25 million. The episode underscores both cryptocurrency's volatility and its potential for exponential gains—a lesson magnified by Bitcoin's recent struggles after its 2025 peak.

Market analysts now watch for signs of BTC's recovery, with institutional adoption and macroeconomic factors likely dictating its next major move. The rapper's case remains a cautionary tale about premature exits from crypto positions.