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Bitcoin on-exchange balance just hit the lowest level since November 2018

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Bitcoin on-exchange balance just hit the lowest level since November 2018

Key Insights:

  • Bitcoin’s exchange balance falls to 2.716M BTC, the lowest since 2018.
  • Institutional demand grows as ETFs and public firms increase holdings.
  • Technical indicators signal a potential Bitcoin price rally ahead.

The trading platforms host only 2.716 million BTC right now, which represents the lowest amount since November 2018. Glassnode data shows that this constitutes 13.7% of all circulating supply. The reduction of Bitcoin coins held by exchanges indicates that the market is experiencing growing scarcity because there are fewer trading coins available on trading platforms such as Coinbase and Binance.

btc/usd
Source: Glassnode

The rising institutional interest in Bitcoin matches this current market pattern. Large amounts of capital are flowing into Bitcoin ETFs launched a year ago and now hold over 1,100,000 BTC which is 5.7% of the current supply. The growing institutional demand has created a supply-demand inequality that might affect Bitcoin prices throughout the upcoming months.

Institutional Interest and Market Liquidity

The removal of Bitcoin assets from trading platforms by growing numbers of investors leads to decreasing platform liquidity. Some Bitcoin investors currently store their holdings securely in self-custody features such as hardware wallets, while others participate in OTC transactions in order to minimize market fluctuations risk.

The desire for better control of assets due to regulatory uncertainties plays a role in this marketplace change.

At the same time, financial institutions continue to establish a more proactive position within the crypto market. Citadel Securities, a firm managing $65 billion in assets, revealed they would handle Bitcoin and additional cryptocurrency liquidity across main exchanges.

Traditional financial institutions are increasingly participating in digital assets while establishing new strategies to optimize market efficiency, but this tactic suggests rising sector involvement from conventional financial institutions.

Meanwhile, the Bitcoin price is approaching $120,000 due to a series of large-scale purchases made by major cryptocurrency investors, so-called “whales.” Major cryptocurrency holders began accumulating more assets starting in early 2025, especially when the market experienced price dips.

bitcoin
Source: CryptoQuant

The massive buying activity conducted by whales has built fundamental support at the $95,000 – $99,000 price region while positively impacting Bitcoin’s price growth.

Technical Indicators Suggest Potential Bitcoin Rally

Alongside growing institutional involvement, technical market signs point toward potential future increases in Bitcoin.  A recent analysis by Trader Tardigrade indicates positive signs within the Stochastic Relative Strength Index (StochRSI) indicator that blends RSI and Stochastic Oscillator data points.

Bitcoin has entered an oversold zone, where price swings typically reverse direction. A bullish crossover between StochRSI lines in the oversold zone signals rising buying demand potential in the market.

While technical signals by themselves do not assure market price actions, a combination of whale activity and institutional purchasing and declining exchange balances shows strong indicators for market direction.

The early 2025 Bitcoin price was attributed to shifting policies implemented by the United States government. Through executive orders, President Donald Trump both endorsed digital assets and opposed the introduction of a United States central bank digital currency (CBDC).

The rising investor confidence stems from recent government actions that specialists believe will drive Bitcoin to surpass $130,000 before March 2025.

The continuous reduction of Bitcoin on exchange balance shows how the crypto market has shifted. Investors now store their bitcoin for the long term and institutions increasingly enter in this space, which results in reduced supply availability.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and provides no financial, investment, or other advice. The author or any people mentioned in this article are not responsible for any financial loss that may occur from investing in or trading. Please do your research before making any financial decisions.

godfrey mwirigi
Written by
Cryptocurrency Journalist

Godfrey Mwirigi is a cryptocurrency journalist who contributes markets and crypto coverage to The Market Periodical. A Nairobi-based writer, he has reported on digital assets for crypto outlets including MetaNews, where his work has covered Bitcoin ETFs, exchange security incidents and on-chain data. His reporting spans Bitcoin and altcoin analysis, ETF flows and broader blockchain developments.

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About this article

PublishedFebruary 25, 2025 3:29 pm
Last updatedFebruary 25, 2025 8:01 am
Written bygodfrey mwirigi, Cryptocurrency Journalist
ReviewedFact-checked by the TMP editorial desk

This report follows our Editorial Policy, Fact-Checking Standards and Code of Ethics. Found an inaccuracy? See Corrections.

Disclaimer. Informational only, not financial advice. Crypto, forex and stocks are volatile, high-risk assets — always do your own research and consult a qualified adviser.

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