Bitcoin Exchange Balances Hit Rock Bottom: Are We On The Verge of A Major Bull Run?

As a researcher with a background in cryptocurrencies and market trends, I find the current state of Bitcoin exchange reserves to be an intriguing development. The unprecedented low levels of Bitcoin on exchanges are a bullish signal that could lead to a significant price surge. This trend is further amplified by institutional investors’ increasing interest in Bitcoin through ETFs.


In the lead-up to the significant post-Halving event, the amount of Bitcoin (BTC) held in exchanges has reached a record low, dipping under $2 million. This development is worth noting because it may indicate an upcoming price shift for Bitcoin.

Thomas Fahrer, a co-founder of Apollo, expressed this idea on social media platform X. He pointed out that the decreasing Bitcoin exchange reserves might signal an upcoming price surge, possibly due to the expected influx of Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) investments.

Bitcoin Outlook: A Bullish Signal

As an analyst, I’d interpret Fahrer’s perspective on the recent post about X as follows: I believe that Bitcoin’s current subdued presence on exchanges could lead to a parabolic price increase. This potential surge would stem from a powerful combination of two factors: firstly, a significant upswing in demand; and secondly, an inflexible supply side.

#Bitcoin Exchange Reserves are at all time lows.

Right on time for a second wave of ETF Flows.

Demand shock + Inelastic supply =

— Thomas | heyapollo.com (@thomas_fahrer) May 20, 2024

I’ve analyzed the investor sentiment based on recent comments, and it appears that there’s a rising optimism in the investing community. The significant decrease in Bitcoin’s exchange supply is being seen as an indicator for an imminent bullish market phase. This trend specifically implies that a large number of investors are moving their Bitcoins off exchanges, indicating their intention to hold them long-term and capitalize on the anticipated price surge.

The changing trends in Bitcoin’s trading markets are linked to a broader scenario featuring increasing institutional investment, potentially leading to more ETF inflows in the future.

These incoming flows are predicted to reduce the existing Bitcoin supply even more, intensifying the scarcity and possibly pushing prices higher.

Traditional investors such as hedge funds and public pension funds are progressively amassing holdings in Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). This developing tendency signifies a notable change in the perspective of these institutions towards these investment vehicles.

Thomas Fahrer highlights that Horizon Kinetic Asset Management has taken a substantial step by allocating $913 million, which is around 14% of their $6.5 billion in total assets under management, towards Bitcoin through investments in IBIT and GBTC.

Forget 2-3% Allocation.
As a crypto investor, I’d put it this way: Horizon Kinetic Asset Management currently holds approximately $913 million worth of Bitcoin in its portfolio, represented by investments in IBIT and GBTC. This allocation accounts for around 14% of the firm’s total assets under management, which amount to $6.5 billion.
This is investing.
— Thomas | heyapollo.com (@thomas_fahrer) May 20, 2024

The large-scale commitment made by significant institutions underscores their increasing faith in Bitcoin’s future.

Retail vs. Institutional: A Divided Market

Institutional investors are heavily investing in Bitcoin ETFs, while individual investors appear more hesitant. According to a report by Bitcoinist using data from IntotheBlock, large investors such as hedge funds and pension funds are actively increasing their Bitcoin holdings through ETFs. On the other hand, the typical investor seems to be holding back.

The surge in interest in this sector is underscored by the latest actions of major Bitcoin investors, including purchasing an additional 250,000 Bitcoins, bringing their overall holdings back up to previous amounts prior to the FTX implosion in 2023.

Hedge funds, known for their significant role in institutional investment, have indeed been active in the Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) market. Firms such as Millennium Management have committed substantial resources to these Bitcoin ETFs, demonstrating their confidence in Bitcoin’s future potential.

Bitcoin Exchange Balances Hit Rock Bottom: Are We On The Verge of A Major Bull Run?

As a researcher studying public pension investments, I’ve noticed an intriguing development: The state of Wisconsin has allocated $160 million towards Bitcoin ETFs. This action underscores the increasing recognition and integration of Bitcoins into more conventional investment structures.

Additionally, Morgan Stanley’s latest disclosures indicate substantial investments in Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). The bank has acquired 31,712 units of Ark’s 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) and dedicated $269 million to the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC).

Morgan Stanley’s investments place it as the third-largest owner of GBTC shares and among the top 20 investors in Ark’s Bitcoin ETF, showcasing significant institutional backing for Bitcoin.

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2024-05-21 03:12