CryptoQuant: Bitcoin Could Remain in Bear Market for Another Year

Price Action and Recent Weakness

Bitcoin traded near $72,800 on Saturday with minimal directional momentum, one day after recovering from Thursday's $72,642 low—the weakest price since mid-April. The earlier decline coincided with markets processing reports of U.S. military strikes on Iranian facilities, which sparked renewed geopolitical risk concerns across broader financial markets.

CryptoQuant's Bear Market Assessment

Analytics firm CryptoQuant flagged slowing whale purchases as a signal of prolonged weakness, suggesting Bitcoin could remain under pressure for up to another year. The firm's observation points to reduced accumulation activity by large holders, a metric traditionally associated with conviction and support during downturns. The warning underscores that technical recovery alone may not be sufficient without renewed demand from institutional-scale participants.

Market Context

Bitcoin's failure to sustain gains above recent resistance levels compounds concerns about the strength of any near-term bounce. The combination of geopolitical uncertainty and on-chain signals of subdued large-holder demand presents a headwind for bulls seeking to establish a decisive recovery.

Why It Matters

For Traders

Bitcoin's failure to hold above $72,800 and whale withdrawal from buying suggest caution on long positions in the near term.

For Investors

A 12-month bear scenario would test conviction in multi-year holdings; geopolitical triggers may add volatility to planned entry points.

For Builders

Prolonged low prices and reduced institutional inflow could delay funding rounds and hiring across crypto infrastructure projects.