Retail Investors Showing an Unquenchable Thirst for Bitcoin
The recent data shows an extraordinary trend: retail holders of Bitcoin, colloquially termed "shrimps" (owning less than 1 BTC), are purchasing coins at a faster rate than miners can supply. This robust accumulation underlines an impressive level of confidence in Bitcoin.
Retailers Outpacing Bitcoin Mining Rates
Glassnode’s lead analyst announced via a tweet that these "shrimps" are amassing an average of 33,800 bitcoin each month. The pace of this retail buying surge surpasses the creation of new bitcoin, currently clocking in at a rate of 27,000 BTC per month. With each new coin mined, 1.25 BTC is effectively taken out of circulation, indicating high demand that may boost prices.
Historic Levels of Accumulation Not Seen Since 2017 Bull Run
The present accumulation speed outstrips periods such as the 2017 bull run or the post-FTX-panic period when Bitcoin’s price fell to a 4-year low. The current retail frenzy represents the largest dollar-value accumulation since the height of the previous bull market.
Miners Contribute to Selling Pressure, Yet Accumulation Prevails
In contrast, miners have been causing selling pressure by offloading their coins on exchanges. Glassnode’s analysis shows that miners are making approximately $105 million worth of Bitcoin transfers to exchanges, marking one of the most significant USD-denominated transfers ever recorded.
Small Holders of Bitcoin Dominate the Market
Another piece of the puzzle is the behavior of Bitcoin "crabs" - holders of between 1 and 10 BTC. As per Glassnode's data, these holders are also piling up more coins, accumulating roughly 22,400 BTC. Together, these 'shrimps' and 'crabs' hold about 83% of all coins in circulation.
Increasing Trust Amid Market Volatility
Despite the market's historic volatility, these smaller investors are demonstrating unwavering faith in Bitcoin, maintaining a bullish outlook. This conviction was showcased when the number of unique addresses holding more than 1 BTC exceeded 1 million for the first time in May 2023.
Bitcoin's Growth Continues, Despite Regulatory Hurdles
This retail accumulation coincides with an impressive growth period for Bitcoin, with a price increase of 83% in 2023, peaking at $31,000 in June 2023. This growth has occurred despite regulatory challenges, including the SEC's hesitance towards a bitcoin spot exchange-traded fund (ETF).
Traditional Investment Titans Join the Crypto Journey
The picture is brightened further by the interest of traditional investment powerhouses such as BlackRock and Fidelity, seeking to expose their clients to Bitcoin. Their involvement, despite regulatory hurdles, has buoyed confidence in the broader crypto community.
