Bitcoin’s 6-year low in reserves sparks hope: Traders are torn between…

Key Takeaways

Why are Bitcoin reserves falling?

Exchange Reserves hit a six-year low as investors moved BTC into self-custody, signaling long-term accumulation and shrinking market supply.

What do on-chain metrics indicate now?

MVRV Z-Score and Funding Rates rose, showing strong confidence. But elevated levels may trigger volatility before BTC resumes its uptrend.

Bitcoin [BTC] Exchange Reserves fell to a six-year low, signaling an ongoing accumulation phase among investors. The decline pointed to a tightening supply as more BTC left centralized exchanges for self-custody.

Such behavior often reflected long-term conviction and growing expectations of higher prices.

However, with profit-taking metrics rising and derivatives sentiment staying bullish, traders faced a classic test between conviction and euphoria.

Growing MVRV Z-Score reveals…

The MVRV Z-Score rose above 2.6, indicating that many Bitcoin holders were sitting on notable unrealized gains. Such an increase often marks mid-cycle enthusiasm when investors feel optimistic but not euphoric. 

The profitability surge reflected renewed confidence in BTC’s price resilience.

However, when the Z-Score approaches extreme highs, profit realization typically follows, triggering pullbacks. 

Sustained elevation without cooling periods could increase short-term volatility despite broader bullish structure.

Source: Santiment

NVT Ratio spike raises valuation questions

Bitcoin’s NVT Ratio surged dramatically, suggesting the network’s valuation may be outpacing on-chain transaction activity. 

This metric often warns of potential overvaluation phases when price growth exceeds organic network usage. 

However, such spikes can also reflect investors’ shift toward holding rather than transacting, reinforcing a long-term belief in BTC’s value. 

If this pattern persists, it could either validate market maturity or precede corrective adjustments as value realigns with utility. 

Source: Santiment

Bitcoin’s leverage builds up

Funding Rates across major exchanges stayed firmly positive, confirming bullish bias in derivatives markets. Traders continued adding long positions, betting on further upside momentum.

However, persistent optimism can create an imbalance that amplifies liquidations during sudden downturns.

While this leverage-fueled enthusiasm strengthens short-term price surges, it simultaneously raises correction risks. 

If funding remains elevated, a potential shakeout could reset leverage, paving the way for healthier price discovery and sustained trend continuation.

Source: Santiment

Can Bitcoin justify its relentless bullish momentum?

Bitcoin’s falling Exchange Reserves, rising MVRV Z-Score, elevated NVT Ratio, and steady Funding Rates all pointed to ongoing investor confidence.

However, the combination of overextended metrics and high leverage suggested potential turbulence ahead. Sustained accumulation remained the backbone of long-term growth, but near-term caution is warranted. 

If on-chain transaction growth improves while leverage stabilizes, BTC could maintain its rally. Otherwise, short-term corrections may emerge before a renewed push higher.