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Zafar Naik
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Sohrab KhawasSohrab is a passionate cryptocurrency news writer with over five years of experience covering the industry. He keeps a keen interest in blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionize finance. Whether he's trading or writing, Sohrab always keeps his finger on the pulse of the crypto world, using his expertise to deliver informative and engaging articles that educate and inspire. When he's not analyzing the markets, Sohrab indulges in his hobbies of graphic design, minimal design or listening to his favorite hip-hop tunes.
- Mar 18, 2026 09:51 UTC
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48,000 BTC Moved? Why This Bitcoin Profit-Taking May Actually Be Bullish
Short-term holders just hit a yearly high in profit-taking.
CryptoQuant data shows short-term holders moved 48,000 BTC in profit to exchanges in a single day.
Michaël van de Poppe says consolidation after a strong monthly move is healthy.
Bitcoin is trading at $74,201, up 6.68% on the week, but the move higher just triggered the largest short-term holder sell-off of the year. On-chain data shows what happened at $75,000, and it raises a question every Bitcoin holder needs to answer right now.
Short-Term Holders Are Not Believers
As Bitcoin attempted to break above $75,000, CryptoQuant contributor Darkfost flagged something that cut through the bullish noise. More than 48,000 BTC in profit were moved to exchanges by short-term holders in a single day, reaching a yearly high.
“The current environment is not particularly favorable for risk taking, which is pushing STHs to realize profits quickly,” Darkfost wrote. “Each rebound is still being treated as an exit opportunity by STHs, who seem to prefer short-term speculation for the time being.”
That is $3.5 billion worth of Bitcoin, moved to sell. Not to hold.
Why Van de Poppe Isn’t Worried
This is how Michaël van de Poppe, founder and CIO of MN Capital, sees the consolidation. After one of Bitcoin’s strongest monthly moves in recent memory, he says the pause is not a warning sign – it is structure building.
“Very strong move on $BTC this month, and now it’s consolidating. Nothing wrong with that, the opposite actually,” van de Poppe posted on X. “It’s very likely that we’ll continue to test higher, as resistances are still above us. Wouldn’t be surprised with that test at $76-80K.”
He also added he would not be surprised if the lows are not retested – a statement that carries weight when the on-chain data looks the way it does.
The Bigger Picture Changes Everything
What the STH sell-off misses is the macro context. Bitcoin does not move in isolation. Gold has been running hard, and historically, that happens during economic contraction. When the ISM breaks into expansion territory and business conditions turn, risk assets begin their real bull cycle. Bitcoin dominance starts its end-of-cycle decline. Altcoins follow.
The short-term holders selling at $75,000 may be exiting precisely before that turn.
Bitcoin is up 6.68% this week while still absorbing that selling pressure. That is what a market looks like when demand may be outpacing the panic.
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FAQs
Bitcoin forecasts for 2026 vary widely, with estimates ranging from $120K to $170K in base cases, and up to $200K+ in strong bull scenarios.
Bitcoin price forecasts for 2030 range from $380K to $900K, driven by scarcity, long-term adoption, and expanding institutional participation.
While uncertain, many long-term projections suggest Bitcoin could exceed $1 million by 2050 if it becomes a global store of value.
Bitcoin’s fixed supply makes it attractive as an inflation hedge, especially during currency debasement and long-term economic uncertainty.
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