Bitcoin Long-Term Holders Stop Selling and Start Buying, Data Reveals

Published by

Zafar Naik and Qadir AK

February 19, 2026

Bitcoin’s long-term holders spent six months selling, but that pattern is changing. On-chain data highlighted by Coin Bureau shows that around January 12, 2026, these investors stopped taking profits and started buying again, even as Bitcoin was still trading well above $80,000.

That accumulation has continued as BTC dropped to its current level near $66,800.

What Triggered the Shift in Long-Term Holder Behavior?

Long-term holders are wallets that have held Bitcoin for more than 155 days. They are typically the last to sell and the first to signal where the market is headed next.

From mid-2025 through early January, this group had been steadily offloading BTC at higher prices. Bitcoin hit an all-time high of $126,000 in October 2025, giving them plenty of reason to take profits.

But CryptoQuant’s Long-Term Holder Net Position Change metric tells a different story now. The 30-day sum flipped from red to green around mid-January, meaning net selling turned into net buying. That accumulation held even as price fell from $90,000 to below $67,000.

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Accumulation Picking Up Despite Extreme Fear

The timing is worth noting. Bitcoin is down 47% from its October high. Spot Bitcoin ETFs have seen roughly $8.5 billion in outflows since then. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index sits at 11, deep in extreme fear territory.

And yet, the most experienced holders in the market are adding to their positions, not exiting them.

When long-term holders buy, coins typically move off exchanges and into cold storage. That reduces the amount of BTC available for active trading. In past cycles, this kind of supply tightening has set the stage for price recoveries when demand picked back up.

What’s Next for Bitcoin Price?

Whether this accumulation holds depends on a few things. Fed policy direction, any reversal in ETF flows, and broader risk appetite across markets will all play a role.

For now, Bitcoin sits at $66,866. The smart money is buying at these levels. The rest of the market hasn’t caught on yet.

FAQs

Who are Bitcoin long-term holders and why do they matter?

Long-term holders keep BTC for 155+ days. Their buying and selling often signal market trends and can influence price movements.

How does long-term holder accumulation affect Bitcoin supply?

When long-term holders buy, coins move off exchanges into cold storage, reducing tradable supply and potentially supporting future price gains.

What factors could influence Bitcoin’s price after long-term holders start buying?

Fed policy, ETF flows, and broader market risk appetite will shape price. Sustained accumulation may boost resilience against downturns.

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