Bitcoin futures 'deleveraging' wipes $10B open interest in 2 weeks
Bitcoin BTCUSD
exchanges are getting a key “deleveraging event,” which should shape future gains, new research says.
In one of its “Quicktake” blog posts on March 17, onchain analytics platform CryptoQuant revealed a $10 billion capitulation on Bitcoin futures markets.
Bitcoin sees “essential” event for BTC price rebound
Bitcoin derivatives traders have flipped firmly risk-off since BTCUSD
hit its current all-time highs in mid-January.
CryptoQuant, which uses data from various major crypto exchanges, calculates that aggregate open interest (OI) on futures fell by $10 billion in just three weeks from Feb. 20 through March 4.
“On January 17th, Bitcoin's open interest reached an all-time high of over $33B, indicating that leverage in the market had never been this high,” contributor Darkfost writes.
The drop, he argues, “can be considered as a natural market reset, an essential phase for sustaining a bullish continuation.”
An accompanying chart shows the 90-day rolling change in aggregate OI, highlighting the severity of the market’s U-turn following the all-time highs.
“Currently, the 90-day change in Bitcoin futures open interest has dropped sharply and now sitting at -14%,” Darkfost concludes.
“Looking at historical trends, each past deleveraging like this has provided good opportunities for the short to medium term.”
Crypto “demand crisis” emerges
Continuing, fellow CryptoQuant contributor Kriptolik eyed increasingly active derivatives markets overall since November 2024.
Stablecoin reserves across derivatives exchanges are increasing, he revealed this week, even surpassing spot markets. This, however, is no recipe for price upside.
“When we analyze the volume and circulation of stablecoins, which act as fuel in the market, we see that despite a rapid increase in total stablecoin supply since November 2024, this has not necessarily benefited the market or investors significantly,” another blog post explains.
Kriptolik described spot markets as suffering a “demand crisis.”
“Until this distribution normalizes, avoiding high-leverage (high-risk) trades may be the most prudent approach,” he added.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
$BTC
BTC’s Choppy Waters: Accumulation Phase or Warning Sign?
Bitcoin has been trading in a volatile, sideways range, frustrating both bulls and bears alike. After an impressive run-up earlier this year, BTC now seems to be caught in a pattern of sharp rallies followed by sudden pullbacks, making traders wonder:
Is this price chop a stealth accumulation phase by strong hands—or an early warning sign of a deeper correction?
Let’s dive into the on-chain data, technical signals, and broader market context to decode what’s really happening beneath the surface.
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1. On-Chain Metrics: Are Whales Accumulating?
One of the most reliable ways to understand market phases is by studying on-chain behavior, especially focusing on large holders:
Key Indicators:
Wallets Holding ≥1,000 BTC (Whale Wallets):
Recent data shows that many of these addresses have been quietly increasing their holdings, particularly during price dips. Historically, whale accumulation during sideways markets often precedes a larger bullish move.
Exchange Reserves Declining:
Bitcoin reserves on centralized exchanges continue to trend lower, signaling that more BTC is moving into cold storage or long-term holding wallets. Reduced exchange reserves generally mean fewer coins are available for immediate sale—another bullish hint.
Spent Output Profit Ratio (SOPR):
SOPR values hovering around 1 suggest that most market participants are selling at breakeven levels. This points to a market that is resetting after profit-taking, potentially preparing for the next leg higher.
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2. Technical Chart Patterns: Compression Before Expansion?
Bitcoin’s daily and weekly charts are showing classic consolidation patterns:
Symmetrical Triangles & Range-Bound Structures:
BTC is oscillating between key support ($68,000) levels. These tight ranges often precede a large breakout, but the direction remains uncertain until confirmation.
Low Volatility Indicators (e.g., Bollinger Bands Narrowing):
Historically, periods of low volatility often precede explosive price moves. We are currently in such a compression phase.
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3. Market Sentiment: Fear, Greed, and Neutrality
Interestingly, sentiment indicators like the Crypto Fear & Greed Index are hovering in the neutral zone. Extreme greed or fear typically marks market tops or bottoms, but neutrality aligns well with accumulation zones, where smart money is positioning before the broader market catches on.
However, a prolonged period of apathy or lack of bullish catalysts could also expose BTC to downside shocks, especially if macro conditions tighten.
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4. Funding Rates & Open Interest: Leverage Flush Completed?
Another important factor:
Funding Rates:
Recently, perpetual futures funding rates have normalized after being excessively positive during the earlier bull run. This indicates reduced speculative leverage—meaning fewer over-leveraged longs at risk of liquidation.
Open Interest Drop:
The decline in open interest post-liquidations suggests a cleaner market structure. Often, after such flush-outs, the path is clearer for a more sustainable trend to develop.
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5. Historical Patterns: Choppy Accumulation Precedes Parabolic Moves
Looking back at Bitcoin’s previous cycles, similar phases of frustrating sideways action occurred:
2016-2017: Multiple months of consolidation before the final blow-off top.
2020: After March’s crash, BTC traded choppily between $9,000-$12,000 before breaking above $20,000.
These periods often represent "smart money" accumulation while retail loses interest due to lack of immediate price action.
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So, Accumulation Phase or Warning Sign?
Bullish Case (Accumulation Phase):
Whales & long-term holders steadily accumulating.
Exchange reserves decreasing.
Leverage flushed out, setting the stage for healthier growth.
Compression patterns suggest potential for breakout.
Bearish Case (Warning Sign):
Global macro uncertainty (Fed policy, geopolitical tensions) could still pressure risk assets.
If key support levels fail (especially below $58,000), panic selling may accelerate.
ETF flows may stabilize, reducing immediate bullish momentum.
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Conclusion: Caution + Opportunity
BTC’s current chop is likely a neutral-to-bullish consolidation phase, especially considering on-chain accumulation and technical compression. However, traders should stay vigilant—key support zones must hold to avoid a deeper correction.
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Key Levels to Watch:
Support: $58,000 – $60,000 (if broken, warning sign)
Resistance: $68,000 – $70,000 (breakout confirmation)
On-Chain Accumulation Zone: $60,000 – $63,000
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Question for the Community:
Do you believe Bitcoin’s current price chop is whales quietly accumulating before the next run, or a sign that BTC may retrace deeper before resuming the uptrend?
Share your thoughts and let’s analyze together!
Volatility Ahead: Will Macro Events Push BTC to Break Out?
Bitcoin has been caught in a range-bound, highly volatile pattern lately, leaving traders and investors questioning: What’s next? Will macroeconomic factors be the catalyst for a decisive breakout—or breakdown?
Let’s take a deep dive into how upcoming macro events could shape Bitcoin’s price action and why every trader should keep a close eye on these triggers.
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1. The Federal Reserve & Interest Rates: Bitcoin’s Hidden Driver
One of the primary factors influencing BTC's recent price behavior is the U.S. Federal Reserve's monetary policy. As inflation data cools but remains sticky, traders are anxiously awaiting the Fed’s next move.
Why it matters:
Higher interest rates = tighter liquidity = risk-off sentiment. Bitcoin, often perceived as a risk asset, tends to underperform in hawkish environments.
However, a pause or rate cuts could fuel bullish sentiment, making BTC attractive as a hedge against fiat currency debasement and easing credit conditions.
Key Watchpoint:
The upcoming FOMC meetings and CPI data releases could trigger strong volatility. A dovish shift might just provide the spark BTC needs to break key resistance zones.
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2. Spot Bitcoin ETFs: The Institutional Wildcard
Since the approval of multiple Spot Bitcoin ETFs, institutional money has slowly but steadily been flowing into the space. While initial excitement drove a rally, the market has since consolidated as inflows stabilize.
Why it matters:
Sustained ETF inflows signal long-term institutional confidence. This reduces available BTC supply on exchanges, potentially creating a supply squeeze.
However, if global risk sentiment deteriorates, institutions may reduce exposure, leading to outflows and price weakness.
Key Metric:
Tracking daily net inflows/outflows into major Bitcoin ETFs is crucial. If we see consistent large inflows, it could serve as a strong bullish signal, especially if paired with macro easing.
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3. Correlation with Traditional Markets: Risk-On or Safe Haven?
Bitcoin’s price often mirrors broader equity indices like the S&P 500 or Nasdaq, especially during uncertain times. However, BTC has also shown tendencies to decouple during periods of financial instability.
Why it matters:
If traditional markets rally on expectations of lower rates or improving economic conditions, BTC is likely to follow.
Conversely, in the case of a sharp stock market correction, Bitcoin may initially drop, only to later rebound if investors view it as a hedge against fiat instability.
Watch Correlation:
Keep an eye on the BTC/S&P500 correlation coefficient—a breakdown in correlation could signal shifting investor perception.
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4. Global Geopolitical Risks: Black Swan Potential
With rising tensions globally (trade wars, military conflicts, sanctions), Bitcoin’s narrative as "digital gold" and a decentralized, borderless asset becomes more relevant.
Why it matters:
In times of geopolitical uncertainty, capital often flees to hard assets. BTC could benefit if traditional currencies and stock markets face pressure.
But heightened fear could also cause liquidity crunches, leading to sharp but temporary sell-offs.
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Conclusion: Volatility Inevitable, Direction Uncertain
Bitcoin is coiled tightly, with both bullish and bearish forces in play. Macro events—be it Fed decisions, ETF flows, or geopolitical shifts—will likely determine the direction of BTC's breakout. Traders should brace for heightened volatility and stay alert to these macro indicators.
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Key Levels to Watch:
Support: $60,000 - $62,000 zone
Resistance: $68,000 - $70,000 ATH retest
Volatility Spike Expected: Around FOMC announcements, CPI releases, and major ETF inflow reports.
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What’s Your Take?
Will macro easing fuel the next leg up, or will external shocks drag Bitcoin lower before a rebound?
Share your insights and let’s discuss!
How High Can Chainlink Go if U.S. Banks Adopt LINK Over XRP?
Blockchain adoption in traditional banking is accelerating, and while Ripple’s XRP has long been considered the go-to asset for financial institutions, Chainlink (LINK) is making a strong case for itself. If U.S. banks were to adopt LINK instead of XRP, it could send the token’s price soaring.
▪️Why Banks Might Prefer LINK
Chainlink’s decentralized oracle network is already working with major institutions, helping them bridge blockchain technology with real-world financial systems. Its Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) allows seamless value transfers across different blockchains—something banks need as they explore tokenized assets. With big names in finance already testing Chainlink’s technology, it’s easy to see how it could become the backbone of future banking infrastructure.
▪️How High Could LINK Go?
If banks begin using LINK on a large scale, demand would surge. More adoption means more LINK tokens locked in smart contracts, reducing circulating supply and driving up the price.
1. Short-term: A move past $30 seems likely as more banks explore blockchain adoption.
2. Mid-term: If major financial institutions integrate LINK, it could push past $100.
3. Long-term: If LINK becomes the industry standard, a four-digit price isn’t out of the question.
▪️Final Thoughts
Chainlink is already proving its value in the financial world. If U.S. banks embrace LINK over XRP, it could be a game-changer, not just for Chainlink but for the entire blockchain space. The only question is: how soon will the shift happen?
$LINK $XRP