CryptoQuant's Darkfost: Long-Term Bitcoin Holdings Rise as Speculation Cools

CryptoQuant analyst Darkfost said the Bitcoin market is showing early signs of stabilization, as long-term holding continues to build and speculative activity eases, pointing to a possible shift in market structure. Data indicates that since October, the amount of BTC held for more than a year has increased from around 12 million to roughly 12.4 million. While the gain is limited, it suggests a gradual move toward longer holding periods. Since mid-December, the 30-day change has stayed in positive territory, implying investors are more inclined to hold rather than distribute. Darkfost said this pattern often marks a transition away from a speculation-led phase toward one supported by stronger long-term conviction. Historically, the share of long-term holders tends to fall sharply near market tops and then recover through bear markets. On that basis, the current rise could be an early indication that the market is stabilizing. He added that the metric captures long-term structural shifts and typically takes time to form a clear trend, underscoring that the market remains in an early stage.