According to a recent CryptoQuant Quicktake post, Bitcoin (BTC) investors are aggressively taking profits following the latest surge in the digital asset\u2019s price. This uptick in profit-taking mirrors investor behavior typically seen during the late stages of a bull market.<\/p>\n
Bitcoin\u2019s 7-day moving average (MA) net realized profit\/loss has mostly remained positive since early 2024. The metric surged as high as $1 billion a day as the flagship cryptocurrency pushed towards new all-time highs (ATH) last year.<\/p>\n
Although BTC experienced a sharp downturn between March and April 2025, profit-taking remained robust as Bitcoin recovered most of its losses. The asset is currently trading in the mid-$90,000 range.<\/p>\n
CryptoQuant contributor Kripto Mevsimi noted that such strong realized profits \u2013 even as prices rise \u2013 typically signal a late-stage bull market. Drawing comparisons to the 2021 market cycle, Mevsimi pointed out that similar patterns preceded a local top.<\/p>\n
However, the launch of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in January 2024 has altered the market structure to a great extent. That said, investor psychology has remained the same in that profit-taking patterns still align with historical patterns, though now with greater speed and volume.<\/p>\n
Mevsimi shared several possible scenarios that may play out in the market. First, If realized profits remain high, the likelihood of a sharp correction increases. This may push BTC back toward $90,000.<\/p>\n
On the contrary, if profit-taking declines, it could indicate the start of a market cycle transition. Either way, short-term volatility is expected to rise. The post adds:<\/p>\n
The signal is not calling a full macro top, but it\u2019s flashing a local caution zone. As always: zoom out, and follow behavior \u2014 not just price.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, seasoned crypto analyst Ali Martinez warned that BTC may retest<\/a> the $97,700 resistance ahead of today\u2019s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, which could trigger another short-term pullback.<\/p>\n Additionally, Bitcoin\u2019s supply scarcity narrative is being questioned. While exchange reserves continue to dwindle, recent on-chain data suggests<\/a> a supply squeeze is unlikely in the near term.<\/p>\n In similar news, Bitcoin\u2019s demand momentum is yet to recover from negative territory. Recent data shows<\/a> that market participants are still favoring short-term speculation over holding BTC for the long-term.<\/p>\n