Bitcoin long-term holders have ramped up their buying, reaching a pace not seen in six years, according to CryptoQuant analyst Burakkesmeci. This surge in accumulation comes despite recent price dips, signaling renewed confidence among seasoned investors.
Record Bitcoin Accumulation During Market Dip
Data reveals that the long-term holder (LTH) Net Position Change, a measure that tracks the net 30-day increase or decrease of Bitcoin held by investors holding for the long haul, hit 1.29 million BTC on May 24, 2026. This surpassed the previous record from August 2017. Burakkesmeci explained that positive readings mean LTHs are adding to their holdings, while negative ones indicate distribution. The latest spike suggests "smart money" was aggressively accumulating as Bitcoin neared its realized price amid the market downturn, a clear sign of strong conviction in the asset's future despite short-term weakness.
Market Reactions and Investor Movements
Following this buying spree, Bitcoin's price climbed about 15%, moving from approximately $58,000 to $66,000, approaching the Short-Term Holder Realized Price near $68,000, which now stands as a key resistance point. Burakkesmeci pointed out that breaking this level in Q3 could bolster Bitcoin’s near-term outlook. At the time of reporting, Bitcoin traded at $63,973, down 2.5% in 24 hours but up 3.5% over the month.
also CryptoQuant contributor Nino noted a rise in Bitcoin inflows to exchanges from coins held between six and twelve months. This uptick may indicate mid-term holders repositioning their portfolios ahead of the market's next phase, rather than immediate selling pressure. The increased exchange inflows coincide with a rise in market volatility within this cohort.
Supporting the positive momentum, a separate CryptoQuant analysis found Bitcoin’s Supply in Profit climbed to 57.5% from 46.2% over three weeks, reflecting improving on-chain conditions. This accumulation phase during market weakness resembles patterns observed in prior cycles, including similar positive signals identified in Grayscale’s recent market outlook.
