Experts from the market analytics firm CryptoQuant observe that current trends in Bitcoin (BTC) statistics suggest potential shifts in market behavior.
Bitcoin Price Encounters Short-Term Fluctuations
Following a period of consistent drop, spot exchange reserves have seen a significant rise, demonstrating an inflow of 20,000 BTC. This uptick indicates that more Bitcoin is being transferred to exchanges, which frequently suggests a willingness to trade or liquidate.
Such behavior could exert additional selling pressure on Bitcoin’s valuation, which has plunged nearly 7% over the last fortnight, hinting at a possible early indication of short-term fluctuations.
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Concurrently, netflows across all platforms have turned favorable, with a net rise of 15,800 BTC. This shift from the predominantly negative trend observed in recent times indicates that inflows to exchanges are now surpassing outflows.
When coupled with growing reserves, this alteration enhances the probability of escalated trading activity or profit realization by investors, as per CryptoQuant’s evaluation.
Although the broader trend in the market has leaned towards accumulation and self-custody, these recent adjustments may illustrate an increasing apprehension among investors, who might be gearing up for profit realization or preparing for a potential price correction.
Moreover, a report by Bloomberg emphasizes a crucial indicator assessing investor interest in Bitcoin from South Korea, which has escalated to a four-month peak amid ongoing political unrest in the East Asian nation.
Trading Volumes Escalate As Political Turmoil Unfolds
Termed the “Kimchi Premium,” this parameter assesses the price disparity between Bitcoin on South Korean exchange Upbit and Coinbase. Recently, this premium skyrocketed to the range of 3-5%, indicating amplified demand from South Korean investors.
According to the report, the political atmosphere in South Korea has been tumultuous, particularly following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief and controversial announcement of martial law earlier this month, which only lasted six hours before being annulled.
Subsequently, the National Assembly impeached Yoon on December 14, suspending his authority and promoting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to the position of acting president. In another development, the parliament voted to impeach Han as well, marking a historic first for an acting president in South Korea.
These political disturbances have unsettled financial markets, coinciding with increasing economic challenges and escalating nuclear threats from North Korea. The South Korean won has also experienced a decline of 0.35% against the US dollar.
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According to Bloomberg, South Korea stands as one of the most engaged retail markets for cryptocurrencies, with trading volumes on Korea-based platforms frequently surpassing those on conventional stock exchanges.
Ki Young Ju, founder and CEO of CryptoQuant, highlighted that corporate accounts are not allowed on Korean crypto exchanges, meaning that the vast majority of crypto transactions in the country are driven by retail investors.
The Kimchi Premium has emerged as a notable metric for gauging retail interest in cryptocurrency, and elements such as stringent currency regulations and anti-money laundering (AML) laws have contributed to this situation.
At the moment of writing, BTC is valued at $93,938, witnessing a 2.5% drop over the past 24 hours, with its nearest support level at $92,000 serving to prevent further declines for the leading cryptocurrency in the market.
Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com
