The recent stagnation in the cryptocurrency markets has created a cautious atmosphere among traders and institutions. According to analyses shared by the institutional research unit of Coinbase, the market is likely to enter a prolonged period of weakness. Key indicators from Bitcoin 
$91,081’s technical metrics, investor behavior, and changes in capital flows support this view. Notably, Bitcoin’s decline below critical support levels indicates a loss of current market momentum.
Bitcoin’s Technical Indicators Raise Concerns
As stated by David Duong, head of Coinbase Institutional research, Bitcoin falling below its 200-day simple moving average (SMA) suggests a long-term weakness trend in the market. With the breach of this critical level at the beginning of March, it has been reported that investors are beginning to adjust their portfolios defensively. According to Duong, such technical breakdowns indicate not only a superficial downturn but also a structural loss of strength in the market.
While threshold values like a 20% decline are significant for investor psychology, they are not decisive on their own. Fluctuations in sentiment, reduced liquidity, and fundamental structural disruptions can create lasting effects in the cryptocurrency markets. Duong mentions that similar breakdowns in the past have automatically triggered selling tendencies among investors, further fueling prolonged stagnation.
Risk Models Show Neutral Trends
Another important indicator highlighted by Duong is the z-score, a risk-adjusted performance measurement method. According to this model, Bitcoin’s recent upward trend has ended as of late February. Since then, most market activities have been classified as neutral, indicating a lack of clear direction and a preference among investors for a wait-and-see strategy.
Additionally, similar uncertainty exists in altcoin investments. A slowdown in venture capital investments has been measured at a 50-60% decline compared to the 2021-22 period. This suggests a significant reduction in institutional interest in new projects within the cryptocurrency markets, making it more risky for investors to shift focus to alternative projects.
A New Equilibrium Phase May Be Approaching
In light of these developments, Duong predicts that the market might establish a bottom by mid-second quarter, after which a more positive atmosphere could emerge. However, he emphasizes that investors should prioritize risk management during this process. Particularly, technical indicators and liquidity trends suggest that the current trend is not merely a temporary correction but rather indicative of a structural change process.
The general expectation in the sector is that this weakening trend could have lasting impacts not only on prices but also on market dynamics and investor behaviors. Therefore, it is recommended that investors focus more closely on both technical analyses and fundamental indicators.
