BNB, Solana, Cardano, XRP Sell Pressure Hits 5-Year Extreme—What it Means and Why it Matters
Altcoin sell pressure has reached its most extreme level in five years, according to new on-chain data showing sustained demand withdrawal from centralized exchanges. CryptoQuant analyst IT Tech reports that...
Altcoin sell pressure has reached its most extreme level in five years, according to new on-chain data showing sustained demand withdrawal from centralized exchanges.
CryptoQuant analyst IT Tech reports that the cumulative buy-to-sell imbalance for altcoins, excluding Bitcoin and Ethereum, has plunged to a negative $209 billion.
In January 2025, demand and supply were roughly balanced. Over the 13 months since, the metric has moved in one direction, reflecting uninterrupted net selling.
“Retail is out. Smart money rotated. No institutional alt accumulation in sight. This is not a dip. It’s 13 months of continuous net selling on the CEX spot,” the analyst wrote, adding that a negative $209 billion does not automatically signal a bottom but rather confirms that buyers have largely stepped aside.
During this period, Bitcoin has fallen to $65,800 from its October 2025 peak above $125,000.
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Another analysis by CryptoQuant contributor Darkfost shows that altcoin trading volumes have contracted sharply as capital rotates back into Bitcoin. Following a steep correction, Bitcoin has consolidated between $72,000 and $65,000, marked by notable participation from whales, long-term holders, and institutions.
On Binance, which serves as a key liquidity benchmark, Bitcoin accounted for 36.8% of total trading volume on February 7 and has maintained dominance since. Altcoins accounted for 35.3%, while Ethereum accounted for 27.8%.
The shift is stark compared with November, when altcoins accounted for 59.2% of Binance volume. By February 13, that share had dropped to 33.6%, nearly a 50% contraction.
Similar patterns emerged during corrective phases in August 2024, April 2025, and October 2022. Historically, such rotations have reflected defensive positioning, with investors gravitating toward Bitcoin amid intensifying uncertainty.
Meanwhile, CoinMarketCap’s altcoin index shows the market is still in Bitcoin season, at 34 out of 100. Analysts are watching whether that figure will drop further into Bitcoin season or take an altcoin-bullish turn in the coming weeks.
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