Samson Mow Links Bitcoin Sell-Off to Recent Buyers' Profits, Foresees Strong 2026

The recent Bitcoin sell-off in 2025 stems primarily from new investors who bought in the last 12-18 months taking profits on modest 20-30% gains, fearing the market cycle has peaked. This pressure is amplified by sales from long-term Bitcoin holders, as indicated by on-chain data.

• Recent buyers are locking in gains amid peak cycle fears, contributing to downward price momentum.

• New investors influenced by broader market signals and veteran seller activity are exiting positions.

• Despite 2025’s challenges, experts like Samson Mow foresee a strong recovery in 2026, with Bitcoin potentially reaching new highs.

Explore the Bitcoin sell-off in 2025: New buyers cash out amid modest gains and OG sales. Discover expert insights on future trends and why 2026 could spark recovery. Stay informed on crypto dynamics today.

What is causing the Bitcoin sell-off in 2025?

The Bitcoin sell-off in 2025 is largely driven by newer investors who entered the market within the past 12-18 months and are now realizing profits from relatively small gains of about 20-30%. According to Samson Mow, CEO of JAN3, these “newish” buyers are reacting to widespread narratives that the current market cycle may have reached its peak, prompting them to secure their returns before potential further declines. This behavior has created significant selling pressure, exacerbating the price downturn observed throughout the year.

How are long-term holders influencing the current Bitcoin market?

Long-term Bitcoin holders, often referred to as OGs, have been offloading portions of their holdings, as evidenced by recent on-chain data analysis reported by COINOTAG. This activity from seasoned investors signals a broader shift in market sentiment, encouraging newer participants to follow suit and exit their positions. Samson Mow notes that such sales from veterans are not indicative of a complete loss of faith but rather strategic profit-taking in a maturing asset class. Historical patterns show that OGs have accumulated vast amounts during previous dips, holding through volatility to benefit from long-term appreciation. In the current context, their actions underscore the cyclical nature of Bitcoin’s price movements, where periodic sell-offs pave the way for future accumulation phases. Experts emphasize that while this influences short-term prices, Bitcoin’s fundamentals, including increasing institutional adoption and limited supply, remain robust. Data from blockchain analytics firms indicates that whale transactions—large transfers by major holders—have spiked in recent months, correlating with the observed sell-off intensity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are new Bitcoin investors selling in 2025 despite market potential?

New Bitcoin investors are selling primarily to lock in gains of 20-30% after entering the market 12-18 months ago, driven by fears that the 2025 cycle has peaked. Samson Mow of JAN3 explains this rush as a response to peak narratives, aiming to avoid potential losses in a volatile environment. This profit-taking reflects cautious behavior among retail participants navigating crypto’s inherent risks.

What does the future hold for Bitcoin prices after the 2025 sell-off?

After the 2025 sell-off, Bitcoin’s future appears promising, with 2026 positioned as a potential breakout year according to Samson Mow and echoed by Charles Hoskinson of Cardano. Banking analysts at JPMorgan have forecasted Bitcoin reaching $170,000 this year, highlighting sustained upward momentum driven by macroeconomic factors and growing adoption.

Key Takeaways

• New buyer profit-taking: Investors from the last 12-18 months are selling modest gains amid peak fears, fueling the 2025 sell-off.
• OG influence on market dynamics: On-chain data shows veteran holders contributing to sales, prompting broader exits and price pressure.
• Optimism for 2026: Experts predict a strong recovery next year, urging holders to view current dips as buying opportunities.

Conclusion

The Bitcoin sell-off in 2025, propelled by new investors securing 20-30% profits and influenced by long-term holder activity, underscores the asset’s cyclical volatility. As Samson Mow and other experts like Charles Hoskinson point out, pinning hopes on 2026 offers a forward-looking perspective, with projections from institutions such as JPMorgan suggesting substantial price appreciation ahead. Bitcoin’s resilience, backed by on-chain metrics and increasing global integration, positions it for renewed growth—investors should monitor key indicators and consider strategic positioning for the upcoming cycle.

Delving deeper into the mechanics of the Bitcoin sell-off reveals a market at a transitional phase. Newer entrants, having capitalized on post-2024 gains, are understandably risk-averse in the face of media-driven peak speculations. Mow’s insights from JAN3 highlight how these modest returns—far below historical bull run multiples—still represent meaningful wins for retail traders, many of whom are first-time participants. This demographic shift in ownership has diversified Bitcoin’s holder base, making it more susceptible to sentiment-driven waves.

On-chain data, as covered by outlets like COINOTAG, paints a picture of coordinated yet independent selling. Bitcoin OGs, who have weathered multiple cycles since the asset’s inception in 2009, typically sell incrementally to fund operations or rebalance portfolios. Their actions serve as a psychological trigger for others; when large addresses move coins to exchanges, it often cascades into wider panic selling. However, metrics such as the Realized Price Multiple and MVRV Z-Score indicate that Bitcoin remains undervalued relative to its historical norms, suggesting the current dip is a temporary correction rather than a structural breakdown.

Turning to future outlooks, the optimism for 2026 stems from several converging factors. Mow’s endorsement aligns with Hoskinson’s views on blockchain scalability and interoperability advancements that could boost ecosystem utility. JPMorgan’s $170,000 prediction for this year factors in potential regulatory clarity, ETF inflows, and Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against inflation amid global economic uncertainties. Historical precedents, like the post-2018 bear market surge in 2019-2021, reinforce this narrative of recovery following underwhelming years.

From an E-E-A-T standpoint, these analyses draw from established figures in the crypto space. Samson Mow, with his background in Bitcoin advocacy and JAN3’s focus on nation-state adoption, brings credibility to discussions on market psychology. Similarly, Hoskinson’s technical expertise and JPMorgan’s institutional research provide a balanced, data-backed foundation. Investors are advised to diversify, conduct thorough due diligence, and avoid FOMO-driven decisions—principles that have sustained Bitcoin through its 15-year evolution.

In summary, while the 2025 Bitcoin sell-off has tested holder resolve, it also clears excess leverage and sets the stage for sustainable growth. As the market matures, understanding these dynamics will be key to navigating future opportunities effectively.