Analysts at CryptoQuant warn of increased profit-taking risks as Bitcoin's price rises, with significant exchange inflows indicating potential selling pressure.
Bitcoin's recent surge past $75,000 is raising alarms about potential profit-taking, according to analysts at CryptoQuant. Julio Moreno, the head of research, highlighted that on-chain metrics indicate increasing selling activity.
With Bitcoin hitting $76,000 resistance and exchange inflows reaching approximately 11,000 BTC per hour, the highest since December 2025, large holders appear ready to sell into this price strength. This trend warrants close monitoring for increased selling pressure.
— CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) April 15, 2026
On April 14, Bitcoin's price surpassed $75,400 for the first time since February, buoyed by factors such as its undervaluation and a temporary easing of geopolitical tensions. However, it has since retreated slightly to around $74,700, still hovering near crucial resistance at $76,800.
Moreno explained that this resistance level often triggers selling as holders seek to capitalize on gains. He noted that in January, a similar situation led to a price drop when the market was in a bear phase.
Increased Exchange Inflows Signal Caution
The spike in Bitcoin's price has coincided with a significant rise in inflows to exchanges, which Moreno described as a “worrisome signal.” This pattern suggests that investors are moving coins to trading platforms with the intent to sell. Historical data indicates that such inflows often precede price corrections.
Currently, the average transfer size to exchanges is at its highest since July 2024, indicating that large holders are actively participating in the market. The proportion of large deposits has increased dramatically, further heightening the risk of short-term selling pressure.
Profit-Taking Not Yet at Peak Levels
Despite the current situation, daily realized gains are still below the $1 billion mark, a threshold that typically signals increased profit-taking during bear markets. Moreno noted that if Bitcoin maintains its position above $76,000 or exceeds $76,800, realized profits could surge, adding to selling pressure.
“If this occurs, we may see a halt in the rally or even a reversal,” he concluded.
Additionally, data from Glassnode indicates a growing momentum in position closures, with the realized profit/loss ratio showing that investors are selling during price rises.
Market Dynamics and Future Outlook
Analysts from Bitfinex observed that over the past month, large investors have accumulated 270,000 BTC, the largest buying spree since 2013. Meanwhile, exchange reserves have declined to multi-year lows, suggesting a tightening supply that could lead to increased volatility.
“The supply to meet new demand is shrinking, which could make the market susceptible to sharp price movements,” Bitfinex noted.
Max Gnatishin, COO of Toobit, remarked that Bitcoin's breakout above $74,000 demonstrates buyer strength, but cautioned that profit-taking by large holders and subdued inflows into spot ETFs could hinder further price growth. Analysts from K33 have also suggested that a reversal may be on the horizon following an extended period of consolidation.
