Is Bitcoin Entering A New Bear Phase As Long Term Holders Stop Buying?

Bitcoin has survived brutal cycles before. Veteran investors built their reputation by buying fear and selling euphoria. Every deep correction in the past brought aggressive dip buying from long term holders. That pattern helped Bitcoin recover from crashes, regulatory shocks, and even the Terra collapse.

Now that behavior is changing. A fresh Bitcoin bearish signal has emerged, and it shows the market’s strongest hands no longer defend price levels with conviction. On chain data reveals that dip buying has weakened to levels last seen during the 2022 Terra LUNA crash. That shift demands attention.

The most alarming development comes from LTH SOPR. After nearly two years above 1, it just fell below that key threshold. This drop signals that long term holders now realize losses instead of locking in profits. Such behavior rarely appears in healthy bull markets. It often marks a deeper structural shift.

📊BEARISH: Bitcoin’s strongest holders are no longer buying the dip like before.

Dip buying from long-term holders is now as weak as during the 2022 Terra-LUNA crash.

The LTH SOPR just fell below 1 after nearly 2 years above it, showing veteran investors are realizing losses. pic.twitter.com/L9ZbSBkgNI

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) February 17, 2026

Long Term Holders Stop Defending Key Price Levels

Long term holders historically act as Bitcoin’s backbone. They accumulate during panic and reduce supply in circulation. Their conviction stabilizes the market during volatility spikes.

During the 2022 Terra LUNA collapse, these investors stepped in aggressively. They absorbed panic selling and signaled confidence in long term value. That dip buying created a foundation for future recovery.

Today the situation looks different. On chain metrics show weak accumulation from wallets classified as long term holders. Instead of absorbing supply, they hesitate. That hesitation forms a clear Bitcoin bearish signal.

When seasoned investors step back, short term traders dominate price action. That shift increases volatility and weakens structural support. Markets depend on conviction from patient capital. Without it, corrections can deepen quickly.

LTH SOPR Drops Below 1 After Two Years Of Strength

LTH SOPR measures whether long term holders sell at profit or loss. A reading above 1 shows profit realization. A reading below 1 shows loss realization.

For nearly two years, LTH SOPR stayed above 1. That trend reflected strength and disciplined distribution at higher prices. Long term holders maintained control and avoided panic selling.

Now LTH SOPR has fallen below 1. That move confirms that veteran investors sell below their cost basis. Such behavior rarely appears during strong uptrends. It usually confirms a Bitcoin bearish signal with broader implications.

This shift also changes market psychology. When long term holders realize losses, confidence weakens across the ecosystem. Retail traders notice the change. Institutions adjust risk exposure. Sentiment turns cautious.

Dip Buying Weakens To Terra Crash Levels

Dip buying once defined Bitcoin’s resilience. Every sharp pullback attracted immediate accumulation. Long term holders stepped in with aggressive bids.

Current data shows dip buying at levels comparable to the Terra crash period. That comparison raises concern. During Terra’s collapse, forced liquidations and systemic fear dominated markets.

Today we do not face the same systemic shock. Yet long term holders show similar reluctance to accumulate. That pattern strengthens the current Bitcoin bearish signal.

When dip buying fades, supply overhang grows. Sellers face fewer buyers at key levels. Price struggles to recover quickly. Momentum traders exploit weakness and amplify downside pressure.

Final Takeaway

Bitcoin now faces a critical moment. Long term holders no longer defend price with the same aggression. LTH SOPR falling below 1 confirms loss realization among veterans. Dip buying remains weak compared to prior cycles.

This Bitcoin bearish signal does not guarantee collapse. However, it demands respect from traders and investors alike. Structural strength depends on conviction from patient capital. Until that conviction returns, caution may dominate the landscape.