๐ฑ MetaMask Parent Company Accidentally Hired a North Korean Hacker!
Consensys, the company behind MetaMask, reportedly hired a developer under the alias "Tyler Knapp" through a third-party recruiting firm.
๐ฐ๐ต About a month later, the company discovered the developer was allegedly linked to North Korea's Lazarus Group. During that time, he contributed code to a feature related to crypto-to-fiat conversion.
Even more concerning, the same individual had previously worked at Ankr, Blueberry Protocol, DEPO, Pickle Finance, and Harmonyโprojects that were all later exploited, although that alone does not prove a connection to those hacks.
๐ก The incident highlights how sophisticated state-sponsored infiltration has become. If a major player like Consensys can be targeted, smaller crypto companies with fewer security resources may face an even greater challenge.
Consensys, the company behind MetaMask, reportedly hired a developer under the alias "Tyler Knapp" through a third-party recruiting firm.
๐ฐ๐ต About a month later, the company discovered the developer was allegedly linked to North Korea's Lazarus Group. During that time, he contributed code to a feature related to crypto-to-fiat conversion.
Even more concerning, the same individual had previously worked at Ankr, Blueberry Protocol, DEPO, Pickle Finance, and Harmonyโprojects that were all later exploited, although that alone does not prove a connection to those hacks.
๐ก The incident highlights how sophisticated state-sponsored infiltration has become. If a major player like Consensys can be targeted, smaller crypto companies with fewer security resources may face an even greater challenge.
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โ๏ธ Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Sees Biggest Drop Since the 2021 China Ban
Bitcoin's mining difficulty has fallen 18.5% from its all-time high, marking the largest decline since China's mining crackdown in 2021, according to Galaxy. ๐ง
Mining difficulty automatically adjusts to keep Bitcoin's average block time close to 10 minutes. When hash power leaves the networkโdue to unprofitable mining, bankruptcies, or miners shutting downโthe protocol lowers the difficulty to maintain normal block production.
๐ A sharp decline like this suggests a significant portion of mining capacity has gone offline. While it's a sign of pressure on miners, the adjustment also demonstrates one of Bitcoin's core strengths: the network automatically adapts to changing conditions without human intervention. โ๏ธ
Bitcoin's mining difficulty has fallen 18.5% from its all-time high, marking the largest decline since China's mining crackdown in 2021, according to Galaxy. ๐ง
Mining difficulty automatically adjusts to keep Bitcoin's average block time close to 10 minutes. When hash power leaves the networkโdue to unprofitable mining, bankruptcies, or miners shutting downโthe protocol lowers the difficulty to maintain normal block production.
๐ A sharp decline like this suggests a significant portion of mining capacity has gone offline. While it's a sign of pressure on miners, the adjustment also demonstrates one of Bitcoin's core strengths: the network automatically adapts to changing conditions without human intervention. โ๏ธ
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๐ฎ Downloaded a Steam Game, Lost Your Crypto
๐ฎโโ๏ธ The FBI has arrested a 21-year-old hacker who uploaded fake games to Steam containing hidden crypto-draining malware.
Over two years, he allegedly:
โข Infected 8,000+ computers.
โข Gained access to 80 crypto wallets.
โข Stole at least $220,000 in crypto.
Ironically, he was caught after converting the stolen funds into Uber Eats gift cards. Investigators reportedly traced the food delivery addressโand showed up with a search warrant instead of lunch. ๐
The fake games looked legitimate and even launched normally, making them difficult to spot. The case is a reminder that installing unknown software can put your wallet at risk, especially if your seed phrase or wallet files are stored on the same device.
๐ก Treat every unfamiliar download as a potential security riskโeven if it comes from a trusted platform.
๐ฎโโ๏ธ The FBI has arrested a 21-year-old hacker who uploaded fake games to Steam containing hidden crypto-draining malware.
Over two years, he allegedly:
โข Infected 8,000+ computers.
โข Gained access to 80 crypto wallets.
โข Stole at least $220,000 in crypto.
Ironically, he was caught after converting the stolen funds into Uber Eats gift cards. Investigators reportedly traced the food delivery addressโand showed up with a search warrant instead of lunch. ๐
The fake games looked legitimate and even launched normally, making them difficult to spot. The case is a reminder that installing unknown software can put your wallet at risk, especially if your seed phrase or wallet files are stored on the same device.
๐ก Treat every unfamiliar download as a potential security riskโeven if it comes from a trusted platform.
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๐ The Altcoin Graveyard Keeps Growing
Nearly 40% of altcoins are now trading at all-time lows, failing to recover even as Bitcoin continues to rally. For many tokens, this has become the harshest bear market in crypto history. ๐
In previous cycles, a rising BTC eventually lifted most of the market. This time, the story is different: capital is concentrating in Bitcoin, a handful of large-cap assets, and sectors with real traction, while thousands of smaller tokens continue making new lows.
๐ The era of "everything pumps eventually" appears to be over. In today's market, liquidity is becoming increasingly selectiveโand many altcoins may never revisit their previous highs.
Nearly 40% of altcoins are now trading at all-time lows, failing to recover even as Bitcoin continues to rally. For many tokens, this has become the harshest bear market in crypto history. ๐
In previous cycles, a rising BTC eventually lifted most of the market. This time, the story is different: capital is concentrating in Bitcoin, a handful of large-cap assets, and sectors with real traction, while thousands of smaller tokens continue making new lows.
๐ The era of "everything pumps eventually" appears to be over. In today's market, liquidity is becoming increasingly selectiveโand many altcoins may never revisit their previous highs.
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๐ฐ Strategy Pauses BTC Buying, Builds Cash Reserve
Michael Saylor's Strategy did not purchase any Bitcoin between July 13โ19, marking another week without adding to its holdings. ๐ง
Instead, the company sold 2.73 million MSTR shares, raising $263.5 million. As a result, its cash reserve increased by $225 million, reaching $3.225 billion.
Strategy still holds 843,775 BTC, acquired for $63.69 billion at an average price of $75,476 per coin.
Interestingly, Saylor's latest post led with the company's growing cash position before mentioning its Bitcoin holdings. The larger cash reserve is expected to cover roughly two years of preferred stock dividend payments, while also giving Strategy additional firepower for future BTC purchases when the timing is right. ๐
Michael Saylor's Strategy did not purchase any Bitcoin between July 13โ19, marking another week without adding to its holdings. ๐ง
Instead, the company sold 2.73 million MSTR shares, raising $263.5 million. As a result, its cash reserve increased by $225 million, reaching $3.225 billion.
Strategy still holds 843,775 BTC, acquired for $63.69 billion at an average price of $75,476 per coin.
Interestingly, Saylor's latest post led with the company's growing cash position before mentioning its Bitcoin holdings. The larger cash reserve is expected to cover roughly two years of preferred stock dividend payments, while also giving Strategy additional firepower for future BTC purchases when the timing is right. ๐
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๐ Is the Market Waiting for a Dip That May Never Come?
While many traders are still expecting one final capitulation, Bitcoin has climbed back above $66K for the first time since mid-June. ๐
The main reason so many remain bearish is simple: previous cycles saw deeper drawdowns. But Bitcoin's corrections have been shrinking with each cycle, making blind comparisons to past markets increasingly unreliable.
๐ Meanwhile, whales continue placing buy orders between $60K and $48K. That doesn't necessarily mean they're expecting a crashโit may simply reflect a strategy of accumulating on weakness while already holding significant positions.
A new low is still possible, but it would likely require a major catalyst such as a sharp equity sell-off, a severe geopolitical shock, or another unexpected black swan.
For long-term investors, the key takeaway is simple: market bottoms are built through accumulation, not perfect timing. ๐
While many traders are still expecting one final capitulation, Bitcoin has climbed back above $66K for the first time since mid-June. ๐
The main reason so many remain bearish is simple: previous cycles saw deeper drawdowns. But Bitcoin's corrections have been shrinking with each cycle, making blind comparisons to past markets increasingly unreliable.
๐ Meanwhile, whales continue placing buy orders between $60K and $48K. That doesn't necessarily mean they're expecting a crashโit may simply reflect a strategy of accumulating on weakness while already holding significant positions.
A new low is still possible, but it would likely require a major catalyst such as a sharp equity sell-off, a severe geopolitical shock, or another unexpected black swan.
For long-term investors, the key takeaway is simple: market bottoms are built through accumulation, not perfect timing. ๐
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๐ง A Bitcoin OG Just Cashed Out for the Final Time
๐ณ An early Bitcoin holder from 2013 has reportedly sold the last 1,000 BTC from their holdings, bringing an end to a remarkable investment journey.
The miner originally accumulated 5,000 BTC when they were worth just ~$1.6 million. After holding through multiple bull and bear markets, the total profit is estimated at $434 millionโa staggering 262x return.
๐ It's another reminder that some of Bitcoin's biggest winners weren't the best tradersโthey were simply the most patient holders.
๐ณ An early Bitcoin holder from 2013 has reportedly sold the last 1,000 BTC from their holdings, bringing an end to a remarkable investment journey.
The miner originally accumulated 5,000 BTC when they were worth just ~$1.6 million. After holding through multiple bull and bear markets, the total profit is estimated at $434 millionโa staggering 262x return.
๐ It's another reminder that some of Bitcoin's biggest winners weren't the best tradersโthey were simply the most patient holders.
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๐ Whales Are Rotating From BTC to ETH? ๐
While some long-term Bitcoin holders are taking profits, Ethereum continues to attract aggressive whale accumulation.
Over the past month, anonymous wallet 0x2e80 has purchased 74,033 ETH (โ$142M) from Gemini and staked the entire amount. Another wallet, 0xf23c, added roughly 18,000 ETH (โ$37M) over the last two days.
๐ Meanwhile, Arthur Hayes keeps stacking ETH, buying another 1,332 ETH (โ$2.5M), while Tom Lee's BitMine added 7,430 ETH (โ$14M).
BitMine now holds an astonishing 5,777,468 ETH worth around $10.9Bโroughly 4.8% of Ethereum's total supply. ๐ฐ
While some long-term Bitcoin holders are taking profits, Ethereum continues to attract aggressive whale accumulation.
Over the past month, anonymous wallet 0x2e80 has purchased 74,033 ETH (โ$142M) from Gemini and staked the entire amount. Another wallet, 0xf23c, added roughly 18,000 ETH (โ$37M) over the last two days.
๐ Meanwhile, Arthur Hayes keeps stacking ETH, buying another 1,332 ETH (โ$2.5M), while Tom Lee's BitMine added 7,430 ETH (โ$14M).
BitMine now holds an astonishing 5,777,468 ETH worth around $10.9Bโroughly 4.8% of Ethereum's total supply. ๐ฐ
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๐ค Trump Agrees to Crypto Ethics Rules
After months of negotiations, lawmakers have reportedly reached a compromise on the CLARITY Act, the proposed U.S. crypto market regulation bill. ๐ง
According to The Block, Donald Trump has agreed to an ethics provision that would prohibit the President, members of Congress, and other senior officials from profiting from digital assets while in office.
If passed, the measure would aim to reduce conflicts of interest and strengthen public trust in crypto regulation.
๐ The big question is whether the rules will be strict enough to prevent officials from finding workaroundsโor if this will end up being more symbolic than transformative.
After months of negotiations, lawmakers have reportedly reached a compromise on the CLARITY Act, the proposed U.S. crypto market regulation bill. ๐ง
According to The Block, Donald Trump has agreed to an ethics provision that would prohibit the President, members of Congress, and other senior officials from profiting from digital assets while in office.
If passed, the measure would aim to reduce conflicts of interest and strengthen public trust in crypto regulation.
๐ The big question is whether the rules will be strict enough to prevent officials from finding workaroundsโor if this will end up being more symbolic than transformative.
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๐ฐ Around 100 Days Until Bitcoin's Cycle Bottom?
If Bitcoin's four-year cycle plays out once again, the final phase of the bear market could arrive between October and December 2026โroughly 100 days from now. ๐
What could that mean?
โข The worst of the bear market may already be behind us.
โข One final sharp sell-offโor a slow grind lowerโcould still happen to fully reset market sentiment.
โข Trying to catch the exact bottom remains a losing game for most investors.
๐ History rarely repeats perfectly, but it often rhymes. Rather than waiting for the "perfect" entry, a DCA (Dollar-Cost Averaging) strategy continues to look like one of the most sensible approaches for long-term Bitcoin investors. ๐
If Bitcoin's four-year cycle plays out once again, the final phase of the bear market could arrive between October and December 2026โroughly 100 days from now. ๐
What could that mean?
โข The worst of the bear market may already be behind us.
โข One final sharp sell-offโor a slow grind lowerโcould still happen to fully reset market sentiment.
โข Trying to catch the exact bottom remains a losing game for most investors.
๐ History rarely repeats perfectly, but it often rhymes. Rather than waiting for the "perfect" entry, a DCA (Dollar-Cost Averaging) strategy continues to look like one of the most sensible approaches for long-term Bitcoin investors. ๐
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๐ฆ Goldman Sachs: Global Conflict Risk at a 60-Year High
๐ According to an internal Goldman Sachs research note, the risk of a major global conflict has reached its highest level since the mid-1960s.
The bank argues that today's geopolitical risk exceeds levels seen during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the height of the Cold War, and even the period following the 9/11 attacks. ๐
The concern isn't a single flashpoint, but the growing number of geopolitical tensions unfolding simultaneously. As more countries abandon neutrality and align with competing blocs, global polarization continues to intensify.
๐ Goldman Sachs expects this trend to persist through the end of the decade, making geopolitics an increasingly important factor for investors across all marketsโincluding crypto.
๐ According to an internal Goldman Sachs research note, the risk of a major global conflict has reached its highest level since the mid-1960s.
The bank argues that today's geopolitical risk exceeds levels seen during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the height of the Cold War, and even the period following the 9/11 attacks. ๐
The concern isn't a single flashpoint, but the growing number of geopolitical tensions unfolding simultaneously. As more countries abandon neutrality and align with competing blocs, global polarization continues to intensify.
๐ Goldman Sachs expects this trend to persist through the end of the decade, making geopolitics an increasingly important factor for investors across all marketsโincluding crypto.
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โฝ๏ธ New Market Indicator Just Dropped: The FIFA World Cup
Crypto Twitter has found a new "indicator"โthe World Cup. ๐
Bitcoin bottomed near $16K during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, right before the current bull cycle began. Now that another tournament has ended, some traders are hoping history repeats itself.
There's one important difference, though. In 2022, the market had just endured the FTX collapse and a wave of bankruptcies, creating peak capitulation. This time, the World Cup arrived amid uncertainty, with no major industry collapse and on-chain data still showing little evidence of widespread panic selling.
๐ It's an entertaining coincidence, but we'd still trust on-chain metrics, liquidity, and macro conditions far more than the football calendar when trying to predict Bitcoin's next move. โฝ๏ธ๐
Crypto Twitter has found a new "indicator"โthe World Cup. ๐
Bitcoin bottomed near $16K during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, right before the current bull cycle began. Now that another tournament has ended, some traders are hoping history repeats itself.
There's one important difference, though. In 2022, the market had just endured the FTX collapse and a wave of bankruptcies, creating peak capitulation. This time, the World Cup arrived amid uncertainty, with no major industry collapse and on-chain data still showing little evidence of widespread panic selling.
๐ It's an entertaining coincidence, but we'd still trust on-chain metrics, liquidity, and macro conditions far more than the football calendar when trying to predict Bitcoin's next move. โฝ๏ธ๐
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๐ข Pavel Durov has announced Gram Wallet, a new non-custodial crypto wallet that will be integrated directly into every Telegram app
๐ According to Durov, the goal is simple: instant, zero-fee crypto transfers for Telegram's 1+ billion users. Following the announcement, $GRAM jumped 8.5% as the market reacted to the news. ๐
That said, Telegram has been down this road before. Telegram Wallet was also introduced as a game-changing crypto solution, yet it never became the dominant wallet many expected.
Now the big question is whether Gram can finally deliver the seamless crypto experience Telegram has long promisedโor if it will end up following the same path as its predecessor. ๐
๐ According to Durov, the goal is simple: instant, zero-fee crypto transfers for Telegram's 1+ billion users. Following the announcement, $GRAM jumped 8.5% as the market reacted to the news. ๐
That said, Telegram has been down this road before. Telegram Wallet was also introduced as a game-changing crypto solution, yet it never became the dominant wallet many expected.
Now the big question is whether Gram can finally deliver the seamless crypto experience Telegram has long promisedโor if it will end up following the same path as its predecessor. ๐
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๐ Spot Bitcoin ETFs are back in accumulation mode, attracting $957 million in net inflows over the past six trading days
The renewed institutional demand has helped BTC climb back toward the $66K level.
The short-term trend remains bullish, but a key test is approaching. The Short-Term Holder cost basis near $68K has historically acted as strong resistance during bear markets, and breaking above it has rarely been easy.
If Bitcoin clears this level, it could strengthen bullish momentum. Until then, $68K remains the critical zone to watch. ๐
The renewed institutional demand has helped BTC climb back toward the $66K level.
The short-term trend remains bullish, but a key test is approaching. The Short-Term Holder cost basis near $68K has historically acted as strong resistance during bear markets, and breaking above it has rarely been easy.
If Bitcoin clears this level, it could strengthen bullish momentum. Until then, $68K remains the critical zone to watch. ๐
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๐ Movement Labs Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
๐ Movement Labs, the developer behind the Movement blockchain, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware.
โ๏ธ Court filings show the company has between $100K and $500K in assets, while liabilities could reach $10 million, with 299 creditors.
The project launched as an Ethereum Layer 2 built with the Move programming language, raised tens of millions of dollars (including a $38M Series A), and introduced the MOVE token in late 2024.
โ ๏ธ It's important to note that Chapter 11 is a restructuring process, not a liquidation. The company may continue operating while reorganizing its finances or pursuing a sale of its assets under court supervision. Still, it's another reminder that even well-funded crypto projects are not immune to financial distress.
๐ Movement Labs, the developer behind the Movement blockchain, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware.
โ๏ธ Court filings show the company has between $100K and $500K in assets, while liabilities could reach $10 million, with 299 creditors.
The project launched as an Ethereum Layer 2 built with the Move programming language, raised tens of millions of dollars (including a $38M Series A), and introduced the MOVE token in late 2024.
โ ๏ธ It's important to note that Chapter 11 is a restructuring process, not a liquidation. The company may continue operating while reorganizing its finances or pursuing a sale of its assets under court supervision. Still, it's another reminder that even well-funded crypto projects are not immune to financial distress.
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๐ Another companyโs attempt to copy Strategy has come to an end
Shareholders of Satsuma Technology have approved the sale of all 668 BTC (worth $44.4M), a capital return to investors, and the company's delisting. More than 90% voted in favor of the plan. โ๏ธ
Satsuma tried to follow Michael Saylorโs playbook by making Bitcoin its primary treasury asset. However, after the company's stock collapsed by over 99%, major shareholder Pantera Capital (holding ~7%) pushed for the BTC sale and the return of funds to investors.
The case is another reminder that buying Bitcoin alone isn't enoughโStrategyโs success also depends on market access, capital-raising ability, and strong investor confidence. ๐คท
Shareholders of Satsuma Technology have approved the sale of all 668 BTC (worth $44.4M), a capital return to investors, and the company's delisting. More than 90% voted in favor of the plan. โ๏ธ
Satsuma tried to follow Michael Saylorโs playbook by making Bitcoin its primary treasury asset. However, after the company's stock collapsed by over 99%, major shareholder Pantera Capital (holding ~7%) pushed for the BTC sale and the return of funds to investors.
The case is another reminder that buying Bitcoin alone isn't enoughโStrategyโs success also depends on market access, capital-raising ability, and strong investor confidence. ๐คท
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๐ A bullish signal for Ethereum: the staking withdrawal queue has dropped to zero, meaning there is currently no backlog of validators looking to exit
At the same time, demand for staking continues to surge. Nearly 2.5 million ETH (worth around $4.8 billion) is now waiting to enter the validator queue. ๐ฐ
This shift suggests investors are choosing to lock up ETH rather than sell it, reducing potential selling pressure while increasing the amount of ETH secured in staking. If the trend continues, it could provide another tailwind for $ETH in the coming weeks. ๐
At the same time, demand for staking continues to surge. Nearly 2.5 million ETH (worth around $4.8 billion) is now waiting to enter the validator queue. ๐ฐ
This shift suggests investors are choosing to lock up ETH rather than sell it, reducing potential selling pressure while increasing the amount of ETH secured in staking. If the trend continues, it could provide another tailwind for $ETH in the coming weeks. ๐
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๐ More Americans now own Bitcoin than gold, according to new data from River
๐ The report shows that 18.6% of Americans hold Bitcoin, compared to 10.8% who own gold. The numbers highlight how digital assets are increasingly becoming a mainstream store of value, especially among younger investors.
While gold remains the traditional safe-haven asset, Bitcoin continues to gain ground as adoption grows and institutional participation expands. ๐
๐ The report shows that 18.6% of Americans hold Bitcoin, compared to 10.8% who own gold. The numbers highlight how digital assets are increasingly becoming a mainstream store of value, especially among younger investors.
While gold remains the traditional safe-haven asset, Bitcoin continues to gain ground as adoption grows and institutional participation expands. ๐
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๐ Tokenized stocks just hit a new all-time high
The monthly transaction volume for tokenized equitiesโincluding trading, wallet transfers, and DeFi collateralโreached $9.22 billion in June, setting a new record.
For comparison, the same metric was just $53 million a year ago, marking an incredible 170x+ year-over-year increase. ๐
According to a16z crypto, the market is still tiny compared to traditional equities, where monthly trading volumes are measured in tens of trillions of dollars. However, the direction is clear: more issuers and platforms are bringing tokenized stocks on-chain, accelerating the growth of this emerging sector.
The tokenization narrative is quickly moving from theory to reality. ๐ง
The monthly transaction volume for tokenized equitiesโincluding trading, wallet transfers, and DeFi collateralโreached $9.22 billion in June, setting a new record.
For comparison, the same metric was just $53 million a year ago, marking an incredible 170x+ year-over-year increase. ๐
According to a16z crypto, the market is still tiny compared to traditional equities, where monthly trading volumes are measured in tens of trillions of dollars. However, the direction is clear: more issuers and platforms are bringing tokenized stocks on-chain, accelerating the growth of this emerging sector.
The tokenization narrative is quickly moving from theory to reality. ๐ง
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๐ Institutional sentiment toward Bitcoin has turned extremely bearish
According to CryptoQuant, institutional investors are now showing their highest level of pessimism about Bitcoin's upside in the past two years! ๐
Historically, extreme bearish sentiment from large market participants has often appeared near major turning points. While it doesn't guarantee a reversal, it does suggest that expectations have become heavily one-sided.
Whether this signals the start of a deeper correction or sets the stage for a contrarian move higher, institutional positioning will be one of the key indicators to watch in the coming weeks. ๐
According to CryptoQuant, institutional investors are now showing their highest level of pessimism about Bitcoin's upside in the past two years! ๐
Historically, extreme bearish sentiment from large market participants has often appeared near major turning points. While it doesn't guarantee a reversal, it does suggest that expectations have become heavily one-sided.
Whether this signals the start of a deeper correction or sets the stage for a contrarian move higher, institutional positioning will be one of the key indicators to watch in the coming weeks. ๐
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