Why Bitcoin’s Next Big Move Could Shape Short-Term BTC Holders’ Mood

Why Bitcoin’s Next Big Move Could Shape Short-Term BTC Holders’ Mood

By DanMalam | Dan Malam | 9 Jan 2026


Despite the recent pullback, the price of Bitcoin has managed to hold above the $91,000 level as the market shifts towards a volatile state once again. While BTC continues to face sideways movements, short-term holders remain underwater. However, a sharp bounce above a specific level could be a game-changer for these investors.

 

A Make-Or-Break Point For Bitcoin STHs Is Fast Approaching

 

Following the brief bounce on Monday, Bitcoin is closing in on a pivotal price zone that could reshape the sentiment and behavior of short-term BTC holders. This objective was disclosed by Alphractal, an advanced investment and on-chain data analytics platform, after examining the BTC Short-Term Holder NUPL (Net Unrealized Profit/Loss).

 

Related Reading: Bitcoin Value Days Destroyed Reaches Lowest Point Of The Current Cycle, A Structural Calm?

 

As Bitcoin moves closer to this key level, on-chain data is starting to show a noticeable shift in market behavior. Speculative money appears to be reassessing risk, spending habits are adjusting, and the gap between unrealized profits and losses is tightening. This zone often marks a critical moment, where weaker hands either exit the market or return with renewed confidence.

 

Data from the platform also shows that the short-term holder NUPL is climbing again and approaching the zero mark. When this indicator moves toward that level, it usually means many holders are nearing break-even, with unrealized losses beginning to ease and downside pressure gradually fading.

 

 

It is important to note that the area around the 0 level has historically served as a resistance for the short-term holder NUPL metric. However, a move into positive territory is only expected to occur if BTC breaks above and holds the $99,000 mark, which currently represents the short-term holder realized price.

 

Until that happens, the platform highlighted that the majority of short-term holders continue to operate at a loss. Interestingly, this will keep the market sensitive to volatility spikes and defensive profit-taking, especially from the group.

 

Whether the $99,000 level serves as a launchpad or a stress test, it is clear that Bitcoin’s path to this crucial area might completely change the near-term environment for both traders and short-term investors. 

 

BTC’s Bullish Movement Is Weak Because Of Investors’ Demand

Bitcoin quickly lost its renewed bullish momentum, and several reasons have been linked to why this happened. However, one of the key reasons that stands out strongly is the demand for the flagship crypto asset.

 

In a CryptoQuant Quicktake research, Caueconomy, a market expert and author, revealed that the demand for BTC is still weak and needs to recover. Despite the price of BTC recently rising to the $93,000 level, the expert noted that apparent on-chain demand is still low and requires a stronger comeback to sustain a return to $100,000.

 

At the moment, there are still no strong signs that on-chain activity is picking up again, largely because trading volumes remain low and overall market sentiment is mixed. However, Caueconomy noted that this situation could start to change as the holiday period comes to an end, with many investors expected to scale back short-term trading and adopt a more measured approach.

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DanMalam
DanMalam

My name Danmalam I’m a content creator who loves to Share news about crypto


Dan Malam
Dan Malam

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