Bitcoin’s futures market has undergone a significant deleveraging event, with $10 billion in open interest wiped out in just three weeks, according to onchain analytics platform CryptoQuant.
In a March 17 blog post, CryptoQuant revealed that Bitcoin derivatives traders have shifted towards a risk-off stance since BTC/USD reached all-time highs in mid-January.
Open interest (OI) across major crypto exchanges peaked at $33 billion on January 17, marking an unprecedented level of leverage in the market.
However, from February 20 to March 4, OI plummeted by $10 billion, signaling a broad market correction.
Bitcoin Deleveraging a ‘Natural Reset’ for Bullish Continuation
CryptoQuant contributor Darkfost described the decline as a “natural market reset”, emphasizing that past deleveraging events have historically paved the way for bullish continuations.
A 90-day rolling chart tracking OI changes confirms this trend, showing a steep 14% drop.
Fellow analyst Kriptolik highlighted that derivatives market activity has surged since November 2024, even as stablecoin reserves on derivatives exchanges surpass spot markets.
However, this has not translated into a direct price increase, suggesting that Bitcoin may still face demand-side challenges.
CryptoQuant analysts warn that the market remains in a “demand crisis”, as spot market liquidity lags behind derivatives activity.
Until stablecoin distribution normalizes, traders are advised to exercise caution with high-leverage trades to avoid heightened risks.
Last week, CryptoQuant noted that Bitcoin speculators have collectively lost over $100 million in just six weeks due to panic-driven selling.
The firm examined the market cap and realized cap of these Bitcoin holders, comparing the current value of their holdings to the prices at which they last moved their BTC on-chain.
It found that market capitalization has dropped below realized capitalization, signaling that investors are locking in realized losses.
The trend has contributed to increased selling pressure, which could further impact Bitcoin’s price in the short term.
Bitcoin Struggles Below $85K as Traders Question Bull Market’s Strength
Bitcoin remains under pressure, failing to sustain levels above $85,000 on March 14, despite a 1.9% gain in the S&P 500 index.
The leading cryptocurrency has not traded above $90,000 for over a week, raising concerns among traders about whether the bull market has lost momentum and how long selling pressure will persist.
Despite a 30% drop from its all-time high of $109,354 on January 20, Bitcoin’s derivatives market suggests resilience.
The Bitcoin basis rate, which measures the premium of monthly contracts over spot markets, has rebounded after briefly signaling bearish sentiment on March 13.
Traders typically demand a 5% to 10% annualized premium to compensate for longer settlement periods, and while Bitcoin’s current 5% basis rate is below the 8% recorded two weeks ago, it remains within neutral territory.
This suggests that leveraged buyers are still engaged in the market, though with reduced confidence.
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