Start now →

Bitcoin exchange reserves hit 5-year low as BlackRock absorbs 9x daily output

By Estefano Gomez · Published April 24, 2026 · 2 min read · Source: Crypto Briefing
BitcoinStablecoinsMining

Bitcoin exchange reserves hit 2.3 million BTC, the lowest level since 2018, while BlackRock’s IBIT absorbs roughly 2,100 BTC per day against daily mining output of just 234 BTC. The Bitcoin dipping to $60,000 in April market remains active with only six days left to resolve, and traders are betting against a significant price dip given the supply constraints.

Market reaction

Over the past 15 months, ETFs and firms like MicroStrategy have pulled 1.76 million BTC off exchanges, reducing liquid supply. As more Bitcoin gets locked in ETF structures with orderly redemption mechanics, traders are treating a drop to $60,000 as unlikely. The Bitcoin price in April market has active sub-markets still in play, with investors pricing in a supply squeeze from BlackRock’s daily absorption rate. Ethereum-related markets remain unchanged and unaffected by these Bitcoin-specific dynamics.

Why it matters

The structural shift in Bitcoin holdings is different from typical market cycles. Exchange reserves at 2018 lows mean less BTC is available for spot selling. BlackRock’s IBIT alone is buying roughly nine times the daily mining output. These conditions make bearish bets on Bitcoin less attractive: reduced exchange supply combined with steady ETF demand creates upward price pressure that doesn’t depend on retail sentiment or speculative momentum.

What to watch

Trading volume in these Bitcoin markets has been thin, suggesting participants are waiting for a catalyst. With six days left before the April 30 resolution, any announcements from BlackRock or MicroStrategy about inflows or outflows could move these markets quickly. If you’re considering a YES share on Bitcoin dipping to $60,000 by April 30, a price below 30¢ would pay $1, but that bet requires expecting a dramatic reversal within a week. The ETF-driven demand structure makes a contrarian dip bet hard to justify without a specific negative catalyst.

API CTA

Get prediction market intelligence as a structured API feed. Early access waitlist.

Related to This Story Bitcoin rises 23% amid Iran crisis as gold, equities fall
This article was originally published on Crypto Briefing and is republished here under RSS syndication for informational purposes. All rights and intellectual property remain with the original author. If you are the author and wish to have this article removed, please contact us at [email protected].

NexaPay — Accept Card Payments, Receive Crypto

No KYC · Instant Settlement · Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay

Get Started →