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Bitcoin’s rally stalls as short-term holders cash out 48K BTC – Details

By Samyukhtha L KM · Published March 19, 2026 · 2 min read · Source: AMBCrypto
Bitcoin
Written by Written by Samyukhtha L KM Reviewed by Reviewed by Saman Waris Updated 08:30 IST March 19, 2026 Share Share
Bitcoin's rally stalls as short-term holders cash out 48K BTC - Details

Bitcoin’s [BTC] has been trying to push higher again, but it’s not exactly a smooth ride. Some traders are starting to take profits, while new money is making its way into the market.

So right now, does Bitcoin have enough pace to break through, or is it about to slow down again?

STHs rush to lock in gains

BTC’s recent push being hindered by short-term holders (STHs) cashing out early. According to analyst Darkfost, more than 48,000 BTC in profit was sent to exchanges in a single day; that’s a yearly high!

There are repeated spikes in profit-taking whenever the price attempts to climb, so there’s a clear pattern here.

bitcoin
Source: X

Many traders aren’t fully convinced by the current rally. Instead of holding on for bigger gains, they’re using every bounce as an opportunity to exit or secure profits quickly.

Global happenings are increasing uncertainty, while risk appetite remains limited. This might be why STHs are rushing for the exit. This trend could continue to cap Bitcoin’s upside.

A crucial crossroads

The next move for BTC may come down to the Bull Market Support Band. This is usually a support in strong uptrends. But in weaker or uncertain phases, it tends to flip into resistance.

That’s exactly what’s happened in past cycles. In both 2018 and 2022, Bitcoin failed multiple times to reclaim this band before moving lower.

bitcoin
Source: X

Now, Bitcoin has already been rejected twice and is now heading toward a possible third test.

As it stands, resistance is near the $84K level. If price struggles again, this level could be a short-term ceiling or even a potential short opportunity.

Liquidity returns as capital flows turn positive

Bitcoin
Source: X

While STHs sell into strength, the money is coming back. Recent data showed that ETF flows, DeFi (DAT) inflows, and stablecoin activity have all turned positive, with billions of dollars re-entering the crypto market.

Source: X

Bitcoin ETF flows, after a period of outflows, have flipped back into the green. At the same time, there’s more liquidity waiting to be deployed.

Source: X

These are early calls for confidence, even if it hasn’t shown in price yet.

Profit-taking is keeping Bitcoin in check, while new money is trying to push it higher. The next move likely depends on how BTC reacts near resistance.


Final Summary

Samyukhtha L KM

Journalist

Samyukhtha L KM is a financial journalist and market analyst at AMBCrypto. She covers key market moves, blockchain adoption, and socially-driven crypto trends. She also enjoys providing fresh takes through commentaries on emerging narratives.

This article was originally published on AMBCrypto 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].

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