Bitcoin (BTC) speculators could spark “significant” BTC price volatility as a large tranche of coins moves onchain.

In one of its “Quicktake” blog posts on April 18, onchain analytics platform CryptoQuant warned that a Bitcoin market shake-up is now due.

CryptoQuant: “Volatility is coming” for BTC price

Bitcoin short-term holders (STHs) are signaling that the current calm BTC price behavior may not last long.

CryptoQuant reveals that 170,000 BTC owned by entities with a purchase date between three and six months ago has begun to circulate.

“Around 170,000 BTC are moving from the 3–6 month holder cohort,” contributor Mignolet confirmed. 

“Large movements from this group often signal that significant volatility is imminent.”BTC movements by 3-6 month hodler cohort (screenshot). Source: CryptoQuant

An accompanying chart shows the impact of previous STH events, with the latest being the largest by volume since late 2021. Price direction varies, with both upward and downward market responses visible.

“Volatility is coming,” Mignolet concluded.

Bitcoin speculators blamed for sell pressure

As Cointelegraph reported, STH entities are notoriously sensitive to snap market moves and transitive narratives.

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Recent BTC price downside has been met with episodes of panic selling by the cohort, which is defined as an entity buying up to six months previously.

Earlier this week, CryptoQuant listed STHs as one of the main sources of current Bitcoin selling pressure.

“Short-Term Holders (STH) have been the primary sellers, sending an average of ~930 BTC/day to exchanges,” fellow contributor Crazzyblockk wrote in a separate Quicktake post. 

“In contrast, Long-Term Holders (LTH) only moved about ~529 BTC/day — highlighting short-term fear or profit-taking, while long-term conviction remains intact.”Bitcoin investor flow comparison (screenshot). Source: CryptoQuant

Crazzyblockk described a “classic shakeout” occurring on Bitcoin while allaying concerns over a uniform rush for the exit across the investor spectrum.

“With Bitcoin trading sideways and volatility compressing, this cohort-driven breakdown helps us understand that the current correction is not a mass exodus by smart money — it’s more likely a reaction from nervous short-term and mid-tier holders,” the post summarized.

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.