Bitcoin’s Crucial Crossroads: Why $105K Is the Market’s Last Defensive Line

 


Introduction

A fleeting surge in Bitcoin’s price at the Jackson Hole summit offered a breath of relief—but it didn’t last. As rallies fade, it’s clear that $105,000 has emerged as a pivotal zone: the final bulwark of support before potential downturns. Let’s break down what’s unfolding, why it matters, and how different holder groups are influencing the market.

1. The Rush—and the Retreat

A dovish tone at Jackson Hole sparked a powerful 3.9% leap in Bitcoin from roughly $111,700 to $117,300—marking its most aggressive daily rally since July 10. 

Yet, that momentum quickly dissipated—Bitcoin slipped to around $110,600 by Monday, forming a bearish weekly engulfing candle that signals rising downward pressure. 

2. On-Chain Signals: Who’s Selling—and Where

On-chain analysis reveals a coordinated selling spree across various wallet sizes:

  • 10–100 BTC wallets have switched to net sellers after peaking near $118K.

  • 1–10 BTC wallets are buying again under $107K.

  • Large holders (1,000+ BTC) are steadily distributing.

  • The 100–1,000 BTC group is teetering—some accumulating, others selling—around $105K, making it the critical support battlefield. 

3. Realized Cost vs. Market Price: Who’s Profitable?

Realized price data paints a telling picture:

  • 1–3 month holders: ~$111,900 (newer buyers, closer to the peak)

  • 3–6 month holders: ~$91,630

  • 6–12 month holders: ~$89,200 (longer-term holders with lower cost basis)

This wide gap indicates that short-term buyers are facing steep pressure if prices drop, while long-term holders remain structurally profitable. 

4. The Danger of Losing $105K

If Bitcoin plunges below $105K, there’s sparse cost-based support between that zone and the $90K mark. That vacuum could trigger a cascade of capitulation, pushing prices potentially toward the $92,000–$89,000 demand zone. 

5. Seasonal Headwinds and ETF Decay

  • Seasonality: Historically, August–September tends to be weak for Bitcoin, particularly due to Asia’s “ghost month” from August 23–September 21. Since 2017, this period has seen average drops of ~21.7%, with steep declines like -39.8% (2017) and -23% (2021). 

  • ETF fatigue: Initial excitement around spot Bitcoin ETFs may be fading. Analysts, including Roman Trading, point out that BTC/EUR hasn’t hit fresh highs—suggesting that current gains are fueled more by dollar weakness than fundamental demand. This mirrors past distribution phases tied to ETF-driven rallies. 


TL;DR: Key Insights

FactorImplication
$105K support zoneThe battleground between buyers and sellers—if it breaks, steep slide possible
On-chain behaviorMid-size and large holders selling; only smaller wallets still accumulating modestly
Profit distribution gapShort-term buyers face pressure; long-term holders remain confident
Seasonal and ETF risksAdds downward bias—August–September historically weak; ETF hype may be wearing off

Why It Matters to You

Understanding these dynamics equips you to interpret Bitcoin’s price moves more insightfully and set more realistic expectations. This isn’t just market noise—it’s a complex interplay of sentiment, history, and strategy.

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