CryptoQuant CEO Predicts Bitcoin Enters 'Uneventful' Sideways Trend Amid Stalled Inflows

According to CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju, Bitcoin (BTC) inflows have significantly decreased, signaling that the market may experience several months of flat, unremarkable price movements instead of a sharp sell-off. His insights challenge both concerns of a market crash and short-term bullish sentiments, particularly as Bitcoin hovers just below critical recovery levels following a tumultuous end to 2025. Ju emphasized that new capital is not entering Bitcoin at meaningful rates, with investments instead shifting towards equities and commodities, which he referred to as 'stocks and shiny rocks.' He suggested that this transition, coupled with changes in market dynamics, renders timing inflows less beneficial than in previous cycles. Ju noted that the historical trend of large holders offloading into retail demand has diminished, citing that long-term institutional ownership has altered supply behavior and dismissing concerns that major firms will suddenly inundate the market with coins. Specifically, he pointed to Strategy's substantial 673,000 BTC reserve, asserting it is unlikely they will sell a significant portion. Consequently, Ju stated that a severe downturn akin to past bear markets seems improbable. He anticipates what he described as 'uneventful sideways' price action in the coming months and issued a stark warning to traders betting on an abrupt market collapse: 'Shorting here hoping for a nuke? Good luck with that.' Diverging opinions exist, as some smaller investors expressed frustration and skepticism about the possibility of a bullish market revival. Ju encouraged patience, likening Bitcoin to an asset that appreciates over time rather than a quick speculative trade. Supporting Ju's perspective, analyst CryptoZeno noted in a recent report that Bitcoin's Net Unrealized Profit/Loss is currently around the 0.3 level, a range that has traditionally signified a transition between recovery and renewed market risk. This indicates that average holders are experiencing modest profits, yet far from the exuberance witnessed in previous cycles. Additionally, Glassnode's Week On-Chain report from January 7 corroborated this view, stating that Bitcoin enters 2026 with a 'cleaner market structure' following a significant reset, characterized by diminished profit-taking and improved derivatives positioning. However, market opinions remain divided. Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan articulated that Bitcoin's recovery in 2026 may continue if regulatory clarity improves and stock markets stay stable, while more cautious observers, like the pseudonymous Doctor Profit, still foresee potential risks for lower prices later this year, despite limited short-term downturns.