Matt Hougan Says Bitcoin Selloff Nears Bottom
Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan says the Bitcoin selloff was driven by long-term holders, signaling a potential market bottom ahead.

- Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan dismisses Bitcoin manipulation claims.
- Long-term holders drove the recent Bitcoin selloff.
- Signs suggest the market may be nearing a bottom.
The recent Bitcoin selloff has sparked debate across the crypto community. Some investors blamed market manipulation, while others pointed to broader macroeconomic pressures. However, Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan believes the explanation is much simpler.
According to Hougan, the latest downturn was largely driven by long-term Bitcoin holders deciding to unwind their positions. Rather than a coordinated effort to suppress prices, he argues the selling pressure reflects natural market cycles. After significant gains in previous months, some early investors chose to lock in profits, leading to temporary downward momentum.
This type of correction is common in crypto markets. When prices rise sharply, early buyers often take profits. That selling can create short-term panic, but it does not necessarily signal deeper structural issues.
Long-Term Holders Reshaping the Trend
Data suggests that wallets holding Bitcoin for extended periods were responsible for much of the recent selling. These long-term holders typically accumulate during bearish phases and distribute during bullish periods. Their behavior can have a noticeable impact on price action.
Hougan emphasized that such movements are part of a healthy market cycle. In fact, redistribution from older holders to newer investors can strengthen the overall market structure. It introduces fresh capital and helps reset expectations.
Importantly, this perspective challenges the idea that external forces or coordinated manipulation caused the Bitcoin selloff. Instead, it highlights the maturity of the market, where investor strategy and timing play major roles.
Signs of a Bottom Forming
Perhaps the most optimistic part of Hougan’s statement is his belief that the market is in the process of bottoming. While volatility remains, indicators suggest that the majority of forced or panic selling may already have occurred.
Historically, when long-term holders complete their distribution phase, selling pressure tends to ease. That can open the door for stabilization and gradual recovery. If demand remains steady, the current Bitcoin selloff could transition into a consolidation phase before a potential rebound.
Crypto markets move in cycles, and corrections are a natural part of growth. If Hougan’s analysis proves accurate, the recent downturn may be remembered not as a collapse, but as a necessary reset before the next upward move.
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