Bitcoin has experienced massive price swings since the weekend, dropping to $91K before staging a strong recovery above $100K. However, BTC now sits around $98K, struggling to maintain momentum amid ongoing trade war fears that have shaken global markets. The uncertainty surrounding these geopolitical developments has played a significant role in Bitcoin’s volatile performance, and it looks like this trend may continue in the coming weeks.

Despite Bitcoin’s strong recovery from the $91K low, retail investors don’t seem eager to buy BTC yet. Key on-chain data from Santiment reveals that the number of BTC addresses holding 0 to 1 BTC continues to decline, suggesting that smaller investors are either hesitant to re-enter the market or taking profits amid the recent price swings.

Historically, retail participation has been a significant catalyst for Bitcoin’s bull cycles, as increased adoption and buying pressure often fuel higher prices. The current decline in small-holder addresses raises questions about whether Bitcoin’s rally can sustain itself without broader retail support. Analysts are now watching closely to see if BTC can reclaim key resistance levels or if further downside is on the horizon.

Bitcoin Consolidates As Retail Remains Off The Market

Bitcoin is currently in a consolidation phase below its all-time high (ATH), driven by volatility, uncertainty, and speculation. The price has been ranging between ATH at $109K and the $90K level, creating fear among investors who suspect that the bull cycle top may already be in. With Bitcoin failing to reclaim ATH in recent days, some traders believe a deeper correction is coming.

However, key on-chain data from Santiment, shared by Ali Martinez on X, suggests that retail investors are still on the sidelines. The number of BTC addresses holding between 0 to 1 BTC continues to decline, showing that smaller investors have not been accumulating BTC during this phase.