On March 20, Bitcoin's price hovered around $84,000. New data highlights market manipulation tactics affecting conditions and changing retail flows.
Market Manipulations Restrict Growth
Trading resource Material Indicators reported aggressive order book movements on Binance, preventing Bitcoin's rise above $87,500. This was caused by liquidity blocks placed slightly above market price, creating artificial resistance.
Coinbase Premium and US Investors
While Binance faces manipulative behavior, the return of a Coinbase premium suggests a different scenario. The premium index reached its highest since Feb. 20, indicating purchases by US institutions and private investors.
Retail Investors and the Role of ETFs
Despite rising interest, onchain analysis shows little evidence of retail participation. CEO CryptoQuant Ki Young Ju explained retail likely invests through spot Bitcoin ETFs, bypassing traditional wallets. ETF inflows have reached $35.88 billion during this time.
The crypto market faces unique conditions where big players cap growth as retail investors move to regulated channels. Bitcoin's next move may depend more on Wall Street than crypto wallets.
