|

Stablecoin inflows hit record highs for 2023, is this a buy signal?

  • Centralized cryptocurrency exchanges have seen an increased inflow of stablecoins, the highest level of 2023. 
  • While Bitcoin prices have declined in the short-term, analysts have identified an increase in the purchasing power of the market. 
  • Bitcoin inflows to exchanges remain relatively low, suggesting BTC holders are accumulating the asset. 

Centralized cryptocurrency exchanges have witnessed a spike in stablecoin inflow, hitting the highest level in 2023. The netflow crossed $1 billion, based on data from CryptoQuant. Despite the spike in stablecoin inflow, BTC inflow to exchanges has remained relatively low, suggesting an accumulation by holders. 

Also read: Bitcoin vs. Ethereum, race for NFT dominance with Bored Ape-parent Yuga Labs TwelveFold auction

Stablecoin inflows to exchanges hit highest level in 2023

Based on data from crypto intelligence tracker CryptoQuant, stablecoins are pouring into centralized exchanges at a fast pace. Stablecoin inflow to exchanges has hit its highest level since 2023. In the chart below, the netflow of stablecoins has far exceeded 1 billion. 

Stablecoin all exchange net flow

Stablecoin all exchange netflow 

A spike in inflow of stablecoins is typically associated with buyers preparing for a move in cryptocurrency prices. Pumped up inflows are considered indicative of rising buying power and demand for cryptocurrencies, driving their prices higher. 

In the chart below, it is evident that stablecoins reserves across centralized exchanges has climbed from 22.8 billion to 24.2 billion since March 1. 

All Stablecoins: Exchange reserves

All Stablecoins: Exchange reserves

Interestingly, Bitcoin inflows to exchanges have remained low, implying accumulation by BTC holders. As purchasing power increases, analysts at CryptoQuant expect Bitcoin to climb higher. 

Tether whales continue accumulating, what this means for BTC?

As seen in the chart below, there is a spike in accumulation by USDT whales. Addresses holding large volumes of USDT have climbed consistently since the first week of January. Typically, an increased accumulation of the stablecoin by whales is followed by an increase in Bitcoin price. 

Tether whale accumulation

Tether whale accumulation 

The rising number of whales accumulating the US-Dollar pegged stablecoin Tether could be an indicator of an upcoming rally in Bitcoin. Tether whale accumulation, rising stablecoin inflows to exchanges, and relatively low BTC reserves could all act as “buy signals” for the asset as it struggles to recover from its recent decline below $23,400.

Author

Ekta Mourya

Ekta Mourya

FXStreet

Ekta Mourya has extensive experience in fundamental and on-chain analysis, particularly focused on impact of macroeconomics and central bank policies on cryptocurrencies.

More from Ekta Mourya
Share:

Editor's Picks

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: Gearing up for a sharp move

Bitcoin is trading around $81,000 on Friday, up over 4% so far this week, and awaits a key catalyst that could determine its next directional move. Strong institutional demand is supporting the bullish price action, with spot BTC ETFs on track to record a third straight week of inflows.

Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP recovery takes a breather amid capital inflows

Cryptocurrency prices are generally taking a breather at the time of writing on Friday, with Bitcoin (BTC) edging lower toward $80,000. This correction follows the sharp move to highs at $81,269 the previous day, underpinning renewed investor appetite.

Pi Network reclaims 50-day EMA as overhead resistance looms near $0.10

Pi Network (PI) edges lower on Friday, holding steady above its 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) around $0.09388 after four consecutive days of recovery. PI token gains mild social dominance amid improving risk appetite in the broader crypto market.

Crypto’s $638 million buyback boom may not be as bullish as it looks

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) protocols reportedly spent $638 million to buy back their native tokens in August, up 17% from a year earlier. On the surface, the buyback trend suggests the cryptocurrency industry is maturing fast, adopting one of Wall Street’s oldest tools to bolster valuations and distribute revenue.

Bitcoin: Billions in ETF inflows push BTC toward decisive breakout
Bitcoin (BTC) extends gains so far this week, trading near $80,000 after testing the 50-week Simple Moving Average (SMA) at $81,114 earlier. Strong institutional demand is supporting the rally, with spot BTC Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) on track to record a second consecutive week of billion-dollar inflows.