As Bitcoin’s value struggles in the third quarter of 2024, overall network activity has decreased significantly, reaching its lowest level in years. Following a recent market crash, Bitcoin’s network activity has dropped to three-year lows, raising questions about its price trajectory. The PrimeXBT Market Research report explores the potential consequences for Bitcoin’s value in light of these developments.
Bitcoin Network Activity Hits 2021 Lows
After Bitcoin’s price dipped below $60,000, the number of active addresses on the network fell below 1 million, a concerning trend given the effort it took to reach that figure. The decline continued, and as the price approached $50,000, active addresses dwindled to just 800,000.
The PrimeXBT Market Research report indicates that this level of network activity hasn’t been observed since 2021, when Bitcoin’s price was hovering around $45,000. This drop carries various implications for the cryptocurrency’s price, both positive and negative.
A reduction in active addresses indicates that investors are less engaged with the blockchain, resulting in fewer transactions. However, this also means reduced network congestion, potentially leading to lower fees and quicker transaction confirmation times.
With interest waning, Bitcoin’s price may experience changes. The report suggests that we might see less price volatility, indicating a more stable market with less drastic fluctuations. For instance, Bitcoin has traded within a range of $71,000 to $50,000 over the past six months.
Moreover, the decrease in active addresses may signal to potential investors that Bitcoin is not a worthwhile investment at the moment. This could contribute to ongoing bearish sentiment, with prices continuing to decline as more investors opt to sell rather than buy.
Contrarily, not everyone shares this pessimistic view; some may see this as a bullish opportunity. The old saying “Buy when there’s blood in the streets” suggests that downturns may present ideal buying opportunities. Thus, for certain investors, the current price stagnation, combined with the drop in activity, could represent a chance to purchase Bitcoin at a lower price point.