Retail investors in the cryptocurrency space are exhibiting signs of turning into long-term believers, with a recent exodus of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) from centralized exchanges. Latest data shows user balances for both leading cryptocurrencies have sunk to four-year lows, with analysts interpreting the move as a bullish signal for the future.

As investors waited for higher prices in a bull market, user balances of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) on centralized exchanges significantly dropped, according to Glassnode data.

The value of Bitcoin fell to fewer than 2.3 million coins, or roughly $158 billion, while the value of Ethereum fell to less than 16 million coins, or less than $58 billion.

The decline in exchange balances, which began before the July 2020 bull run, has continued unabated. This suggests a shift in investor mentality, with users opting to hold their coins for the long haul rather than actively trading them.

This newfound confidence could be attributed to several factors. The economic turmoil caused by recent market disruptions, coupled with rising inflation and other financial calamities, has made alternative assets like Bitcoin, with its capped supply, increasingly attractive as a hedge.

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Some analysts have noticed a new type of crypto investor. Instead of going after quick gains, these investors are now holding onto their coins through market highs and lows, adopting a “diamond hands” approach. Many are also using dollar-cost averaging, steadily buying more to build their positions over time.

The positive vibe extends beyond retail investors. Institutional giants like BlackRock and Fidelity have been driving up demand for Bitcoin through the introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs. Established corporations like MicroStrategy, have also made significant investments in the leading cryptocurrency.

For Ethereum (ETH), the world’s second-largest crypto and the king of altcoins, the bullish narrative is fueled by a different set of factors. Ethereum’s dominance in the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) space, where it underpins a $68-billion ecosystem, positions it as a major player in the future of finance.

Long-Term Value Proposition

With over 25% of Ethereum’s supply currently staked, it’s clear that investors see long-term value in the platform, market observers noted. The combination of a thriving DeFi ecosystem, the staking option, and the upcoming complete switch to proof-of-stake paints a very optimistic picture for Ethereum’s future.

The recent drop in exchange balances signifies a growing confidence in the long-term potential of these digital assets, with investors choosing to take their crypto off the trading floor and into the deep freeze.

Featured image from The Science of Birds, chart from TradingView

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