Bitcoin could face another wave of selling pressure if prices fail to bounce back soon, according to CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju. In comments shared on Feb. 6, Ju warned that a lack of short-term recovery in BTC may trigger forced liquidations by institutional players, potentially setting off a chain reaction across ETFs, mining firms and crypto trusts.
Ju pointed to recent large Bitcoin releases into the market as a possible red flag. Such moves, he said, may not be regular profit-taking but signs of institutions being forced to unwind positions. When big players are pushed to sell, it can drag prices lower, which in turn pressures other market participants to follow suit. This kind of feedback loop can quickly turn a normal correction into a broader sell-off.
The warning came as spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have shown sharp swings in recent weeks. Ju was responding to observations by Parker White, a DeFi Development manager, who noted a notable drop in ETF activity. White suggested that one or more Hong Kong-based hedge funds with limited exposure to crypto may have played a role in the recent ETF decline.
According to Ju, the next few weeks could be crucial. If Bitcoin fails to stage a meaningful rebound within about a month, the risk of what he calls “structural and chain institutional selling” could rise sharply. In simple terms, that means one forced sale could lead to another, creating a domino effect across the market. As prices fall, mining companies — already under pressure from tight margins and high operating costs — could face even greater financial strain, with some potentially pushed toward bankruptcy risk.
Ju also highlighted a longer-term issue: confidence. When large institutions exit the market near the bottom, they often struggle to come back quickly. Rebuilding trust in the Bitcoin market can take time, especially after heavy losses. This could slow down any recovery and reduce fresh inflows into ETFs and other crypto investment products.
On social media, Ju summed up the mood by noting that “every Bitcoin analyst is now bearish,” reflecting the cautious sentiment spreading across the market. While this doesn’t mean a downturn is guaranteed, it shows how fragile confidence currently is.
Bitcoin ETFs remain a key area to watch, as institutional trading activity has a major influence on price movements. Market watchers say the crypto sector is still highly sensitive to large transactions by funds and other big holders, making the coming weeks especially important for Bitcoin’s near-term direction.
As always, Ju noted that his comments are not investment advice. Still, his warning highlights the growing concerns around institutional behavior and how it could shape Bitcoin’s next move.
Also Read: Bitcoin, Ether Dip as Crypto Traders Stay on the Sidelines
