Bitcoin ( BTC ) risks entering a new “bearish phase” as investors reduce risk exposure at current prices.

In fresh findings on Feb. 15, onchain analytics platform CryptoQuant warned that BTC was increasingly leaving derivatives exchanges.

Bitcoin exchange flow trend flips bearish

Bitcoin flows between derivative and spot exchanges are the latest cause of alarm for those seeking bullish BTC price continuation.

Using the so-called Inter-Exchange Flow Pulse (IFP) metric, CryptoQuant contributor J. A. Maartunn revealed a dip in the volume of coins flowing between the two types of crypto trading platform.

“When a significant amount of Bitcoin is transferred to derivative exchanges, the indicator signals a bullish period. This suggests that traders are moving coins to open long positions in the derivatives market,” he explained in a “Quicktake” market update.

“However, when Bitcoin starts flowing out of derivative exchanges and into spot exchanges, it indicates the beginning of a bearish period. This typically happens when long positions are closed and large investors (whales) reduce their exposure to risk.”
Bitcoin price metric flips red as analysis warns of 'bearish phase' next image 0

Bitcoin IFP chart. Source: CryptoQuant

An accompanying chart shows the IFP trend reversing downward — a move traditionally correlated with the start of downward BTC price action.

“Today, the indicator has turned bearish, suggesting a decline in market risk appetite and potentially marking the start of a bearish phase,” Maartunn concluded.

IFP reached its highest-ever levels in March 2021, around a month before BTC/USD put in a new all-time high of $58,000, which held for around seven months.

In January this year, when Bitcoin saw its $109,000 current record, IFP was nowhere near its peak from four years prior. The legacy chart shows that each BTC price cycle top has been accompanied by a new IFP top.

Bull run faith remains intact

As Cointelegraph reported , few see the current Bitcoin bull run coming to an end imminently.

Related: New Bitcoin miner ‘capitulation’ hints at sub-$100K BTC price bottom

Even more conservative views favor a return to price upside once sufficient global liquidity kicks in, this nonetheless dependent to an extent on US macroeconomic policy.

Recent inflation reports have cemented the Federal Reserve’s resolve to hold off on introducing more favorable risk-asset conditions in 2025.

On shorter timeframes, Bitcoin whales are under the microscope in the bid to identify reliable BTC price support levels .

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.