# Bitcoin struggles below $80K as selling pressure persists Investors take profits while Bitcoin's rally stalls at key resistance level. - **Source:** [Cointelegraph.com News](https://brifing.si/source/2e81e982-0137-4db0-8ac2-351f37085775) - **Published:** 2026-08-26 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e39dc329-df0e-4c9e-8a6e-7b110da1169c ## Bitcoin's $80K resistance Despite gaining over 25% in recent weeks, Bitcoin has failed to establish sustained support above $80,000. CryptoQuant data shows increased movement of older coins, with the SOPR ratio rising to 1.48, indicating more transactions involving profitable coins. As price consolidated around $79,500, short-term holders showed relatively stronger performance. ## Long-term holders taking profits The SOPR ratio rising to 1.4 in favor of long-term holders (LTH) suggested this group was realizing more profits than short-term holders (STH). However, the ratio later dropping to 0.93 indicated STH gaining relative strength. The SOPR ratio has been in a downtrend since early 2025, hitting 0.62 in late June - its lowest in three years. ## All investor groups in profit CryptoQuant analysis shows all investor cohorts are now collectively in profit, creating a potential hurdle for further Bitcoin gains. Only sustained buying support could overcome this resistance. The key question isn't whether Bitcoin can briefly touch $80K, but whether new demand can absorb selling from profitable holders. ## Demand from US spot ETFs Continued inflows into US spot Bitcoin ETFs are crucial for sustaining Bitcoin's rally. CryptoQuant notes this demand could shift the market from 'easing selling pressure' to a stronger upward phase. However, the Coinbase premium index remains in negative territory, suggesting US investor demand isn't yet strong enough. ## Coinbase premium index signals The Coinbase premium index (price difference between Coinbase and Binance BTC/USDT pairs) has mostly stayed negative throughout August 2026. The index improving to -0.015 from -0.094 at August's start shows some recovery, but the market awaits a sustained move above zero as confirmation of renewed US investor demand. ## Bullish RSI divergence Bitcoin's Relative Strength Index (RSI) shows positive divergence similar to the 2022 rally period. This technical indicator suggests momentum could strengthen despite price downtrend. Analysts view this RSI development as potentially signaling the start of a new price trend. ## Global market dynamics Bitcoin's performance remains closely tied to global liquidity conditions and risk appetite. US rate expectations and dollar index movements significantly impact crypto markets. Growing institutional interest and regulatory developments continue to shape Bitcoin's long-term adoption trajectory. ## Bitcoin's outlook Breaking the critical $80K level depends on investor psychology, technical indicators, and macroeconomic conditions. Renewed US investor participation and spot ETF inflows could help overcome this resistance. However, persistent selling pressure may prolong the consolidation phase below this key level. ## Sources covering this story - https://cointelegraph.com/markets/supply-absorption-key-question-as-bitcoin-fails-to-reclaim-80k-analysis?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._