Bitwise CEO Says Sub-$70K Bitcoin Draws Institutions

Markets 2026-02-08 19:38

Bitwise CEO Says Sub-K Bitcoin Draws Institutions

Bitcoin’s slide below $70,000 is landing differently with long-time holders than with institutions, according to Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley.

He said in a CNBC interview that while veteran holders are feeling uncertain, institutional investors are seeing an opportunity to buy at levels they thought they had missed.

‘New crack at the apple’

Horsley said:

“I think long-time holders are feeling unsure, and I think the new investor set, institutions are sort of getting a new crack at the apple.”

He added that some institutional buyers are “seeing prices they thought that they’d forever missed.”

Macro selloff pressure

Horsley described bitcoin as being in a bear market and “getting swept up” with other macro assets as investors “sell everything that is liquid.”

At the time of publication, bitcoin was down 22.60% over the past 30 days and trading around $69,635.

Institutional flows and ETF demand

Horsley said Bitwise manages more than $15 billion in institutional funds and saw over $100 million of inflows on Monday, when bitcoin was trading near $77,000.

He also pointed to continued activity in U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs, including BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, which recorded $231.6 million in inflows on Friday.

Retail interest spikes

Google Trends showed worldwide searches for “Bitcoin” hit a score of 100 for the week starting Feb. 1, the highest level in the past 12 months, as bitcoin briefly fell to $60,000 on Tuesday.

Share to:

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

Curated Series

SuperEx Popular Science Articles Column

SuperEx Popular Science Articles Column

This collection features informative articles about SuperEx, aiming to simplify complex cryptocurrency concepts for a wider audience. It covers the basics of trading, blockchain technology, and the features of the SuperEx platform. Through easy-to-understand content, it helps users navigate the world of digital assets with confidence and clarity.

Unstaked related news and market dynamics research

Unstaked related news and market dynamics research

Unstaked (UNSD) is a blockchain platform integrating AI agents for automated community engagement and social media interactions. Its native token supports governance, staking, and ecosystem features. This special feature explores Unstaked’s market updates, token dynamics, and platform development.

XRP News and Research

XRP News and Research

This series focuses on XRP, covering the latest news, market dynamics, and in-depth research. Featured analysis includes price trends, regulatory developments, and ecosystem growth, providing a clear overview of XRP's position and potential in the cryptocurrency market.

How do beginners trade options?How does option trading work?

How do beginners trade options?How does option trading work?

This special feature introduces the fundamentals of options trading for beginners, explaining how options work, their main types, and the mechanics behind trading them. It also explores key strategies, potential risks, and practical tips, helping readers build a clear foundation to approach the options market with confidence.

What are the risks of investing in cryptocurrency?

What are the risks of investing in cryptocurrency?

This special feature covers the risks of investing in cryptocurrency, explaining common challenges such as market volatility, security vulnerabilities, regulatory uncertainties, and potential scams. It also provides analysis of risk management strategies and mitigation techniques, helping readers gain a clear understanding of how to navigate the crypto market safely.