Bitcoin’s Surge Pauses Under $110K as Quick-Hold Traders Realize $11B in Profits

Bitcoin Takes a Breather Near $109K as Profit-Taking Kicks In and Tariff Tensions Ease

Crypto markets entered a holding pattern on Monday as bitcoin hovered just below the $110,000 mark amid light trading due to the U.S. Memorial Day holiday. While American equity markets were quiet, European markets found relief after former President Trump postponed a looming 50% tariff hike on EU imports.

Bitcoin (BTC) briefly climbed over the weekend but retraced to around $109,000 by Monday afternoon. Despite the pullback, BTC remains 1.7% higher over the past 24 hours and within striking distance of its recent all-time high.

Altcoins Outperform as UNI Leads the Pack

The broader crypto market saw uneven gains, with the CoinDesk 20 index showing strength from several top tokens. Uniswap (UNI) surged 6.6%, while Chainlink (LINK) and Avalanche (AVAX) posted solid gains of over 3%. The rebound followed a relief rally in Europe triggered by Trump’s decision to push back the proposed EU tariffs to July 9.

Short-Term Holders Cash Out After Big Rally

According to Bitfinex analysts, bitcoin may be entering a consolidation phase after a massive rally from April lows. One reason? Short-term holders are locking in profits. Data shows this group has realized $11.4 billion in profits over the last 30 days—nearly 10x more than the previous month.

“Selling pressure from recent buyers is rising, and unless new demand steps in to absorb that supply, price momentum could stall,” Bitfinex wrote.

A dip to $106,000 over the weekend may have set a temporary floor, but if selling accelerates, analysts say to watch $95,000—the average cost basis for short-term holders—as a potential downside target.

ETF Inflows Offer Support Despite Macro Noise

Despite headwinds from global uncertainty, bitcoin continues to see robust support from institutional channels. U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs brought in $5.3 billion in May alone, helping to underpin demand. Combined with relatively low volatility, these inflows suggest a deeper correction may be avoided—at least for now.

“The structure of the market still leans bullish,” the Bitfinex report concluded. “This pause could be a setup for the next leg higher, assuming broader risk appetite returns in the coming weeks.”