Bitcoin Warning? Network Activity Drops by Nearly Half Since 2021

Cover image via U.Today Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available. Read U.TODAY on Google News Bitcoin network activity seems to be flashing a warning for the largest cryptocurrency by market cap. Advertisement According to Santiment , since February 2021, the five-year difference in Bitcoin's level of network activity remains significant; there are now 42% fewer unique BTC addresses making transactions and 47% fewer new BTC addresses created. While this might seem concerning, Santiment clarifies that this does not mean that "crypto is dead" or that the market is entering a multiyear bear phase. Santiment indicated a clear bearish divergence that had been forming throughout 2025 as the Bitcoin price rallied, with its market cap increasing while utility declined. HOT Stories Morning Crypto Report: XRP at Five-Week High in Bullishness, Ether 2026 Roadmap Update Ahead of Glamsterdam, Robinhood Chain Hits 4 Million Transactions: CEO Tenev Coinbase CEO Predicts Win-Win-Win Outcome in Market Structure Saga 📉 Since February 2021, the fiveyear difference in Bitcoin's level of network activity is staggering: 👉 -42% less unique $BTC addresses making transactions 👉 - 47% less new $BTC addresses created 💀 No, this does not imply that "crypto is dead" or that we are entering a… pic.twitter.com/ICfBaTZAEr — Santiment (@santimentfeed) February 18, 2026 While the Bitcoin price currently trades in green, up 0.02% in the last 24 hours to $66,906, Santiment noted that a justification for a true long-term relief rally might arise when metrics such as active addresses and network growth begin to rise. Santiment noted that although altcoins might be somewhat dependent on BTC in this regard, they could also see price rallies once their network activity rises. Advertisement You Might Also Like Thu, 05/29/2025 - 15:06 Bitcoin (BTC) 21 Million Cap Ruins Network Security, Here's How By Vladislav Sopov The price of Bitcoin has come under sustained pressure since it started dropping from a record high of $126,000 in October. It has been in an extended four-week slide since the start of 2026 that took it to near $67,000 amid broader market volatility as investors worry over the impact of AI on the economy. Advertisement Flows remain a headwind for Bitcoin, with $360 million withdrawn from U.S.-listed exchange-traded funds last week, a fourth straight week of net outflows. Goldman Sachs CEO turns Bitcoin holder In positive news, long-time crypto skeptic Goldman Sachs Group Chief Executive Officer David Solomon now owns Bitcoin. The Wall Street executive holds "very, very limited"  amounts of Bitcoin, he mentioned to an audience at the World Liberty Forum at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, on Wednesday. Solomon added that he was not a "great Bitcoin prognosticator" and was merely an observer of the asset. Bitcoin is down 47.22% from an ATH of $126,198 reached last October, with short term indicators now signaling it might be entering the accumulation zone. #Bitcoin #Bitcoin News