Bitcoin’s accumulation trend has shown a modest but notable uptick, signaling a potential shift in market sentiment. The accumulation trend score has risen above 0.1 for the first time since March 11, suggesting a flicker of buying interest. Despite this, Bitcoin is still facing significant challenges, and a convincing market reversal will require sustained demand and stronger buying pressure.

Accumulation Trend Shifts

Bitcoin’s accumulation trend score is an important indicator of market sentiment. After a period of accumulation during the late Q4 rally, Bitcoin entered a distribution-dominant phase in early 2025, marked by widespread selling or hesitance to buy. The shift towards accumulation in March 2025, reflected by the return of purple markers on the chart, suggests that longer-term holders or entities are gradually rebuilding their positions. This may indicate early positioning ahead of a potential trend reversal.

However, while the accumulation trend has improved, it remains modest. The real test will be whether this shift is a sign of a broader trend reversal or simply a temporary deviation in the ongoing bearish cycle.

Market Sentiment and Potential Reversal

Bitcoin’s downtrend has been characterized by strong selling pressure, with the accumulation trend score (ATS) remaining below 0.5. This suggests that distribution has dominated the market in recent months. The recent rise above 0.1, though small, signals the reemergence of accumulation, a pattern often observed in the early stages of recovery after major market corrections. Historically, such transitions have occurred after bear market bottoms, when accumulation gradually increases as confidence starts to return.

While this shift may be driven by strategic moves by institutional players and expectations of regulatory clarity, it is not yet a definitive signal of a market reversal. For the trend to hold, continued institutional demand and supportive regulatory signals will be essential. Any regulatory setbacks or significant volatility could disrupt this budding recovery.

Weak Momentum and Limited Buying Pressure

Despite the uptick in accumulation, Bitcoin’s price remains under pressure. As of press time, Bitcoin is trading at $83,165, down over 1% in the past 24 hours. The hourly chart reveals that Bitcoin is struggling to reclaim upward momentum, as the price continues to make lower highs, even after brief rebounds.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 46, reflecting weak bullish pressure and no clear signs of the asset being oversold. Furthermore, the On-Balance Volume (OBV) remains negative at -311.93K, highlighting the lack of sustained buying activity. These indicators suggest that while there has been some accumulation, market sentiment remains cautious, and the bullish momentum is still lacking.

Next Steps for Bitcoin

For a convincing market reversal to occur, Bitcoin will need to break above the $84,000 mark. This would require not only rising volume but also an RSI push beyond the neutral 50 level, indicating that bullish pressure is gaining strength. Until then, Bitcoin may continue to struggle with weak momentum and limited buying pressure, despite the slight uptick in accumulation.

In conclusion, while Bitcoin’s accumulation trend offers some hope for a potential market shift, sustained demand and stronger buying momentum are necessary for a successful reversal. Without these factors, Bitcoin’s price may continue to face challenges in the near term.