Bitcoin eyes copper-gold signal as whales ease selling into 2026 uncertainty

Bitcoin’s 2025 slide has analysts tracking a copper-gold ratio RSI signal, waning whale selling, and potential gold-silver rotation as crypto winter fears linger into 2026.

Summary

• Analyst Lark Davis highlights a pattern where Bitcoin rallies after the copper-gold ratio RSI retests its bottom, with the setup reappearing during the latest BTC drawdown.​
• On-chain data shows 2025 whale selling and December long-term holder outflows have cooled, but institutional flows stay negative and sentiment is stuck in extreme fear territory.​
• Commentators warn a renewed crypto winter could extend into 2026 even as some expect gold and silver profit-taking and a new macro liquidity wave to eventually rotate into BTC.​

A cryptocurrency analyst has identified a potential correlation between the copper-gold ratio and Bitcoin price movements, suggesting the digital asset could be positioned for recovery in 2026.

Crypto analyst Lark Davis observed that Bitcoin price increases have historically occurred when the relative strength index (RSI) of the copper-gold ratio retests its bottom range, according to analysis published by The Coin Republic. The pattern reportedly manifested during the recent Bitcoin price decline.

Crypto market data versus metals

Market data indicates that large Bitcoin holders, commonly referred to as whales, sold significant amounts of the cryptocurrency in 2025. Outflows from long-term holder addresses surged in December but have since subsided, according to on-chain data.

The decline in long-term holder outflows could reduce selling pressure, though analysts note that sustained recovery would require increased demand from institutional investors and large holders. Recent market data shows whale activity remains subdued and institutional flows have been negative.

Some market observers have raised concerns about extended weakness in the cryptocurrency market. A recent Barron’s analysis suggested the market may be experiencing a crypto winter that could continue into 2026. Historical crypto winters have been characterized by weak demand, declining prices, and reduced on-chain activity.

The possibility of a prolonged downturn would contradict predictions of a supercycle and suggest the four-year market cycle remains intact. Market sentiment indicators currently show extreme fear levels.

Analysts have also noted that liquidity from profit-taking in gold and silver markets could potentially rotate into cryptocurrency assets, though this remains speculative. Gold and silver have experienced recent rallies.

Bitcoin has been trading within a narrow range as market participants attempt to establish directional momentum. Uncertainty in the market has led many investors to adopt a wait-and-see approach until clearer trends emerge, according to market observers.

The cryptocurrency market may experience new dynamics in January 2026, though prevailing uncertainty continues to influence investor behavior.