TL;DR
- Bitcoin accumulation addresses now hold over 372,000 BTC, up sharply from around 10,000 BTC in September 2024.
- Order book data shows a near 2:1 bid-to-ask imbalance, signaling firm short-term support.
- Analysts identify a CME futures gap between $80,000 and $84,000 as a key technical level, with historical patterns showing most similar gaps eventually get filled.
The Bitcoin accumulation wave places the $80,000 level back in focus after BTC rebounded from a dip below $67,400 during the Monday session. The asset briefly traded above $70,000 over the weekend before facing selling pressure, yet both derivatives data and onchain metrics indicate buyers remain active.
#Bitcoin LTF plan
If all goes to plan $BTC closes the early Feb CME gap this week!#Crypto #BTC https://t.co/DxU6pmJ0OJ pic.twitter.com/g0Q5xZdkZ4
— AlphaBTC (@mark_cullen) February 16, 2026
Bitcoin Accumulation Wave Strengthens Market Structure
Onchain data from CryptoQuant shows that addresses classified as accumulators hold more than 372,000 BTC as of Feb. 15. In September 2024, these wallets held close to 10,000 BTC. The classification applies strict filters, including no outgoing transactions, multiple inflows, a minimum balance threshold, and exclusion of exchange, miner, and smart contract wallets.
At the same time, the 30-day distribution from long-term holders has fallen below $100,000, compared with averages above $1 million in November 2025. Lower distribution suggests reduced selling from experienced holders. This decline in supply moving onto the market partially offsets activity from larger entities and supports a tightening float.
Order book data shared by trader Dom indicates roughly $596 million in bids within 0–2.5% of spot price, versus about $297 million in asks. This near 2:1 imbalance represents the largest bid skew in more than two years. When sustained, this structure often provides support during pullbacks and favors continuation to the upside.
CME Gap Points Toward $80K Retest
Analyst Mark Cullen highlights a futures gap on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange between $80,000 and $84,000. A CME gap forms when Bitcoin futures close for the weekend and reopen at a different price, leaving an untraded range. Historically, BTC revisits these zones and trades through them over time.
Since August 2025, 9 out of 10 comparable gaps have been filled. The current untested range aligns with strengthening spot demand and improving derivatives positioning.
If accumulation trends persist and liquidity remains skewed toward bids, Bitcoin appears positioned to challenge the $80,000 region again, reinforcing the view that long-term holders continue absorbing supply during periods of volatility.
