Data shows Bitcoin has seen significant gains during the U.S. trading session so far in December, marking a shift from the trend observed in November.
Bitcoin Has Performed Best During U.S. Trading Hours This Month
As noted by CryptoQuant community analyst Maartunn in a recent post on X, the American trading session has turned positive for Bitcoin in December. The chart below, shared by Maartunn, compares Bitcoin’s returns across different trading sessions over the past month.
These sessions are divided based on when investors in major markets are typically active. While Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies trade around the clock, activity tends to peak during local daytime hours, which is how these periods are defined.
From the chart, it’s clear that cumulative Bitcoin returns were negative for the U.S. session in the latter weeks of November. Europe and Asia-Pacific also performed poorly, though they remained closer to neutral.
Toward the end of November, however, a shift began, with returns during U.S. hours starting to rise. So far in December, the U.S. session has significantly outperformed, with cumulative returns reaching a positive 8%. In contrast, Europe and Asia-Pacific are both around -4% or lower.
Based on these cumulative returns, it appears that American investors have been accumulating Bitcoin this month, while others have been selling or staying on the sidelines.
In other news, last month’s Bitcoin selloff triggered the largest negative change in a key on-chain indicator in years, as highlighted by quant Frank in an X post. The metric shown is the Realized Price for Bitcoin short-term holders (STHs), which reflects the average cost basis of investors who entered the market within the last 155 days.
As seen in the chart, the STH Realized Price dropped sharply alongside Bitcoin’s price decline in November. This suggests that investors who bought at higher levels panic-sold, effectively repricing their holdings to post-drop levels.
This capitulation was so pronounced that the STH Realized Price recorded its largest seven-day decline since the FTX crash in November 2022.
BTC Price
Bitcoin has faced bearish pressure over the past day, falling about 3.5% to around $85,800.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs US Bitcoin Trading Decembers Gains
Beginner Questions
Q What happened with Bitcoin in December
A After a weak November Bitcoins price rose significantly in December largely driven by increased trading activity in the United States
Q Why does US trading matter so much for Bitcoin
A The US has the worlds largest financial markets When major US investors and institutions buy or sell Bitcoin it creates a huge impact on its global price and trading volume
Q What was disappointing about Novembers performance
A In November Bitcoins price was stagnant or falling failing to meet many investors expectations for growth possibly due to market uncertainty or profittaking after earlier rallies
Q Is this a common patterna bad month followed by a good one
A Not necessarily Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile While sharp reversals can happen past performance doesnt guarantee future results
Q As a beginner how can I follow this kind of market news
A Follow reputable financial news sites crypto analytics platforms and official announcements from major US financial institutions or regulators like the SEC
Intermediate Market Dynamics Questions
Q What specifically in US trading caused Decembers gains
A Key factors likely included anticipation of new US Bitcoin investment products institutional buying and positive macroeconomic shifts
Q Did the launch of a US Bitcoin ETF happen in December
A No official launch occurred but throughout December there was intense speculation and growing anticipation that the SEC would approve the first spot Bitcoin ETFs which drove investor optimism and buying
Q Whats the difference between spot trading and other types
A Spot trading means buying and selling the actual Bitcoin asset for immediate delivery This contrasts with trading derivatives like futures or options which are contracts based on Bitcoins future price
Q Could this December rally be a bull trap
A Its possible A bull trap is a false signal where a price rise reverses into a drop Investors should look for sustained volume and fundamental reasons behind gains not just shortterm price moves
Q How do US regulations affect Bitcoins price
A Heavily Positive regulatory news tends to boost prices by