Saha Swatilakha
The Bitcoin network recently experienced a significant downturn in the number of new wallet addresses, hitting its lowest point since 2018.
This decline is noteworthy, especially considering the cryptocurrency’s recent bullish run and the excitement surrounding Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other ecosystem developments just six months ago.
In the last week, the average number of new Bitcoin addresses added daily fell to 275,000, a stark contrast to the 625,000 new addresses recorded six months prior. This period of heightened activity was fueled by the anticipation of spot Bitcoin ETFs, and the then-upcoming Bitcoin halving event. These factors had collectively driven the number of new addresses close to its all-time high from December 2017.
Despite Bitcoin’s strong market performance and reaching new all-time highs, the current decline in new wallet addresses suggests a shift in user behavior. One potential reason can be that existing users may be consolidating their holdings into fewer wallets, opting for cold storage solutions to enhance security amid market volatility.
This trend of consolidation could be reducing the need for creating new addresses.
Another factor contributing to the decline could be a slowdown in new user acquisition. The initial excitement and media buzz around Bitcoin ETFs and other developments likely attracted a surge of new users six months ago. However, as the novelty wears off and the reality of market fluctuations sets in, the influx of new participants may be tapering off.
The drop in new addresses is accompanied by a decline in other key metrics. Miner revenue, as measured by hash rate, has also reached record lows, indicating reduced activity and profitability in Bitcoin mining. Additionally, transaction fees and on-chain volume metrics have decreased, reflecting lower network usage and transaction frequency.
The current trend raises questions about the future trajectory of the Bitcoin network. Will the consolidation of assets and reduced network activity lead to longer-term stability, or does it signal potential challenges ahead in maintaining user engagement and network growth?
