Bitcoin Nears $60K Amid Mt. Gox Payout Concerns

John Darbie
Photo: Finoracle.net

Bitcoin Threatens $60K Amid Mt. Gox News, but Sales May Be Less Than Feared

Bitcoin (BTC) has seen a sharp drop in prices Monday following news from the trustee of the now-defunct Mt. Gox crypto exchange. The trustee announced plans to return over 140,000 BTC to clients in July, whose assets were stolen during a 2014 hack. As of now, Bitcoin is trading at $60,700, having dropped more than 5% in the last 24 hours, marking its weakest point since early May. Ether (ETH) also recorded similar declines, as did the broader CoinDesk 20 Index.

Market Reactions and Expectations

Traders are worried about the impact of releasing over 140,000 Bitcoin into the market in less than a month. To put this in perspective, it’s just slightly less than the immediate liquidation of Fidelity’s spot Bitcoin ETF, which holds 167,375 Bitcoin. However, Alex Thorn, head of research at Galaxy, provides a more optimistic outlook.

"We believe fewer coins will be distributed than people think and that it will cause less Bitcoin sell pressure than the market expects," Thorn stated.

Thorn’s research indicates that 75% of creditors will opt for an "early" payout in July, meaning around 95,000 coins will be distributed. Of these, Thorn expects 65,000 coins to go to individual creditors, who may hold onto their Bitcoins longer ("diamond-handed") than anticipated. He cites their resistance to years of "compelling and aggressive offers from claims funds," as well as the substantial capital gains taxes involved, given Bitcoin’s rise by 140-fold since the bankruptcy.

High Net Worth Investors' Involvement

In discussions with some claims funds, Thorn suggests that most partners are high net worth Bitcoiners aiming to increase their holdings at a discount, rather than arbitrage traders seeking quick profits.

In Summary

Though Bitcoin is facing a drop, the actual impact of the Mt. Gox payout might be less severe than currently feared. With a significant percentage of long-term holders among the creditors, the market may stabilize faster than anticipated. Stay tuned for further updates in this evolving situation.


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John Darbie is a seasoned cryptocurrency analyst and writer with over 10 years of experience in the blockchain and digital assets industry. A graduate of MIT with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering, John specializes in blockchain technology, cryptocurrency markets, and decentralized finance (DeFi). His insights have been featured in leading publications such as CoinDesk, CryptoSlate, and Bitcoin Magazine. John’s articles are renowned for their thorough research, clear explanations, and practical insights, making them a reliable source of information for readers interested in cryptocurrency. He actively follows industry trends and developments, regularly participating in blockchain conferences and webinars. With a strong reputation for expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness, John Darbie continues to provide high-quality content that helps individuals and businesses navigate the evolving world of digital assets.