Coinbase Premium has returned to positive territory, signaling renewed interest from major U.S. investors. Bitcoin has climbed back above $93,000 after briefly falling below $90,000, reflecting a shift in institutional buying. Analysts note that upcoming developments, including Charles Schwab and Vanguard opening crypto trading and potential Japanese ETF approvals, could inject $3–10 billion into Bitcoin, reinforcing market structure and accumulation trends.
Bitcoin has risen above $93,000 following a recent drop, pointing to a shift in institutional investor behavior. The rebound coincides with Coinbase Premium turning positive, a key metric that measures U.S. investor demand relative to offshore activity. Analysts interpret this as a signal that large buyers are returning to Bitcoin after a period of subdued market participation, as liquidity continues to increase steadily across multiple exchanges.
A Key Metric Flips Positive
XWIN Research Japan reports that the Coinbase Premium Index moved into positive territory after being deeply negative through November. At that time, Bitcoin fell below $90,000, reflecting weaker U.S. spot buying while international demand remained steady. Historically, negative premiums have aligned with cautious positioning among regulated U.S. investors.
The recent reversal follows institutional developments. Charles Schwab, which manages around $12 trillion in assets, confirmed plans to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading in early 2026, while Vanguard eased previous restrictions on crypto access. Analysts estimate that Japanese ETF approvals, along with retail and pension-linked flows, could introduce $3–10 billion in new market demand in the early adoption phase. Such movements could gradually influence short-term volatility while reinforcing long-term structural support.
Market Structure Strengthens
Alongside renewed institutional interest, Bitcoin’s current rally shows structural stability. Data from Binance indicates that the Estimated Leverage Ratio (ELR) has fallen to its lowest level in roughly a month, suggesting a reduction in high-risk speculative positions. Lower leverage decreases the likelihood of rapid, cascading sell-offs, providing a firmer foundation for prices.
Market observers note that strong spot buying paired with low leverage mirrors previous accumulation periods. Historical data shows that sharp flips in the Coinbase Premium from negative to positive often coincide with market stabilization and increased institutional participation. Current activity suggests that large buyers are entering at perceived value levels, supporting the upward trend and gradually building more confidence among cautious retail participants.
Bitcoin’s rebound and the shift in Coinbase Premium indicate a renewed phase of institutional engagement. Combined with U.S. and Japanese developments and reduced leverage, the market may be moving toward a more stable accumulation phase, hinting at potential long-term support for Bitcoin prices.