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Bitcoin shows weekend stall amid etf influence

Weekend Bitcoin Trading | Low Volume Raises Questions

By

Emma Thompson

Nov 30, 2025, 07:09 AM

Edited By

Mika Tanaka

2 minutes to read

A Bitcoin price chart showing little to no movement on Saturdays, with a focus on ETF influence in trading patterns.

A noticeable trend has emerged in Bitcoin trading over the weekends. Reports show that trading volume on Saturdays has plummeted recently, raising eyebrows about the influence of traditional financial institutions and ETFs on the crypto market.

Weekend Volume Decline

Bitcoin trading volume typically dips by 10-15% during weekends, as traditional finance (tradfi) institutions, including Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), do not operate. Industry sources confirm that this "weekend effect" has intensified since more institutional money began to flow into Bitcoin.

"Weekend volume was down 18% last month compared to weekdays," one commenter highlighted, suggesting a clear withdrawal of retail activity during these periods.

Before 2021, weekends were often marked by volatile price movements driven primarily by retail investors. Now, the market seems to mirror traditional trading patterns.

Institutional Influence

Many commenters pointed out that major players now dominate the market. One noted: "Due to major institutional investors and their ownership of BTC, there’s little activity over weekends." This reflects a broader sentiment that retail investors are increasingly sidelined in favor of larger market forces.

Interestingly, this trend has led some to question if Bitcoin's shift towards stability is indeed positive. As one user stated, "Is it good that we're becoming so tied to broader market rhythms?"

Signs of Life on Sundays

Despite the muted weekend trading, one key moment stands outβ€”Sunday evenings. Futures trading kicks off at 6 PM EST, coinciding with the opening of Asian markets. As a result, some investors forecast potential movement at this time.

"Real movement can be seen during this time," according to a prominent crypto commentator who warned about the dominance of larger financial institutions over Bitcoin markets.

Key Facts & Insights

  • β–³ Weekend Bitcoin volume has dropped by about 18% compared to weekdays.

  • β–½ Traditional financial institutions play a significant role in this trend.

  • β€» "Wall Street will tame Bitcoin," echoed a well-known financier, highlighting the shifts in market control.

With institutionalization on the rise, many wonder how this will shape Bitcoin's future in the rapidly changing financial environment. Will weekends soon become another chapter of predictability in the crypto saga?

What's Next for Bitcoin Trading on Weekends?

There’s a strong chance that Bitcoin’s weekend trading may continue to mirror traditional financial markets as institutional involvement grows. Experts estimate that the current trend of reduced retail activity could extend over the next few years, with weekend volumes decreasing by another 10-20%. As institutional investors further shape market dynamics, the weekends could become an extension of weekday stability, reducing volatility and aligning more closely with global financial routines. This could potentially mean that the crypto market faces fewer dramatic price swings outside weekday trading hours, prompting retail investors to adjust their strategies accordingly.

An Unexpected Link to the Tamering of American Satirical Comedy

In a less expected connection, consider the rise of 1990s television comedy in America. When major networks started to dominate independent shows, the edgy, unpredictable humor that often drove ratings began to fade. Instead, programming became more about safe, palatable content that appealed to the masses, much like the current shift we see in Bitcoin, where institutional players now dictate the rhythm. Just as those early network decisions shaped a whole new comedy landscape, the current institutional influence on Bitcoin may redefine what it means to trade cryptocurrency in a way that drifts away from its original spirit.