BTC has entered a zone of high-risk buying opportunities. The AHR999 index dropped to levels not seen since 2023, signaling a potential high-risk entry point into BTC. 

BTC hovers around the $70,000 range, entering a zone of high-risk buying. The AHR999 index signals BTC is now receiving a ‘buy’ signal, but with a strong risk warning.

Traders note the index levels of 0.45 points are not direct investment advice, but point to historical inflection points where BTC expanded from local lows. The index level has flashed BTC buy signals only rarely, coinciding with local market lows, but not always with immediate recoveries.

The AHR999 index is a relatively obscure metric, created by Weibo user named ahr999. The metric directly targets timing strategies on BTC, mostly attempting to tap short-term returns. When the index breaks below 0.45, it is a rough gauge that the BTC price is relatively low. 

When the index moves between 0.45 and 1.2, the price is moving into accumulation mode. 

Is BTC still risky to buy? 

The index has fallen into the ‘buy’ zone during times when the crypto market had almost lost its appeal. One of those periods was during the 2022 bear market. 

The index does not guarantee a bounce, and only advices to buy near local lows. At this level, BTC may still trade with volatility or spend some time in sideways, choppy price moves. 

Additionally, previous periods came with vastly different geopolitical risks and levels of BTC adoption. Despite this, the index is a sign that BTC may always face an unexpected recovery, defying previous analysis. Previous index lows have seen BTC rally from $28,000 up to $72,000 within months.

For BTC, during periods of uncertainty, upside potential has always surpassed the risk of drawdowns. Currently, BTC is more widely held, and there are fewer risks of overall capitulation. Most of the rapid price drops are linked to derivative markets and partial forced selling, rather than deliberately divesting wallets. 

BTC volatility persists

BTC volatility is at 2.19%, close to the higher range for the past six months. BTC sentiment remains near the extreme fear range, showing traders are still afraid to make directional bets. 

BTC is now 158 days away from its all-time peak, down 41.8% from its record levels. The price drop since October 2025 has extended, with no signs of a fast recovery. Despite this, BTC held onto the $70,000 price range, with continued ETF buying and whale accumulation. 

Long-term holders have also slowed down their selling, and the market seems to be in a waiting mode, expecting an eventual breakout. 

During the riskier period, retail investors were also taking the lead against institutions. While large-scale whales and institutions tried to cut their losses, retailattempted to buy the dip, and was the main source of BTC investment in the past five months.

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