Coinbase CEO Reveals Retail's Diamond Hands: Buying Bitcoin Dip Amid Market Turmoil
When Bitcoin tumbled toward $60,000, fear gripped the markets, but Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong painted a different picture. On February 18, 2026, he revealed that retail users on the platform ramped up their Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings, with most maintaining or increasing unit balances from December 2025 onward. This bold buying spree showcases unbreakable conviction in crypto's future.
Armstrong's insight cuts through the panic, highlighting how everyday traders refused to sell. Native BTC and ETH balances grew significantly among retail customers, a trend that started as prices dipped. This isn't blind hope; data backs it up. Google search interest for Bitcoin surged to a five-month high right as the sell-off intensified, signaling heightened retail attention rather than capitulation.0 On Binance, retail derivatives traders flashed optimism with a long/short ratio of 1.90, meaning bulls outnumbered bears nearly two-to-one. On-chain metrics tell an even stronger story: Bitcoin exchange reserves spiked before the downturn but have steadily declined since, as investors pull coins into cold storage for the long haul. These diamond hands aren't just holding; they're accumulating. Coinbase's own financials add context to this resilience. The exchange posted Q4 2025 revenue of $1.78 billion, slightly missing estimates, yet delivered earnings per share of $0.66, beating forecasts. Full-year revenue climbed to $7.2 billion, a 9% jump from 2024. During the earnings call, Armstrong hinted at expanding into prediction markets, underscoring platform growth amid volatility. Retail's steady hand during this dip proves they're not whales or institutions driving the bus—it's you, the resilient trader, building the floor.
This retail accumulation isn't noise; it's the foundation for price stability. By absorbing sell-offs, these buyers sustain support levels around $60,000, preventing deeper crashes and signaling a potential bottom. For everyday traders, it means the rally could ignite soon, rewarding those who bought low with substantial gains as confidence returns.
Retail investors are rewriting the script on this dip, proving diamond hands pay off. As holdings grow and data aligns, the path to recovery looks clear. Stay resilient—your conviction will fuel the next leg up.