This metric is ideal for identifying macro market phases, distribution events, and structural shifts driven by experienced market participants.
Long-Term Supply Coin Days Destroyed Indicator (Chart Tutorial)
The Long-Term Supply Coin Days Destroyed (LTS CDD) indicator focuses on the behavior of long-term holders (LTH) — participants who have held coins for extended periods and typically exhibit higher conviction and strategic intent.
Unlike short-term metrics that capture speculation and emotional reactions, LTS CDD highlights deliberate supply movements that often align with macro trends, cycle tops, and major reallocations.
As a result, LTS CDD is widely used to assess long-term holder sentiment, distribution phases, and structural market transitions.
What Is Long-Term Supply (LTS) CDD? (Simple Definition)
Understanding LTS CDD starts with the core concept of coin age.
Coin Days
Coin Days = number of coins × number of days unspent
Coin Days Destroyed (CDD)
When coins move, their accumulated coin age is destroyed
Older coins destroy significantly more coin days when spent
Long-Term Supply CDD
LTS CDD measures the total coin days destroyed only by long-term holders
Long-term holders are entities holding coins for extended periods, typically associated with strong conviction and strategic decision-making
Key Insight: Because long-term holders control older supply, movements reflected in LTS CDD carry far greater informational weight than short-term activity.
Why LTS CDD Matters for On-Chain Analysis
Long-term holders play a critical role in defining market structure.
Why Analysts Rely on LTS CDD
Identifies distribution by conviction-driven holders
Highlights strategic profit-taking
Signals macro supply shifts
Helps distinguish speculation from structural behavior
Aligns closely with major cycle transitions
Insight: When long-term holders move coins at scale, it often reflects deep market conviction or changing macro expectations.
How to Read the LTS CDD Chart
Interpreting LTS CDD requires patience and context.
High LTS CDD Indicates
Sustained movement of older coins
Distribution during strong rallies
Profit-taking near cycle peaks
Strategic selling driven by macro conditions
Structural increase in sell-side pressure
Low LTS CDD Indicates
Long-term holders remain inactive
High conviction and confidence
Accumulation or holding behavior
Reduced structural selling pressure
Market stabilization or early recovery phases
Key Signals to Watch
Multi-week or multi-month spikes
Extended periods of suppression
Inflection points
Divergences between price and LTS CDD
What High LTS CDD Means
Elevated LTS CDD reflects intentional movement of old supply.
High LTS CDD Often Signals
Distribution by experienced holders
Strategic profit realization
Repositioning during macro uncertainty
Increased long-term sell pressure
Late-stage bull market behavior
Why This Matters: Short-term volatility can be noise — sustained high LTS CDD is a structural signal that long-term holders are actively reducing exposure.
Insight: Extended periods of low LTS CDD frequently coincide with early accumulation zones and post-capitulation recovery phases.
Historical Patterns in LTS CDD
Across multiple cycles, LTS CDD has shown consistent behavior.
Bull Markets
Spikes in LTS CDD during rallies
Long-term holders distribute into strength
Peaks often align with market tops
Bear Markets
Suppressed LTS CDD
Long-term holders remain inactive
Supply remains dormant during prolonged downtrends
Neutral / Transition Phases
Gradual increases during early recoveries
Declines following major distribution events
Trend changes often precede price trend shifts
How Traders & Analysts Use LTS CDD
Practical Applications
Identify long-term distribution phases
Confirm accumulation by conviction holders
Assess macro-level holder sentiment
Track structural supply changes
Support long-horizon investment decisions
Validate broader market narratives
LTS CDD is best used as a macro indicator, not a short-term trading signal.
Combining LTS CDD With Other Metrics
LTS CDD becomes more powerful when used in context.
Common Pairings
Short-Term Supply (STS) CDD → speculation vs conviction
90D CDD → smoothed long-term behavior
Dormancy Flow → valuation and cycle context
Supply in Profit (LTH) → incentive to sell
Insight: High LTS CDD combined with declining price often signals structural distribution, while low LTS CDD during weakness suggests strong long-term confidence.
Limitations of the LTS CDD Metric
Important Considerations
Less sensitive to short-term price action
Can remain low for extended periods
Does not identify individual wallets
Large movements of very old coins can dominate readings
Best interpreted alongside price and valuation metrics
LTS CDD is inherently slow-moving, by design.
Pro Tips for Using the LTS CDD Chart
Focus on sustained trends, not isolated spikes
Treat prolonged high levels as distribution warnings
Watch for extended low periods after capitulation
Compare LTS CDD slope with long-term price trends
Use divergences to identify structural market shifts
Combine with STS metrics for full holder context
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does Long-Term Supply CDD measure?
It measures the coin days destroyed when long-term holders move their coins, reflecting conviction-driven behavior.
2. Who are long-term holders?
Entities holding coins for extended periods, typically associated with strategic decision-making and strong conviction.
3. What does high LTS CDD indicate?
Distribution, profit-taking, or strategic selling by long-term holders.
4. What does low LTS CDD indicate?
Strong holding behavior, accumulation, and confidence among long-term holders.
5. Is LTS CDD useful for short-term trading?
No — it is best suited for macro and long-horizon analysis.
6. Does LTS CDD help identify market tops?
Yes — sustained spikes often align with late-stage bull markets and cycle tops.
7. Should LTS CDD be used alone?
No — it is most effective when combined with price, valuation, and short-term holder metrics.