Bitcoin’s network has experienced a significant decline in its average block size and transaction rates, coinciding with a fall to around $64,100.

The drop in block size, the measure of transaction data included in each block, indicates a sharp fall in Bitcoin ( BTC ) blockchain activity — hitting a yearly low on June 7.

Chart depicting the average block size on the Bitcoin blockchain. Source: Blockchain.com

The network’s transaction rate per second (TPS) simultaneously declined in June, evidencing the reduction in activity and indicating potential reduced miner profitability due to decreased post-halving BTC rewards.

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Halving implications

The BTC halving event, occurring in April, reduced block rewards by 50% for miners, effectively decreasing profits and incentives to contribute to the blockchain’s activity.

Reaching highs of around 28 TPS and lows of below 4.5 TPS through June, the average TPS at the time of writing was 9.12 TPS.

Bitcoin transaction rate. Source: Blockchain.com

Related: ‘No clear catalyst’ for bloodbath as top altcoins fall double digits

Runes tell a different story

Despite the current state of the BTC blockchain, the performance of the Runes minting market provides further insight into the Runes ecosystem and the network as a whole.

According to Leonidas' X post  on June 19, the Runes minting market remains profitable and reflects continued strong user activity on the BTC blockchain.

Source: Leonidas

The secondary market performance of the top 10 largest Runes mints has ranged significantly from as low as -82.76% to as high as +1,194.42%, indicating continued strong market activity. 

Related: Traders unbothered by Bitcoin’s sub-$65K levels, say BTC price remains ‘high and steady’

Bitcoin market ebb and flow

The recent drop in price and coincidental fall in network activity could just be the start of a prolonged correction.

Crypto analyst Rekt Capital recently discussed the potential continued correcti BTC forming “clusters of price action near the Range High resistance at ~$71,600.”

According to the analyst on June 17, BTC was “getting very close” to retesting the $64,000 and $62,500 , identified as Daily Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Gaps.

These gaps represent areas in the price chart where noticeable differences can be seen between the closing price on one day and the opening price the following day.

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