Cryptelio

Bitcoin Drops Below $80,000 Amid $404 Million in Liquidations and ETF Outflows

Cryptelio Editorial Published 28 Oct 2026 · 12:45 UTC Updated 28 Oct 2026 · 14:03 UTC
Bitcoin Drops Below $80,000 Amid $404 Million in Liquidations and ETF Outflows

Bitcoin experienced a notable decline, dipping below the $80,000 mark and triggering approximately $404.15 million in liquidations of long positions within a four-hour period. This price movement was accompanied by significant withdrawals from US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), indicating a cautious sentiment among leveraged traders and institutional investors.

Liquidation Details

The cryptocurrency market saw total liquidations reach $436.44 million during the same timeframe, with long positions accounting for the majority. Bitcoin's price fell to around $79,280 before recovering slightly above the $80,000 threshold. The forced liquidations were particularly concentrated, with over $208 million liquidated in one 15-minute span and an additional $131 million in a subsequent burst.

ETF Outflows Contribute to Market Sentiment

US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a total of approximately $773 million in outflows over two days, following a period of net inflows earlier in the week. Although these outflows coincided with the liquidation event, they do not definitively indicate a causal relationship. The data suggests that while ETF flows can reflect demand for regulated Bitcoin exposure, they do not solely dictate short-term price movements.

Impact on Other Cryptocurrencies

Ether also faced significant liquidations, amounting to around $136.72 million during the same period. Long positions represented over 90% of the liquidations for both Bitcoin and Ether, highlighting the vulnerability of bullish leveraged traders amid the price decline.

Market Outlook

Market participants are advised to monitor Bitcoin's price stability, derivatives open interest, and subsequent ETF flows as indicators of future market direction. Notably, Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, has reduced his directional exposure, citing uncertainty in macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions.

Updated 13:33 UTC

New Insights on Bitcoin Market Sentiment

Michael Sullivan, a software engineer and author, suggests that Bitcoin's current price near $80,000, despite low excitement levels among investors, could indicate a bullish signal. He compares the current sentiment to that of 2015, suggesting that the market may be in the early stages of a disbelief rally.

Key points discussed include:

  • Bitcoin's recent pullback from $86,000 and its implications for market sentiment.
  • How to measure excitement, conviction, and desire in the Bitcoin market.
  • The potential narrative of Bitcoin's next bull run being linked to advancements in AI.
  • The frustration of short-term Bitcoin holders during this period.

Updated 13:34 UTC

Latest Insights on Bitcoin

Bitcoin has recently fallen to $79,000, coinciding with critical rate decisions from both the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan.

Duke Waldrop, Head of Asia Markets at UTXO Management, suggests that a liquidity shock from the Bank of Japan could significantly impact Bitcoin. He explains that macro funds with yen-denominated liabilities may become forced sellers, utilizing Bitcoin's 24/7 liquidity to exit their positions.

Additionally, Waldrop discusses the current trading status of Metaplanet, which is trading below its net asset value (NAV) due to Bitcoin's valuation metrics. He emphasizes that the potential removal from MSCI indexes on November 30 will not fundamentally alter the investment thesis.

Waldrop also highlights that Asian investors are still catching up on Bitcoin preferreds and that the market dynamics could lead to overleveraged macro funds being the first to sell if the Bank of Japan surprises the market.

Updated 14:03 UTC

New Insights on Bitcoin and Quantum Computing

Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary is reassessing his investment strategy, considering IBM due to concerns about quantum computing's impact on Bitcoin (BTC). He emphasizes that institutions are awaiting regulatory clarity before committing to Bitcoin, which has resulted in a stagnant market.

O’Leary maintains his Bitcoin holdings while expressing interest in tech stocks as part of the quantum trade. He highlighted that the stalled CLARITY Act in Washington, which aims to establish federal rules for crypto markets, has not progressed since a narrow Senate vote in September.

Other notable figures, such as TRON founder Justin Sun, have also expressed concerns about the risks posed by quantum computing and artificial intelligence to Bitcoin. However, experts like Casa's Jameson Lopp argue that a quantum computer capable of breaking Bitcoin's encryption is still far from reality.

IBM plans to launch its first large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer, Starling, by 2029, which could significantly impact the landscape of quantum computing and its implications for cryptocurrencies.

Updated 14:03 UTC

New Insights from Galaxy Asset Management

According to Alex Thorn, head of firmwide research at Galaxy Asset Management, "Now is the time" to buy Bitcoin. He believes that the bottom is in, as Bitcoin closed back above its 50-week moving average the week of September 20 and has maintained that trend.

Galaxy notes that in the past, after reclaiming the 50-week moving average following 20-plus weeks below it, Bitcoin has never closed more than 8.4% under the reclaim level in the subsequent year.

This analysis emphasizes the significance of the 50-week moving average in predicting Bitcoin's future performance.

FAQ

What caused Bitcoin to drop below $80,000?

Bitcoin's decline below $80,000 was triggered by approximately $404.15 million in liquidations of long positions within a four-hour period, alongside significant withdrawals from US spot Bitcoin ETFs.

How much was liquidated in total during the recent market downturn?

During the recent market downturn, total liquidations reached approximately $436.44 million, with long positions accounting for the majority of these liquidations.

What impact did ETF outflows have on Bitcoin's price?

US spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced around $773 million in outflows over two days, which contributed to a cautious market sentiment, although it does not definitively indicate a causal relationship with Bitcoin's price drop.

Did other cryptocurrencies experience liquidations as well?

Yes, Ether faced significant liquidations amounting to approximately $136.72 million during the same period, with long positions representing over 90% of the liquidations for both Bitcoin and Ether.

What should market participants monitor following this event?

Market participants are advised to monitor Bitcoin's price stability, derivatives open interest, and subsequent ETF flows as indicators of future market direction.

Related

Comments

Comments are moderated before publish.

No comments yet — be the first.

Comment as guest

Captcha