Cryptelio

Short Liquidations Exceed $1 Billion as Crypto Market Sees Significant Rally

Cryptelio Editorial Published 21 Aug 2026 · 08:16 UTC Updated 21 Aug 2026 · 11:00 UTC
Short Liquidations Exceed $1 Billion as Crypto Market Sees Significant Rally

Bearish traders in the cryptocurrency market experienced significant losses as short liquidations reached $1.06 billion in just 24 hours. This event occurred alongside a 3.7% increase in the total crypto market capitalization, indicating a robust market rally.

Bitcoin (BTC) was the primary driver of these liquidations, accounting for approximately $789.68 million after its price surged by 8.4% to reach $74,998. The cryptocurrency even touched an intraday high of $75,744, marking its strongest performance since late May.

Ethereum (ETH) and XRP also contributed to the liquidations, with ETH seeing $206.88 million in liquidations and XRP adding $41.94 million. XRP notably rallied by 22% in 24 hours, trading near $1.26 and clearing significant resistance levels.

The recent market movements were influenced by external factors, particularly the U.S. Treasury's decision to double its long-end debt buybacks, which unexpectedly caught bearish traders off guard. As Bitcoin's price increased, it triggered a cascade of short liquidations, forcing exchanges to buy BTC to cover these positions, further driving prices higher.

Market sentiment has shifted from fear to greed, although Bitcoin's current price remains approximately 40% below its all-time high of $126,080 set in October 2025. The sustainability of this rally will depend on whether spot buyers can absorb the liquidated shorts.

Updated 09:02 UTC

Latest Developments in the Crypto Market

  • Pepe has gained 25% this week, including a 22% advance over the previous two days.
  • Seven whale transactions worth over $1 million each occurred on Thursday, marking the highest number since March 16.
  • Exchange supply of PEPE has decreased by 1.45 trillion tokens, while top non-exchange wallets have added 3.54 trillion tokens since August 12.
  • PEPE's price has reclaimed several important technical levels, with a potential path toward its 200-day EMA at $0.00000363.
  • PEPE futures Open Interest has climbed to a three-month high of $250 million, reflecting a growth of approximately 19.6% in the derivatives market.
  • The positive funding rate of 0.0095% indicates a bullish bias among long-position holders.
  • PEPE has surpassed its June 15 high of $0.00000314, clearing another significant resistance level.
  • The Moving Average Convergence Divergence line has crossed above its signal line, indicating strengthening buying momentum.

Updated 09:03 UTC

Recent Developments in the Crypto Market

  • Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP have seen significant weekly gains of nearly 20%, over 25%, and almost 30%, respectively.
  • Bitcoin is currently trading around $76,800, having broken above its 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day exponential moving averages.
  • The U.S. Treasury's decision to double the size of certain debt buyback operations has improved liquidity expectations, boosting demand for risk assets.
  • Short liquidations have exceeded $1 billion, adding further buying pressure as bearish traders close their positions.
  • Bitcoin's next major resistance level is at $80,000, with a potential gain of approximately 7.1% from its current price.
  • The relative strength index for Bitcoin is hovering near 83, indicating it is in overbought territory, suggesting a possible corrective pause may be imminent.
  • Initial support for Bitcoin is at the 200-day EMA near $71,545, with further support levels at $66,727 and $65,286.

Updated 11:00 UTC

Recent Developments in the Crypto Market

  • Bitcoin has surged toward $80,000, reaching a three-month high of $78,449.
  • Over $4 billion in Bitcoin short positions have been liquidated since Wednesday.
  • Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds have attracted more than $1 billion since the rally began.
  • The Bitcoin Bull Score Index has climbed to 60, marking its first return to bullish territory since October 2025.
  • Six of the ten components of the Bitcoin Bull Score Index are now positive, indicating improved market conditions.
  • Bitcoin has reclaimed its 20-week and 200-day moving averages, moving above the estimated short-term holder cost basis of $68,700.
  • The current rally is influenced by political developments, particularly the push for the CLARITY Act ahead of the midterm elections.

FAQ

What caused the recent short liquidations in the cryptocurrency market?

The recent short liquidations, which exceeded $1 billion, were primarily caused by a significant rally in Bitcoin's price, which surged by 8.4%. This unexpected increase caught many bearish traders off guard, leading to a cascade of liquidations.

How much did Bitcoin's price increase during this rally?

During the recent rally, Bitcoin's price increased by 8.4%, reaching $74,998, and even touched an intraday high of $75,744.

What role did Ethereum and XRP play in the short liquidations?

Ethereum contributed approximately $206.88 million to the liquidations, while XRP added $41.94 million. XRP notably experienced a 22% rally in 24 hours, trading near $1.26.

What external factors influenced the recent market movements?

The U.S. Treasury's decision to double its long-end debt buybacks was a significant external factor that influenced the market movements, contributing to the shift in sentiment from fear to greed among traders.

Is the current rally in the cryptocurrency market sustainable?

The sustainability of the current rally will depend on whether spot buyers can absorb the liquidated shorts. Currently, Bitcoin's price remains approximately 40% below its all-time high of $126,080 set in October 2025.

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