Bitcoin's recent attempt to surpass $60,000 was met with strong resistance, resulting in a 2.6% drop to $58,450.
This decline follows a significant increase in short positions, with volumes rising 118% to $18.3 billion across various exchanges. High-leverage positions, particularly on Binance, are at risk of liquidation, indicating potential market volatility.
My guess is all those 50x and 100x leveraged shorts on Binance will be wiped out soon 👇 We see you lads 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/MKuvUvGZJC
— HODL15Capital 🇺🇸 (@HODL15Capital) August 19, 2024
In the past day, over $77 million in cryptocurrency positions were liquidated, with Ethereum contributing $19.5 million to this total.
ETF flows into Bitcoin and Ethereum funds have been tepid recently. Bitcoin ETFs had a modest net inflow of $32.5 million, but saw significant outflows from Grayscale’s GBTC. In contrast, Ethereum ETFs faced net outflows of $1.4 million, despite some inflows into funds managed by BlackRock and Fidelity.
The focus now shifts to the upcoming FOMC meeting and statements from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, which could influence Bitcoin’s price in the near term.
Bitcoin has surged to its highest weekly gain since the U.S. election week in November, as speculation grows about the return of Donald Trump, a pro-crypto advocate, for a second presidential term.
Veteran trader Peter Brandt has shared a mixed outlook on Bitcoin, suggesting it could soar to $150,000 this year while warning of a possible sharp decline.
Investors are closely watching two major events in January that could significantly impact Bitcoin (BTC) and cryptocurrency prices: President Trump’s upcoming inauguration on January 20 and a potential rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BoJ) on January 24.
U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis has reportedly launched an inquiry into the sale of Bitcoin by the U.S. Marshals Service, which oversees the Department of Justice’s Bitcoin holdings.