Bitcoin Whale Places $368M Short Bet Ahead of Key Economic Reports

A major Bitcoin investor has placed a high-stakes bet on a short-term price drop, committing hundreds of millions of dollars just as a crucial week of economic reports looms.

The move signals expectations of volatility ahead, with key macroeconomic events potentially shaping market sentiment.

The investor has initiated a massive short position, leveraging 40x on over 4,442 BTC—equivalent to around $368 million. This aggressive trade is essentially a wager that Bitcoin’s price will decline. Leveraged positions amplify both potential gains and losses, making them significantly riskier than standard trades.

The short was entered at $84,043 per Bitcoin, with the position at risk of liquidation if the price climbs beyond $85,592. So far, the trade has generated over $2 million in unrealized profits, though ongoing funding fees have already resulted in losses exceeding $200,000, according to Hypurrscan data.

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Despite the inherent risks, leveraged trading remains a lucrative strategy for some. Earlier this month, a trader capitalized on Ether’s 11% drop, securing a $68 million profit from a 50x leveraged short position.

This latest bet unfolds just before a pivotal week of economic events, including the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on March 19. With potential policy decisions on the horizon, investor appetite for risk assets like Bitcoin could shift dramatically.

Alexander Stefanov