1/21/2026 516 words 3 min read

Bitcoin’s Sharp Reversal Leaves Over $800 Million Liquidated In 1 Day

Bitcoin’s Sharp Reversal Leaves Over $800 Million Liquidated In 1 Day

Overview

This week, Bitcoin experienced a significant decline, erasing its previous gains from 2026. In a dramatic series of events, over $800 million in liquidations occurred within a single day, primarily affecting long positions as traders were forced to exit their leveraged trades.

What Happened

Bitcoin’s price drop was marked by a sharp decline below the critical $88,000 threshold on major exchanges. According to reports from CoinGlass, a total of 167,513 traders were liquidated, leading to total losses of $857 million. The majority of these liquidations came from long positions, which exacerbated the decline and caused a more rapid price drop than would typically occur from standard market sell-offs.

As Bitcoin’s value plummeted, the overall market capitalization of cryptocurrencies also diminished by hundreds of millions. The sell-off was fueled by a combination of factors, with renewed tariff threats from US President Donald Trump towards several European nations serving as a catalyst. This development triggered a wave of risk aversion among investors, prompting them to shift their focus away from US assets and toward safer alternatives.

In addition to the political landscape, significant movements in Japan’s bond market contributed to the overall market sentiment. Reports indicated that yields in Japan had jumped sharply, creating added pressure on global liquidity. Such shifts in the bond market can prompt a reevaluation of risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, as investors seek to unwind carry trades.

The sell-off was not solely due to political events or bond market fluctuations; it was also driven by a wave of forced liquidations. As traders rushed to cover losses or meet margin calls, many treated Bitcoin as a risky asset and opted to sell. This trend further solidified the downward momentum of Bitcoin’s price.

Different data trackers reported varying figures on total market losses and liquidations over 24 and 48 hours, which is common during periods of rapid market movement. However, the overarching narrative remained clear: a swift and leveraged unwind resulted in a drastic decrease in Bitcoin’s value, wiping out the year’s gains.

From Author

The recent sharp decline in Bitcoin’s price underscores the fragility of the current crypto market, particularly in the face of external pressures such as geopolitical tensions and bond market volatility. The rapid forced liquidations serve as a reminder of the risks associated with leveraged trading, especially in a market that can be sensitive to sudden shifts in investor sentiment. As the dust settles, it will be crucial to monitor how these factors continue to influence market dynamics and investor behavior.

Impact on the Crypto Market

  • Over $800 million in liquidations occurred in a single day, primarily affecting long positions.
  • Bitcoin’s price fell below the $88,000 mark, erasing previous gains from 2026.
  • The overall cryptocurrency market lost hundreds of millions in value during this period.
  • Renewed tariff threats from the US government contributed to a broader risk-off sentiment among investors.
  • Movements in Japan’s bond market added pressure on global liquidity and risk assets.
  • The combination of political shocks, market stress, and forced liquidations created a perfect storm for Bitcoin’s price decline.
Source: NewsBTC (RSS)

Updated: 1/21/2026, 6:38:48 PM

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