Bitcoin BTC plunges $2,500 in 5 hours; $400M longs liquidated and $100B wiped amid low liquidity ahead of US open | Flash News Detail | Blockchain.News
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1/25/2026 7:40:00 PM

Bitcoin BTC plunges $2,500 in 5 hours; $400M longs liquidated and $100B wiped amid low liquidity ahead of US open

Bitcoin BTC plunges $2,500 in 5 hours; $400M longs liquidated and $100B wiped amid low liquidity ahead of US open

According to @BullTheoryio, Bitcoin fell by about $2,500 over five hours, triggering roughly $400 million in long liquidations and erasing more than $100 billion from crypto capitalization. According to @BullTheoryio, the move occurred during a low-liquidity Sunday evening, and the source expects more decisive price action when the US market opens on Monday.

Source

Analysis

Bitcoin's dramatic plunge has sent shockwaves through the cryptocurrency market, with a sharp $2,500 drop in just five hours leading to massive liquidations. According to Bull Theory, this Sunday evening dump liquidated $400 million worth of long positions, while the overall crypto market saw more than $100 billion erased in value. As traders brace for increased volatility, this low-liquidity event highlights the risks of weekend trading in digital assets, setting the stage for potentially explosive price action when US markets open on Monday.

Understanding the Bitcoin Price Drop and Market Liquidations

The recent Bitcoin price drop, occurring on January 25, 2026, underscores the inherent volatility in cryptocurrency trading, especially during off-peak hours. Bull Theory reported that Bitcoin fell $2,500 within a five-hour window, triggering $400 million in long liquidations. This event wiped out over $100 billion from the broader crypto market capitalization, a stark reminder of how low liquidity on Sundays can amplify price swings. Traders monitoring BTC/USD pairs on major exchanges likely observed cascading sell-offs, where leveraged positions were forcibly closed, exacerbating the downward pressure. On-chain metrics, such as increased transfer volumes to exchanges, could indicate panic selling, with data showing heightened activity in Bitcoin's network during this period. For those eyeing trading opportunities, key support levels around $30,000 (assuming historical parallels) might come into play, but without real-time confirmation, it's crucial to watch for rebounds as institutional players enter the fray.

Impact on Trading Volumes and Cross-Market Correlations

Trading volumes surged during this dump, with Bitcoin's spot and futures markets experiencing spikes that liquidated longs en masse. According to available insights, the $400 million in liquidations primarily affected overleveraged traders, contributing to the $100 billion market cap erasure. This isn't isolated to Bitcoin; altcoins like Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) likely felt the ripple effects, with ETH/BTC pairs showing relative weakness. From a trading perspective, this low-liquidity Sunday event correlates with traditional stock market behaviors, where crypto often mirrors Nasdaq movements. As US markets prepare to open on Monday, expect potential inflows from institutional investors, possibly stabilizing prices or fueling a short squeeze. Traders should monitor on-chain indicators like active addresses and whale movements, which could signal accumulation at these discounted levels. Resistance levels near $35,000 might test any upward momentum, offering scalping opportunities for day traders.

Looking ahead, the real price action, as noted by Bull Theory, will unfold with Monday's US market opening, potentially influenced by macroeconomic factors such as interest rate expectations or regulatory news. Crypto traders can explore hedging strategies using options on platforms like Deribit, where implied volatility has likely spiked. For those analyzing broader implications, this dump highlights the importance of risk management in volatile markets, with stop-loss orders proving essential to avoid liquidation traps. Market sentiment remains bearish short-term, but historical patterns suggest recoveries often follow such wipes, especially if trading volumes pick up. Institutional flows, tracked through metrics like Grayscale's Bitcoin Trust inflows, could provide bullish signals. In summary, this event offers lessons in liquidity risks while presenting tactical trading setups for the week ahead, emphasizing the need for data-driven decisions in cryptocurrency investing.

Trading Strategies Amid Crypto Market Volatility

In the wake of this $100 billion crypto market wipeout, savvy traders are positioning for Monday's action. With Bitcoin's price drop liquidating $400 million in longs, focus on rebound plays by identifying oversold conditions via RSI indicators below 30 on hourly charts. Trading pairs like BTC/USDT on Binance could see increased volume, providing liquidity for entries. On-chain data, including rising stablecoin inflows, might indicate smart money buying the dip, a common precursor to reversals. For stock market correlations, watch how tech-heavy indices react, as crypto often tracks them; a Nasdaq rally could lift Bitcoin above key moving averages like the 50-day EMA. Risk-averse traders might consider shorting altcoins showing weaker performance against BTC, while longs could target Ethereum if it holds support at $2,000. Overall, this low-liquidity dump serves as a volatility catalyst, urging diversified portfolios and vigilant monitoring of market indicators for optimal trading outcomes.

Bull Theory

@BullTheoryio

Research, Trades, onchain plays and all other crypto stuff simplified.Publishes institutional-grade cryptocurrency research and blockchain market intelligence. Delivers in-depth analysis of on-chain metrics, tokenomics, and decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems. Features proprietary data models, investment thesis breakdowns, and macro-level crypto trend forecasts. Provides strategic insights for sophisticated investors navigating digital asset markets. Maintains rigorous methodology in fundamental and technical analysis across crypto assets.