Bitcoin crashes to $84K, triggering $800M in crypto liquidations

  • Bitcoin fell below $85,000 and touched a low of $84,250.
  • CoinGlass data shows total liquidations hit $804 million over the past 24 hours.
  • The crash happened as gold fell from its peak above $5,500 on Thursday.

Cryptocurrency markets saw a sharp risk-off move on Thursday, with Bitcoin sliding to a low of $84,250.

The sell-off swept through major tokens, sending shockwaves across the crypto derivatives market.

Long positions bore the brunt of the move, as the drop pushed total liquidations over the past 24 hours above $800 million.

The downturn coincided with an abrupt reversal in gold prices, with the metal retreating from recent highs above $5,500.

Analysts cited mounting macroeconomic and geopolitical tensions as key drivers of the sudden shift in sentiment.

Bitcoin Price Chart
Bitcoin price chart by CoinMarketCap

Bitcoin tanks as gold sheds gains

Bitcoin has struggled to reclaim the $90,000 support level, with a brief move toward that mark fading as gold surged.

During Asian and early European trading on January 29, the cryptocurrency began a steady decline, slipping below $88,000.

Selling accelerated as the US session opened, with Bitcoin sliding on above-average trading volumes.

The sell-off pushed the benchmark asset to an intraday low near $84,000, its weakest level since December 2025.

The same area had seen a bearish retest in November, a move that may have prompted at least one large holder to sell roughly 200 BTC.

Over the past 24 hours, Bitcoin was down about 5%.

The broader market sell-off dragged Ethereum to around $2,800, XRP to $1.79, and Solana below $120.

Crypto investor Ted wrote on X that the latest drop has left Bitcoin trading near a critical technical level.

The Bitcoin sell-off unfolded amid a broader shift to risk aversion across global markets.

Equities moved lower, led by a sharp decline in Microsoft shares, while investors also reacted to a sudden reversal in precious metals.

Gold, which had climbed to a record high above $5,500 an ounce earlier on Thursday, reversed course and fell toward $5,300. Silver also retreated sharply from recent highs.

Analysts said the move reflects a mix of macroeconomic pressures and heightened geopolitical risks, including rising tensions between the United States and Iran.

The Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates on Wednesday, alongside guidance suggesting rate cuts may be delayed until late 2026, further weighed on risk assets, prompting investors to favour short-term cash positions over digital assets or traditional safe havens.

Over $800 million was wiped out amid a surge in derivatives liquidations

Bitcoin’s sharp decline was mirrored in the derivatives market, where leveraged positions were unwound aggressively.

Data from crypto analytics platform Coinglass show that more than $800 million in positions across spot and futures markets were liquidated over the past 24 hours, with the bulk of losses borne by long traders.

Bitcoin alone accounted for $332 million in liquidations during the period, of which more than $318 million were long positions, according to the data.

While the scale of the sell-off and liquidations was smaller than the market dislocation seen on October 10, 2025, analysts say the episode underscores ongoing fragility in market positioning.

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Trump family-backed American Bitcoin achieves 116% BTC yield

  • American Bitcoin’s BTC reserve has grown to 5,843 BTC since its Nasdaq debut.
  • The company has achieved 116% BTC yield from Sept 2025 to Jan 2026.
  • Trump family backs ABTC’s mining and crypto expansion strategy.

American Bitcoin (ABTC), the publicly traded Bitcoin treasury and mining company backed by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., has reached a major milestone in its cryptocurrency holdings.

The company recently announced that its total Bitcoin reserve has increased to approximately 5,843 BTC.

This accumulation represents a significant achievement since its Nasdaq debut on September 3, 2025.

ABTC also reported a Bitcoin yield of around 116% over the period from its listing through January 25, 2026.

Strategic accumulation and mining

American Bitcoin’s strategy combines direct market purchases with large-scale mining operations.

The company operates Bitcoin mining facilities in North America, including a notable data centre in Vega, Texas.

This dual approach allows ABTC to grow its reserves steadily while continuing mining operations.

Early January saw the company adding 329 BTC, reflecting a consistent accumulation trend.

The Trump-backed firm positions itself as a major participant in industrial Bitcoin mining, aiming to strengthen US leadership in the sector.

Its public messaging emphasises the strategic importance of domestic Bitcoin production and energy use.

By focusing on mining and treasury accumulation, ABTC mirrors the strategy of other top corporate holders like MicroStrategy.

These companies treat Bitcoin as a long-term strategic asset rather than a short-term speculative holding.

Trump family’s role in American Bitcoin

American Bitcoin is part of a broader Trump family push into the cryptocurrency space.

Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. have positioned the venture as a key component of the family’s crypto ecosystem.

This includes investments in crypto apps, NFTs, and other digital assets.

According to reports, the Trump family’s crypto ventures collectively generated over $1 billion in pretax earnings within roughly a year.

The family also ties its crypto activities to a larger narrative of US innovation and market leadership.

While the firm’s stock has experienced volatility since its Nasdaq debut, insiders remain bullish, viewing price swings as opportunities for growth.

According to recent reports, American Bitcoin now ranks among the top 20 public companies in terms of Bitcoin reserves worldwide.

Its holdings are valued at more than $500 million at current Bitcoin prices, underscoring the scale of its treasury.

The company’s 116% BTC yield reflects strong performance relative to its initial listing price.

American Bitcoin continues to expand its footprint in the crypto industry while maintaining public transparency regarding its holdings. Its growth demonstrates how family-backed ventures can combine mining operations with strategic treasury management.

The company’s success may influence other institutional and corporate players considering Bitcoin accumulation.

As American Bitcoin continues its trajectory, the Trump family’s influence in the cryptocurrency sector is likely to grow further.

With strong reserves, consistent yield, and ambitious plans, American Bitcoin exemplifies the intersection of corporate strategy, crypto investment, and high-profile leadership.

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Metaplanet boosts forecasts despite Bitcoin write-down clouding annual results

  • The company lifted its 2025 operating income guidance to $40 million.
  • A non-cash Bitcoin impairment of $680 million to $700 million is expected for 2025.
  • Metaplanet projected a $632 million ordinary loss and $491 million net loss for 2025.

Metaplanet, a Tokyo-listed Bitcoin treasury company, has raised its revenue and operating income forecasts for 2025 and issued much higher guidance for 2026, even as it flagged a large non-cash Bitcoin write-down that is set to dominate its annual results.

In a notice released on Monday, the company said its Bitcoin income generation business is expected to deliver stronger-than-expected performance, particularly in the final quarter of the year.

However, Metaplanet also projected a steep ordinary loss and net loss for 2025, driven largely by accounting adjustments tied to Bitcoin’s valuation at year-end.

The company is scheduled to file its full-year results on Feb. 16.

Revenue upgrade driven by Bitcoin income generation

Metaplanet said it now expects 2025 revenue of 8.905 billion Japanese yen, or around $58 million, based on its updated guidance.

The company also raised its operating income forecast to $40 million, signalling improved performance at the operating level despite broader market volatility affecting its holdings.

Management said Q4 2025 revenue from its Bitcoin income generation business “is expected to significantly exceed initial projections,” which led it to lift full-year revenue guidance for that segment to about $55 million.

That compares with around $40 million previously announced, showing a sharp upgrade in the contribution from its Bitcoin-linked revenue stream.

Large impairment set to drive headline loss

Even with the stronger operating forecasts, Metaplanet expects to report a deep annual loss for 2025.

The company projected an ordinary loss of $632 million and a net loss of $491 million. These figures are largely attributed to a Bitcoin impairment loss estimated at roughly $680 million to $700 million, which is expected to be recognised in its year-end reporting.

Metaplanet explained that the impairment is a “non-cash accounting adjustment reflecting period-end price fluctuations” and said it has no direct impact on its cash flows or day-to-day operations.

The notice linked the impairment to quarter-end mark-to-market accounting treatment and referenced Bitcoin holdings valued at year-end prices, with Bitcoin shown at $87,876 in the disclosure.

BTC holdings and treasury metrics expand sharply

Metaplanet also reported rapid growth in its Bitcoin treasury business during 2025, underlining how the company has built up its exposure to Bitcoin while developing income generation activities around its holdings.

BTC holdings rose from 1,762 BTC at the end of 2024 to 35,102 BTC at the end of 2025, showing a significant increase in the company’s balance sheet allocation.

It also reported BTC yield per diluted share of 568% for the year. The company uses this metric to measure how much Bitcoin backing each diluted share has increased, offering a per-share view of its Bitcoin accumulation.

While the impairment is expected to weigh heavily on reported net results, Metaplanet’s updated figures suggest it is still expanding its treasury position and Bitcoin-linked operations at a pace.

2026 guidance rises but earnings remain uncertain

For 2026, Metaplanet forecast revenue of around $103 million and operating income of $73 million, representing a sharp step up from its 2025 targets.

The company said almost all of its 2026 revenue is expected to come from the Bitcoin income generation business, reinforcing the segment’s central role in its business model.

Metaplanet also projected selling, general and administrative expenses of about $29 million for 2026 as it ramps up operations.

However, it said it will not provide guidance for ordinary income or net income for 2026 due to the difficulty of forecasting Bitcoin prices, signalling that future reported earnings could remain volatile even if operating performance strengthens.

The company added that it publishes daily data on its BTC holdings, unrealised gains and losses, and related metrics, offering investors regular visibility into how price swings affect its treasury position.

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Bitcoin touches lows of $87,800 as gold hits new record high

  • Bitcoin fell to lows of $87,800 on Tuesday before bouncing to above $89,000.
  • Losses for BTC came as gold hit new record high above $4,870.
  • Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz says bulls need to take out bears around $100,000-$103,000.

Bitcoin dipped to around $87,800 on Tuesday, breaking lower as risk assets struggled.

However, amid waning investor confidence in the bellwether digital asset, gold has surged to new record highs.

Industry heavyweight Mike Novogratz says the flagship digital asset needs to reclaim the $100,000 mark to resume its uptrend.

Bitcoin price bounces off $87,800 low

Broader market uncertainty, including geopolitical tensions, has kept Bitcoin below the psychologically important $100,000 level.

In the latest session, the cryptocurrency slipped under $90,000, with data from CoinMarketCap showing intraday lows of $87,814 on major exchanges.

Bitcoin’s rally earlier this year was driven by strong institutional demand, but that momentum has eased in recent weeks.

In contrast, gold has climbed to fresh record highs above $4,870, reinforcing its role as a safe-haven asset amid heightened geopolitical risks and ongoing macroeconomic pressures.

Mike Novogratz, the outspoken CEO of Galaxy Digital Holdings, weighed in on Bitcoin’s current woes via a post on X.

Novogratz, a veteran Wall Street trader turned crypto evangelist,  notes that Bitcoin could regain its upward momentum if bulls reclaim the $100,000-$103,000 level.

“The gold price is telling us we are losing reserve currency status at an accelerating rate.   The long bond selling off is not a good sign either,” he posted on X. “BTC is disappointing as it is still being met with selling.  I will reiterate it has to take out 100-103k to regain its upward trend. I think it will, in time.”

Bitcoin price technical outlook

From a technical perspective, the declines have pushed prices beneath the critical 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level calculated from its April low of $74,400 to October’s record peak of $126,198.

Bears have also breached the key support zone at the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $92,066 and a prior upper consolidation boundary near $90,000.

Bitcoin Price Chart
Bitcoin price chart by TradingView

Other technical signals reinforcing the pessimistic outlook include the Relative Strength Index (RSI), which currently stands at 42.

Notably, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator has also flashed a bearish crossover, suggesting sellers are in control.

Volume profiles indicate thinning buying interest, which could exacerbate downside risks if headwinds persist.

A sustained close below $87,700 could accelerate the downturn toward the lower channel boundary at $85,450.

The demand reload zone aligns with the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement level.

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Crypto Fear and Greed index returns to greed as Bitcoin rallies above $97K

  • Crypto Fear and Greed Index hit “greed” for the first time since the $19B October liquidation event.
  • Bitcoin rallied to a two-month high above $97K, helping lift overall crypto market sentiment.
  • On-chain data shows retail holders exiting, while declining exchange balances signal reduced sell pressure.

The Crypto Fear and Greed Index has moved back into “greed” territory for the first time since a $19 billion liquidation event in October rattled digital asset markets, signaling an improvement in investor sentiment as Bitcoin staged a strong recovery.

In an update on Thursday, the index posted a reading of 61, reflecting growing optimism after weeks spent in “fear” and “extreme fear.”

Just a day earlier, the index stood at 48, placing it in the “neutral” zone.

The shift marks a notable change in mood following months of heightened risk aversion among crypto traders.

Sentiment rebounds after October liquidation shock

Crypto investor sentiment collapsed on Oct. 11, when $19 billion was liquidated from the market, sending traders fleeing from altcoins and driving widespread pessimism.

In the weeks that followed, the Crypto Fear and Greed Index recorded some of its lowest readings on record, falling into the low double digits multiple times in November and December.

The index is closely watched by market participants as a barometer of sentiment, helping traders assess whether conditions favor buying, selling, or remaining on the sidelines.

It compiles data from several indicators, including price volatility of major cryptocurrencies, trading volume, market momentum, Google search trends, and overall sentiment on social media platforms.

The return to “greed” suggests that the sharp caution seen late last year has begun to ease, even though markets remain well below the levels that previously triggered euphoric sentiment.

Bitcoin rally lifts overall market mood

Improving sentiment has coincided with a strong rebound in Bitcoin prices.

Over the past seven days, Bitcoin has climbed from $89,799 to reach a two-month high of $97,704 on Wednesday, according to data from CoinGecko.

The move marks the first time Bitcoin has traded above $97,000 since Nov. 14.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $96,218, up by 1% in the last 24 hours.

At that time, however, the Fear and Greed Index was firmly in “extreme fear” territory, as Bitcoin was sliding sharply from all-time highs.

The latest rally has helped stabilize broader market confidence, even as traders remain cautious about sustainability.

While the index’s return to “greed” indicates growing optimism, it remains well below levels typically associated with excessive risk-taking.

On-chain signals show retail exiting positions

Despite the improving price action, some on-chain indicators suggest that retail participation has declined in recent days. Analysts at market intelligence platform Santiment said in an X post on Wednesday that Bitcoin holders have been reducing their exposure.

According to Santiment, over the last three days, there has been a net drop of 47,244 Bitcoin holders, indicating that “retail had been dropping out due to FUD & impatience.”

“When non-empty wallets drop, it’s a sign that the crowd is dropping out, a good sign. Similarly, less supply on exchanges decreases the risk of a selloff,” the analysts said.

They added that “This price bounce has also been supported by a 7-month low 1.18 million Bitcoin on exchanges.”

A lower amount of Bitcoin held on exchanges is generally viewed as a bullish indicator, as it suggests investors are storing assets in private wallets and are less inclined to sell quickly.

Taken together, the rebound in sentiment, rising Bitcoin prices, and declining exchange balances point to a cautiously improving outlook for the crypto market, even as investors continue to weigh lingering risks.

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