hodler

21 Jan 2026, 00:00

Bitcoin Whale Panic Fades: Sell Pressure On Binance Falls Off A Cliff

Bitcoin’s exchange-side supply signal is flashing a notable change: whale-sized transfers into Binance have dropped sharply from late-November panic levels, suggesting large holders are no longer leaning on the sell button with the same urgency. Selling Pressure From Bitcoin Whales Fade CryptoQuant contributor Darkfost said current data shows a “clear decline in whale transactions,” specifically BTC inflows to exchanges, meaning “large holders are sending significantly less BTC to trading platforms than before.” In the post, the chart focus was Binance inflows segmented by transaction size, spanning transfers from 100 BTC up to the largest prints above 10,000 BTC, flows that are commonly interpreted as potential sell-side positioning when they hit an exchange. Related Reading: Why Is Bitcoin And Crypto Down Today? Key Drivers Behind The Move The key backdrop in Darkfost’s thread is how quickly whale behavior shifted around the market’s late-2025 drawdown. “December has been particularly challenging, even for these investors,” the analyst wrote, adding that whales are typically “more cautious” and “less sensitive to market movements than retail participants,” often acting with “greater discipline and patience.” That discipline appeared to crack as Bitcoin rolled over from its latest all-time high near $126,000. Darkfost described a surge in whale inflows to Binance at the end of November as BTC “continued its correction,” with the “average monthly total” reaching “nearly $8 billion” during a period when BTC “fell back below the $90,000 level.” “This phase clearly triggered a panic-driven move,” the post said. “Transactions ranging between 100 and 10,000 BTC increased significantly, especially as price broke below the $85,000 level. This behavior reflects real stress among certain whales, who chose to sell quickly in order to limit losses, thereby reinforcing selling pressure on the market.” The crux is what changed since that cluster. “Today, the situation looks very different,” Darkfost wrote. Those Binance inflows “have been divided by three and now stand at around $2.74 billion,” with “daily movements” becoming “far less frequent than during the cluster observed at the end of November.” Related Reading: Is Bitcoin Really In A Bear Market? Why January 20 Matters The analyst framed the drop as an observable behavioral pivot rather than a single-day anomaly. “This shift in dynamics suggests that whales have changed their behavior,” Darkfost wrote. “They are no longer selling aggressively and now appear to favor waiting.” Institutional Demand Side Remains Robust While Darkfost’s post focuses on whale-associated inflows as a proxy for potential sell pressure, CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju pointed investors to the other side of the ledger: institutional accumulation. “Institutional demand for Bitcoin remains strong,” Ki wrote on X. “US custody wallets typically hold 100–1,000 BTC each. Excluding exchanges and miners, this gives a rough read on institutional demand. ETF holdings included.” Ki added that “577K BTC ($53B) [was] added over the past year, and still flowing in,” characterizing the trend as ongoing rather than a completed wave. At press time, Bitcoin traded at $90,885. Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com

20 Jan 2026, 23:00

Futures Liquidated: Staggering $350 Million Wiped Out in Crypto Market Hour of Turmoil

BitcoinWorld Futures Liquidated: Staggering $350 Million Wiped Out in Crypto Market Hour of Turmoil A sudden and severe wave of selling pressure has rocked cryptocurrency derivatives markets globally, triggering the liquidation of approximately $350 million in futures contracts within a single, tumultuous hour. This intense activity, concentrated across major exchanges like Binance, Bybit, and OKX, forms part of a broader 24-hour liquidation tally exceeding $1.05 billion, signaling significant market stress and a rapid reassessment of leverage across the digital asset ecosystem. Market analysts immediately began scrutinizing order books and funding rates to pinpoint the catalyst for this dramatic deleveraging event. Understanding the $350 Million Futures Liquidated Event The term ‘futures liquidated’ refers to the forced closure of leveraged derivative positions by an exchange. This automatic process occurs when a trader’s collateral falls below the required maintenance margin. Consequently, the exchange sells or buys the position to prevent further loss. The $350 million figure represents the total notional value of these forcibly closed contracts. Notably, data from analytics platforms like Coinglass indicates that long positions, or bets on rising prices, constituted the overwhelming majority of these liquidations. This pattern suggests a sharp, unexpected downward price move caught over-leveraged bullish traders off guard. Market structure experts often highlight the reflexive nature of such events. A price drop triggers initial liquidations, which create additional sell pressure in the spot or perpetual swap markets. This pressure then fuels further price declines, potentially leading to a cascade. The scale of this hourly liquidation event, while substantial, remains within historical parameters. For context, during major market downturns like May 2021 or November 2022, single-hour liquidations have surpassed $1 billion. Nevertheless, a $350 million liquidation cluster acts as a potent market-clearing mechanism, effectively resetting excessive leverage and often establishing a short-term volatility floor. The Mechanics and Impact of Crypto Market Liquidation To grasp the full impact, one must understand the mechanics behind derivatives trading. Traders use collateral, often Bitcoin or Ethereum, to open positions much larger than their initial capital. This leverage amplifies both gains and losses. Exchanges employ a mark price, typically an average from major spot markets, to determine liquidation thresholds. When the market moves against a highly leveraged position, the exchange’s system issues a margin call and then automatically executes the liquidation. This process is instantaneous and non-negotiable, protecting the exchange from counterparty risk. Expert Analysis on Market Structure Vulnerabilities Several veteran analysts point to specific conditions that precede such liquidation waves. First, a prolonged period of low volatility and rising funding rates often encourages traders to increase leverage on long positions, seeking yield. Second, a clustering of liquidation prices just below key technical support levels creates a ‘liquidation zone.’ When the market breaches these levels, it can trigger a domino effect. Third, macroeconomic catalysts, such as unexpected inflation data or shifts in central bank policy rhetoric, can be the initial spark that ignites the leveraged powder keg. The recent liquidation event exhibited all these hallmarks, according to data from trading desks. The immediate impact extends beyond the traders directly affected. Large-scale liquidations increase market volatility, widen bid-ask spreads, and can cause temporary discrepancies between futures and spot prices. Market makers and arbitrageurs must adjust their strategies rapidly. Furthermore, the fear of contagion can lead to reduced leverage offerings from exchanges and more cautious behavior from institutional participants. However, many analysts view these events as necessary corrections that flush out speculative excess, potentially leading to healthier, less leveraged price discovery in the subsequent sessions. Historical Context and Comparative Data Placing the $350 million hourly liquidation into a historical framework provides crucial perspective. The cryptocurrency derivatives market has matured significantly since its inception. The following table compares notable liquidation events, highlighting the growth in market scale and resilience. Date Event Catalyst Approx. Max Hourly Liquidation 24-Hour Total March 12, 2020 (Black Thursday) Global Pandemic Fear ~$700 Million ~$1.5 Billion May 19, 2021 China Mining Crackdown Announcement ~$1.2 Billion ~$8.7 Billion November 9, 2022 FTX Collapse Contagion ~$900 Million ~$3.5 Billion January 3, 2025 (This Event) Macro Data & Technical Break ~$350 Million ~$1.05 Billion This comparative analysis reveals that while the absolute value of liquidations remains high, the relative impact as a percentage of total open interest has likely decreased. This trend suggests improved risk management tools, more diverse participant profiles, and potentially more robust market infrastructure. However, the fundamental risk of leverage in a volatile asset class persists. Analysts monitor the aggregate open interest and estimated leverage ratio (ELR) as key health metrics. A sharp decline in open interest following a liquidation wave often indicates a market reset, while a rapid re-leveraging can signal lingering speculative froth. Broader Market Implications and Risk Management Lessons The ripple effects of a major liquidation event touch multiple facets of the crypto economy. Firstly, miner revenue can be impacted if the price decline is severe and sustained, affecting their ability to cover operational costs. Secondly, decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols with integrated leverage or lending functions may experience their own cascade of liquidations, though typically isolated from centralized exchange events. Thirdly, investor sentiment often turns cautious, potentially slowing capital inflows in the short term. Regulators and traditional finance institutions also scrutinize these events, assessing systemic risk and market integrity. For traders and investors, these events underscore non-negotiable risk management principles: Use Stop-Loss Orders: Proactive risk limits are superior to reactive exchange liquidations. Manage Leverage Prudently: Lower leverage multiples increase survivability during volatility spikes. Diversify Collateral: Avoid using a single volatile asset as collateral for large positions. Monitor Funding Rates: Persistently high positive funding can be a warning sign of overcrowded long positions. Ultimately, the market’s rapid absorption of a $1.05 billion 24-hour liquidation event demonstrates increased depth and maturity. Market participants now possess more sophisticated tools, such as options for hedging and improved analytics, to navigate these periods. The event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent volatility in cryptocurrency markets while also highlighting the ecosystem’s evolving capacity to manage derivative-related stress. Conclusion The liquidation of $350 million in cryptocurrency futures within one hour, contributing to a 24-hour total exceeding $1.05 billion, represents a significant but contained market deleveraging event. Analysis reveals it was primarily driven by over-leveraged long positions succumbing to a confluence of technical breakdowns and macro-sensitive selling pressure. Historically, such events have served as painful yet effective mechanisms for resetting speculative excess. The market’s response indicates growing resilience, though the fundamental lesson remains clear: prudent leverage management is paramount in the volatile world of crypto derivatives. As the market digests this move, attention will shift to the rebuilding of open interest and the establishment of new support levels in the spot market. FAQs Q1: What does ‘futures liquidated’ mean? A futures liquidation is the forced closure of a leveraged derivatives position by an exchange. This happens automatically when a trader’s account equity falls below the required maintenance margin level, preventing further losses for the trader (and protecting the exchange). Q2: Why did $350 million get liquidated in one hour? The primary cause was a rapid price drop that triggered automatic sell orders for over-leveraged long positions. A cluster of stop-loss and liquidation orders just below key technical support levels likely accelerated the cascade once those levels were breached. Q3: Who loses money when futures are liquidated? The traders holding the liquidated positions bear the direct financial loss. Their remaining collateral is used to cover the loss on the position. The exchange does not profit from the liquidation itself; it merely executes the process to limit its own risk. Q4: Are large liquidations bullish or bearish for the market? In the immediate term, they are bearish as they create sell pressure. However, many analysts view them as a necessary, short-term bearish event that can be medium-term bullish. They flush out excessive leverage, which can allow for a healthier price foundation once the selling is exhausted. Q5: How can traders avoid being liquidated? Traders can avoid liquidation by using conservative leverage (e.g., 2x-5x instead of 10x-100x), setting proactive stop-loss orders well before the liquidation price, maintaining ample collateral buffer, and constantly monitoring market conditions and funding rates. This post Futures Liquidated: Staggering $350 Million Wiped Out in Crypto Market Hour of Turmoil first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 Jan 2026, 22:58

Trump Media Set to Issue Non-Transferable Crypto Tokens, Cutoff Date February 2

Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (DJT) has officially announced the date for its highly anticipated distribution of a new digital token to its shareholders, as part of its partnership with cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com. The record date for this digital token initiative will be February 2, 2026. Trump Media’s New Crypto Initiative According to the announcement, eligible shareholders will include ultimate beneficial owners and registered holders of at least one whole share of DJT stock as of the record date. In order to ensure a smooth distribution process, Trump Media will gather information from broker participants about eligible holders. Related Reading: Is A New XRP Price Record Imminent? Analyst Forecast Colossal Short Squeeze Ahead After the record date, Trump Media plans to collaborate with Crypto.com to mint the digital tokens, which will be displayed on the blockchain and held in custody until distribution. In addition to the digital tokens, Trump Media has indicated that various rewards will be made available to record-date shareholders throughout the year. These rewards may include benefits or discounts associated with Trump Media’s offerings, such as Truth Social, Truth+, and Truth Predict. CRO Token Plummets The partnership between Crypto.com and Trump Media dates back to August last year, when the Trump-linked company announced a $6.4 billion investment in the crypto exchange’s native token, CRO, as part of a strategic reserve. Related Reading: Ethereum Poised For $4,000 Breakout? Expert Pinpoints On-Chain Triggers For Potential Rally Devin Nunes, Trump Media’s CEO and Chairman, expressed his enthusiasm about the latest move and the partnership with Crypto.com, stating: We look forward to leveraging Crypto.com’s blockchain technology consistent with Securities and Exchange Commission guidance to benefit our shareholders and promote transparency, including by obtaining a clear picture of bona fide beneficial ownership as of the record date. Despite the latest announcement, Crypto.com’s native token failed to capitalize on the news, dropping to $0.089 on Tuesday amid the broader crypto market’s retracement. It has recorded an 11% drop in the past week alone. Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com

20 Jan 2026, 21:02

When Upbit Volume Rises, XRP Turns Green First

XRP has emerged as the most active cryptocurrency on Upbit in the past 24 hours. The asset recorded $257,317,265 in trading volume against the Korean Won. This represents 14.14% of the exchange’s total trading activity. Crypto commentator Xaif (@Xaif_Crypto) drew attention to this achievement, noting that “when Upbit volume rises, XRP turns green first.” The observation emphasizes XRP’s responsiveness to high-volume trading sessions. XRP 24h volume on Upbit $257M When Upbit volume rises $XRP turns green first https://t.co/LOoRMxoA64 pic.twitter.com/GgR6mhy7yH — Xaif Crypto | (@Xaif_Crypto) January 19, 2026 Market Activity Overview Upbit’s overall 24-hour trading volume reached $1.82 billion, up 21.2%. XRP’s performance led the spot markets, surpassing Bitcoin and Ethereum in daily volume. The asset traded at $2.02, with a spread of just 0.03%, indicating tight liquidity. Depth levels show strong support around $1.36 million on the downside and $1.71 million on the upside. These figures reflect healthy order book activity, suggesting robust market engagement. In comparison, Ethereum and Bitcoin recorded 24-hour volumes of $133.5 million and $148.1 million, respectively. Both had wider spreads relative to XRP, which can affect execution costs for traders. Other digital assets, including Axie Infinity and BORA, showed notable activity but remained behind XRP in terms of market share. XRP’s Dominance Compared to Other Assets The recent trading data confirms XRP’s significant role on major exchanges. While Bitcoin and Ethereum dominate global headlines, XRP maintains a high concentration of trading on platforms like Upbit, dominating the Korean market. Ethena USDe, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins followed in volume but lagged behind XRP. The trend indicates that Korean markets continue to favor XRP during periods of elevated trading activity. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Xaif’s commentary and the chart he shared provide insight into XRP’s behavior in high-volume environments. According to him, XRP frequently responds first when volumes spike on Upbit. Traders monitor this pattern to anticipate momentum and market direction. Looking Ahead Platforms like Upbit can amplify price movements and signal trader sentiment. XRP has consistently outperformed the top tokens on this exchange. This performance under these conditions indicates resilience and a high level of market trust. Its depth and liquidity support active trading, attracting both short-term traders and longer-term holders. The end of 2025 saw Koreans rush into the market as XRP struggled. With its price now rising, trading activity is growing rapidly. This could further influence XRP’s price growth, speeding up the current trajectory. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post When Upbit Volume Rises, XRP Turns Green First appeared first on Times Tabloid .

20 Jan 2026, 20:51

Glassnode Flags XRP Structure Matching Feb 2022 Pre-Crash Setup

Blockchain analytics firm Glassnode warned on Monday that XRP’s on-chain market structure mirrors the exact cost-basis configuration observed before a 60% price collapse in 2022. XRP is trading at $1.91, down 4.74% in the past 24 hours. Source: TradingView The signal centers on the holder’s cost basis. Wallets active in the 1-week to 1-month window are now accumulating below the realized price of the 6-month to 12-month cohort. Newer buyers hold at cheaper entry points while mid-term holders sit underwater or near breakeven. This relationship creates overhead supply. When spot approaches the mid-term cohort’s cost basis, that group becomes eager to de-risk into any rally. February 2022 showed the result: XRP ran from $0.60 to $0.88 in the first week, then collapsed 60% to $0.30 by mid-year following the Terra implosion and broader macro deterioration. The $2 Behavioral Threshold Glassnode identified $2.00 as a level above the technical level. According to the firm’s November 2025 analysis, each retest of $2 since early 2025 triggered $500 million to $1.2 billion in weekly realized losses. Holders consistently capitulated into strength at this zone. The current market structure for XRP closely resembles that of February 2022. Investors active over the 1W–1M window are now accumulating below the cost basis of the 6M–12M cohort. As this structure persists, psychological pressure on top buyers continues to build over time.… https://t.co/8sGXQ8JKnp pic.twitter.com/cQoeFGuQl4 — glassnode (@glassnode) January 19, 2026 XRP breached $2.40 in early January, up 25% in a week. It has since retreated below $2.00. The pattern is familiar. The token is now trading below its 20-, 50-, 100-, and 200-day moving averages. The Counter-Data Positive signs exist. XRP ETFs have absorbed $1.37 billion in cumulative inflows since their November 2025 launch, with 35 consecutive trading days without a single outflow, followed by a modest $40.8 million redemption on January 7. Total AUM sits near $2 billion with over 788 million XRP locked in custody. Exchange reserves dropped from 3.76 billion XRP in early October 2025 to roughly 1.6 billion by late December, the lowest since 2018. ETF creations require spot purchases, which remove tokens from the available float. Yet, inflows have not prevented drawdowns. XRP fell 15% in December despite record institutional buying. Exchange balance data shows 206 million XRP (roughly $430 million) moved onto platforms since January began, indicating distribution. What Desks Are Watching The February 2022 analog raises a specific question: can ETF-driven supply absorption offset the capitulation mechanics that Glassnode describes? Back then, no spot ETF product existed. Retail holders folded under macro pressure with no institutional bid to absorb supply. This cycle is structurally different. Five major issuers (Canary Capital, Bitwise, Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, 21Shares) serve pension funds and endowments. Their consistent accumulation has tightened circulating float, and each $1 billion in inflows locks roughly 500 million XRP. But the gap between mid-term and short-term cost bases remains. If $2.00 fails to hold, the 6-12 month cohort enters deeper loss territory. The $1.80 support level becomes the next line of support. Failure there opens downside toward $1.25, the deeper support zone identified by analysts. A sustained break above $2.40 would invalidate the bearish setup and shift focus toward $3.00 resistance. The post Glassnode Flags XRP Structure Matching Feb 2022 Pre-Crash Setup appeared first on Cryptonews .

20 Jan 2026, 20:16

Coinbase Boss Doubles Down on $1 Million Bitcoin Price Prediction

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is doubling down on his most aggressive price targets, telling Bloomberg that Bitcoin (BTC) remains on track to hit $1 million.