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21 Mar 2026, 01:00

Here’s Why The Bitcoin Price Fell Below The $70,000 Level Again

With the cryptocurrency market turning extremely bearish again, Bitcoin (BTC) saw a sharp pullback that brought its price below the $70,000 mark, a zone that had previously acted as a strong support. The pullback below the level was no coincidence as recent news about macro events rocked the market, causing BTC to lose its newfound bullish momentum. Bitcoin Bears Back In Charge After $70,000 Loss As the Bitcoin price falls below the crucial $70,000 threshold, the market structure surrounding the flagship cryptocurrency asset has undergone a significant shift. Bearish sentiment is rapidly spreading throughout the market as a result of the breakdown, which has significantly shifted momentum in favor of sellers. In a post on X , Milk Road, a market expert and trader, revealed that the pullback below the $70,000 level was triggered by news regarding the Federal Reserve (Fed) decision to hold rates steady. After the meeting, no cuts were made, no surprises, reinforcing the higher for longer narrative. The market had anticipated rate reductions by the middle of 2026, but the Fed extended that timeline today. However, the cryptocurrency market did not respond well to the meeting’s outcome, resulting in a sudden decline across the sector. Once the news dropped, BTC fell from $72,400 to under $70,000, marking a 3% move that wiped out the week’s gains in just a few hours. Milk Road has outlined the alignment between the Bitcoin price and the macro event. During high rates, money becomes expensive as investors gather capital in bonds and cash, and risky assets like crypto get hit. Meanwhile, when rates drop, money gets cheap as capital hunts for yield. In past scenarios, this trend has been the rocket fuel for BTC. Bitcoin’s pullback on Thursday following the Fed results served as a painful reminder to short-term BTC holders that macro events like these still drive the crypto market. As for long-term BTC holders, they are not new to this kind of move. During the 2022 hiking cycle, Bitcoin dropped below $30,000, but as cut expectations grew in late 2023, it surpassed $70,000. With the next Fed meeting scheduled for May 6 and 7, 2026, a similar move might unfold later in the year, which could trigger an upswing to the previous highs. In the meantime, Iranian tensions and CPI (Consumer Price Index) and PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) data will either bury or revive prospects for a rate cut. However, this depends on whether the rate cuts increase, which is bad, or decrease, which is a good sign. More BTC Whales Are Appearing Investors’ activity has improved, particularly among large holders , despite the recent sideways action of Bitcoin. Santiment data shows that the amount of whale wallet addresses holding 100 or more BTC has increased, suggesting renewed conviction among institutional investors. In the past 3 months, there has been an addition +753 whale wallet addresses , representing a +3.9% rise in total. Within the same time frame, Sentiment noted that BTC’s market value has fallen by over 20.2%. According to Santiment, the ongoing confidence displayed by important stakeholders should at the very least cause investors to reevaluate their theory if they genuinely believe that cryptocurrency will reach zero.

21 Mar 2026, 01:00

Cardano (ADA) Eyes Reversal: Weekly Chart Signals Upturn

Cardano (ADA), currently ranked among the largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, has experienced a prolonged downward trajectory over recent months. The asset’s current position shows a sustained period of selling pressure that began in September, shortly after a brief phase of strength recorded in July and August. Even though September initially showed signs of continued upward movement, the month closed slightly lower. This was the beginning of a consistent decline that extended through February, with each successive month ending in negative territory. Over these six months, ADA steadily moved lower, losing a significant portion of its value. From its peak near $0.95 in September , the asset has dropped approximately 71%, at one point revisiting levels close to $0.22, which align with previous cycle lows. This zone attracted buying interest, preventing further downside and establishing a critical support region. Emergence of a Technical Signal Recent technical analysis suggests that this prolonged bearish phase may be approaching a turning point. Crypto analyst Ali Martinez highlighted that a TD Sequential indicator has completed a “9” count on the weekly chart. This formation is commonly interpreted as an early indication of trend exhaustion, often preceding a shift in price direction. The appearance of this signal on a higher timeframe strengthens its relevance, as weekly indicators generally carry more weight than those observed on shorter intervals. According to Martinez, such setups are typically followed by a period of upward price movement, which could occur within the next four weeks, depending on broader market conditions. Although shorter-term charts may still show uncertainty or weakness, signals from higher timeframes often guide the broader market structure. This suggests that any near-term fluctuations could eventually align with a more constructive outlook if the signal holds. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Conditions for Confirmation Despite the emergence of a bullish indicator, confirmation remains dependent on key price levels. For the projected recovery to materialize, ADA must maintain a weekly close above the $0.23 support level. A breakdown below this threshold would invalidate the current setup and weaken the case for a reversal. At present, Cardano is trading around $0.26, positioning it above this critical level. This supports the possibility that the market may attempt a recovery, provided that buying pressure remains consistent. If the support level continues to hold, analysts anticipate an initial move toward $0.32, followed by a potential extension to $0.37. These targets represent moderate gains from current levels and would signal a meaningful shift in momentum after months of decline. 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 urged to do in-depth 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 Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Cardano (ADA) Eyes Reversal: Weekly Chart Signals Upturn appeared first on Times Tabloid .

21 Mar 2026, 00:40

Crypto Fear & Greed Index Plummets to 12 as Market Paralyzed by Extreme Fear

BitcoinWorld Crypto Fear & Greed Index Plummets to 12 as Market Paralyzed by Extreme Fear The cryptocurrency market is currently gripped by a profound sense of apprehension, as evidenced by the Crypto Fear & Greed Index registering a reading of 12. This metric, a crucial barometer of investor psychology, indicates the market remains entrenched in a state of ‘Extreme Fear,’ having risen only one point from the previous day. Such persistently low readings historically correlate with periods of significant price stress and heightened volatility across digital asset markets. Decoding the Crypto Fear & Greed Index Alternative.me’s Crypto Fear & Greed Index provides a quantifiable snapshot of market sentiment. The index operates on a scale from 0 to 100. Consequently, a reading of 0 signifies maximum fear, while 100 represents maximum greed. The current value of 12 sits alarmingly close to the extreme fear threshold. This tool synthesizes data from multiple sources to avoid reliance on any single metric. The index’s calculation employs a weighted model based on six core components. Market volatility and current trading volume each contribute 25% to the final score. Social media sentiment, measured through social media mentions , and surveys of market participants each account for 15%. Finally, Bitcoin’s market dominance and trends in Google search volume for cryptocurrency terms each make up the remaining 10%. This multi-faceted approach aims to capture both on-chain behavior and broader public interest. For instance, high volatility combined with surging search volume might indicate panic selling. Conversely, low volatility with rising social media buzz could signal growing speculative interest. Historical Context of Extreme Fear Readings Readings in the ‘Extreme Fear’ zone, typically below 20, are relatively rare but carry significant historical weight. They often coincide with major market capitulation events. For example, the index plunged to single digits during the market troughs following the 2018 bear market and the COVID-19-induced crash of March 2020. Subsequently, these periods frequently preceded substantial market recoveries, though the timing was unpredictable. A comparative analysis of recent index behavior reveals telling patterns. The table below shows key sentiment readings from notable market events: Period Fear & Greed Index Reading Market Context November 2021 84 (Extreme Greed) Bitcoin’s all-time high near $69,000 June 2022 6 (Extreme Fear) Collapse of Terra/LUNA and Celsius January 2023 31 (Fear) Market beginning recovery from FTX collapse Current (2025) 12 (Extreme Fear) Persistent macroeconomic uncertainty This historical perspective is crucial for investors. While extreme fear signals high risk, it also suggests potential opportunity for those with a long-term horizon. However, the index is a sentiment indicator, not a price predictor. Expert Analysis on Current Market Drivers Market analysts point to a confluence of factors sustaining the current fearful sentiment. Firstly, macroeconomic headwinds, including persistent inflation concerns and restrictive monetary policy from central banks globally, continue to pressure risk assets like cryptocurrency. Secondly, regulatory developments in major jurisdictions remain a source of uncertainty for institutional and retail investors alike. Furthermore, on-chain data often reflects this sentiment. Analysts observe patterns such as increased movement of coins to exchanges, which can signal selling intent, alongside a decline in active addresses for certain networks. The dominance of Bitcoin often rises during fearful periods as investors flee to the perceived relative safety of the largest cryptocurrency. Industry commentators frequently describe the Fear & Greed Index as a contrarian indicator. Therefore, sustained periods of extreme fear can sometimes foreshadow a market bottom, though this is never guaranteed. The key lesson is that mass psychology often drives markets to overshoot in both directions. Practical Implications for Crypto Investors For participants in the digital asset space, understanding this index is vital for risk management. A reading of 12 suggests several actionable insights: Heightened Volatility: Investors should prepare for wider price swings and potential flash crashes. Emotional Discipline: This environment tests investor psychology, making disciplined strategy adherence essential. Due Diligence: Market stress can expose fundamental weaknesses in projects, highlighting the need for rigorous research. Seasoned investors often use such periods for strategic portfolio reviews. They may assess asset allocation or consider dollar-cost averaging into positions. However, the index should never be used in isolation. It must be combined with fundamental and technical analysis for informed decision-making. Conclusion The Crypto Fear & Greed Index reading of 12 serves as a stark reminder of the prevailing negative sentiment engulfing the cryptocurrency market. This state of extreme fear, derived from volatility, volume, social media, and search data, reflects deep-seated investor anxiety. Historically, such extremes have marked pivotal moments, though they offer no certainty about short-term price direction. Ultimately, the index provides a valuable, data-driven gauge of market psychology. Investors should interpret it as one tool among many, using its signal to inform a cautious, research-driven approach during this period of significant market stress. FAQs Q1: What does a Crypto Fear & Greed Index score of 12 mean? A score of 12 indicates the market is experiencing ‘Extreme Fear.’ This sentiment is derived from analyzing volatility, trading volume, social media, surveys, Bitcoin dominance, and search trends. It suggests widespread pessimism and risk aversion among investors. Q2: Who creates the Crypto Fear & Greed Index and how often is it updated? The index is created and maintained by the data provider Alternative.me. It updates the reading daily, providing a near real-time snapshot of shifting market sentiment based on its proprietary multi-factor model. Q3: Is the Fear & Greed Index a reliable buy or sell signal? No, the index is not a direct trading signal. It is a sentiment indicator. While extreme readings can signal potential market turning points, they do not guarantee price direction. It should be used for context alongside other fundamental and technical analyses. Q4: Has the index ever been lower than 12? Yes. The index has reached single-digit readings during severe market crises, such as the collapse of the Terra ecosystem in mid-2022, when it hit 6. These periods represent peak fear and maximum psychological stress in the market. Q5: Why does Bitcoin’s market dominance affect the Fear & Greed Index? Bitcoin’s market dominance—its share of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization—is included because a rising dominance often occurs during fearful markets. Investors tend to sell riskier altcoins and may flock to Bitcoin, perceived as a more established ‘digital gold,’ during times of uncertainty. This post Crypto Fear & Greed Index Plummets to 12 as Market Paralyzed by Extreme Fear first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

21 Mar 2026, 00:25

XRP Price Stagnation: How Overwhelming Retail Traffic Holds Back Cryptocurrency’s Crucial Growth

BitcoinWorld XRP Price Stagnation: How Overwhelming Retail Traffic Holds Back Cryptocurrency’s Crucial Growth Institutional capital remains the missing catalyst for XRP’s price appreciation, according to Evernode CEO Ashish Birla, who reveals how overwhelming retail traffic currently masks the cryptocurrency’s fundamental need for large-scale liquidity bridge functionality. The digital asset’s on-chain activity shows promising growth, yet its market value continues to disappoint investors seeking substantial returns. This apparent contradiction between network health and price performance has become a central topic in cryptocurrency analysis circles. Understanding this dynamic requires examining the structural differences between retail participation and institutional adoption in blockchain ecosystems. Market observers now scrutinize transaction patterns to predict when XRP might achieve its long-promised potential as a global settlement asset. XRP Price Dynamics and Retail Market Influence Ashish Birla’s analysis highlights a critical market reality for XRP investors. The cryptocurrency demonstrates robust on-chain metrics with millions of retail transactions occurring regularly across global exchanges. However, this retail activity fails to translate into sustained price appreciation because individual transactions typically involve smaller capital amounts. Retail investors generally participate through spot trading and small-scale transfers rather than moving substantial institutional capital. Consequently, while transaction volume statistics appear impressive, the actual monetary value flowing through the network remains insufficient to overcome existing sell pressure. This situation creates what market analysts describe as ‘high-frequency, low-impact’ trading patterns that maintain network activity without driving price discovery. Market data from 2024 reveals several important trends about XRP’s retail dominance. First, exchange inflow and outflow metrics show consistent retail participation across major trading platforms. Second, wallet distribution statistics indicate that small-balance addresses continue to proliferate while large-balance wallets show minimal growth. Third, transaction size analysis demonstrates that most XRP transfers involve amounts below $1,000, confirming the retail-heavy nature of current network usage. These patterns contrast sharply with institutional adoption scenarios where fewer but much larger transactions would dominate network activity. The persistence of retail-dominated usage patterns explains why XRP’s price remains range-bound despite increasing adoption metrics. Institutional Adoption as the Missing Catalyst Birla emphasizes that XRP requires institutional capital deployment to function as a true liquidity bridge between traditional financial systems. Banks and corporations would utilize the digital asset for working capital management, cross-border settlements, and treasury operations. This institutional usage would generate sustained demand fundamentally different from retail speculation. Institutional transactions typically involve larger amounts held for longer periods, creating consistent buying pressure and reducing market volatility. Furthermore, institutional adoption brings regulatory clarity and infrastructure development that benefits the entire ecosystem. The absence of this institutional participation explains XRP’s current price stagnation despite growing retail interest. Several factors currently limit institutional engagement with XRP. Regulatory uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency classification remains a primary concern for traditional financial institutions. Additionally, the ongoing legal proceedings between Ripple and the SEC create hesitation among potential institutional adopters. Infrastructure limitations also play a role, as many traditional financial systems lack direct integration with XRP’s distributed ledger technology. However, positive developments are emerging in this space. Several financial institutions have begun pilot programs using XRP for cross-border payments, and regulatory frameworks are gradually becoming clearer in multiple jurisdictions. These developments suggest that institutional adoption may accelerate in the coming years, potentially altering XRP’s price dynamics significantly. Expert Analysis of Market Structure Financial analysts specializing in cryptocurrency markets identify specific structural issues affecting XRP’s price performance. The digital asset’s market capitalization relative to its transaction volume reveals an imbalance common in retail-dominated assets. Unlike Bitcoin, which has achieved substantial institutional penetration through ETF products and corporate treasury allocations, XRP remains primarily accessible through retail exchanges. This accessibility difference creates distinct market behaviors where retail sentiment drives short-term price movements while institutional capital determines long-term valuation trends. Market structure analysis suggests that XRP needs to overcome several thresholds before institutional capital can dominate its price discovery mechanism. Comparative analysis with other digital assets provides valuable context for understanding XRP’s position. Ethereum successfully transitioned from retail-dominated to institutionally-supported through its smart contract functionality and DeFi ecosystem development. Similarly, Solana attracted institutional interest through high-performance capabilities appealing to financial applications. XRP’s unique value proposition as a settlement layer between financial institutions positions it differently from these programmable blockchain platforms. This specialization means that institutional adoption will likely follow different patterns, potentially involving fewer but larger participants from the traditional financial sector rather than diverse institutional investors across multiple industries. The Liquidity Bridge Functionality Gap Evernode’s analysis centers on XRP’s potential as a liquidity bridge between disparate financial systems. This functionality requires substantial liquidity pools accessible to institutional participants for large-scale transactions. Currently, XRP’s liquidity remains fragmented across multiple exchanges and geographic regions, preventing efficient large-scale transfers. Institutional participants require deeper order books, better price stability, and reduced slippage for significant capital deployment. The cryptocurrency’s current market structure fails to meet these institutional requirements despite adequate performance for retail-scale transactions. This gap between retail functionality and institutional requirements represents the core challenge for XRP’s price appreciation. Several technical and market developments could address this liquidity bridge gap. Enhanced institutional trading platforms specifically designed for XRP could provide the necessary infrastructure for large-scale transactions. Improved regulatory frameworks would enable traditional financial institutions to participate more freely in XRP markets. Additionally, increased integration between XRP’s native ledger and traditional financial messaging systems like SWIFT could facilitate institutional adoption. Market makers specializing in XRP could develop deeper liquidity pools through algorithmic trading strategies. These developments would collectively enhance XRP’s functionality as a liquidity bridge, potentially triggering the institutional capital inflows necessary for sustained price appreciation. Network Health Versus Price Performance The divergence between XRP’s network health metrics and its price performance represents a fascinating case study in cryptocurrency valuation. Network health indicators including transaction count, active addresses, and network utilization all show positive trends. However, these metrics correlate poorly with price appreciation in the current market environment. This disconnect occurs because network health metrics primarily measure adoption and usage rather than economic value capture. Retail transactions contribute significantly to network health statistics while having minimal impact on the underlying economic fundamentals that drive long-term price appreciation. This situation highlights the limitations of using network metrics alone to predict cryptocurrency price movements. Historical analysis reveals that other digital assets experienced similar phases before achieving price breakthroughs. Bitcoin demonstrated strong network health for years before institutional adoption triggered its major price appreciation cycles. Ethereum maintained robust network activity throughout 2018-2020 before DeFi and institutional interest drove its subsequent price increases. These historical parallels suggest that XRP’s current phase of strong network health with limited price appreciation might precede a similar transition toward institutional-driven valuation. However, this transition requires specific catalysts including regulatory clarity, institutional infrastructure development, and demonstrated utility in real-world financial applications. Future Outlook and Market Implications The cryptocurrency market continues evolving toward greater institutional participation across multiple digital assets. XRP’s unique positioning as a potential bridge between traditional finance and blockchain technology gives it distinctive advantages in this institutional adoption wave. However, realizing these advantages requires overcoming current limitations in market structure and regulatory environment. Market analysts project several potential scenarios for XRP’s development over the coming years. These scenarios range from continued retail dominance with gradual price appreciation to rapid institutional adoption triggering significant valuation re-rating. The actual outcome will depend on multiple factors including regulatory developments, technological advancements, and competitive dynamics within the cryptocurrency sector. Investors monitoring XRP’s progress should focus on specific indicators beyond price alone. Institutional adoption metrics including OTC trading volume, custody solutions utilization, and regulatory approvals for institutional products provide better signals about fundamental progress. Additionally, developments in Ripple’s partnerships with financial institutions and expansion of use cases beyond cross-border payments offer insights into real-world utility growth. These fundamental indicators, rather than short-term price movements or retail transaction volumes, will ultimately determine XRP’s long-term valuation trajectory. Market participants who understand this distinction can make more informed decisions about XRP’s investment potential in evolving market conditions. Conclusion XRP price appreciation requires institutional capital deployment through liquidity bridge functionality, according to Evernode CEO Ashish Birla’s analysis of current market dynamics. The cryptocurrency demonstrates strong network health through retail participation but lacks the institutional engagement necessary for sustained valuation growth. This situation highlights the fundamental difference between adoption metrics and economic value capture in digital asset markets. As the cryptocurrency sector matures, the transition from retail-dominated to institutionally-supported markets will likely determine which assets achieve long-term success. XRP’s specialized positioning for financial institution applications gives it unique potential in this evolving landscape, though realizing this potential requires overcoming current structural limitations in market liquidity and regulatory frameworks. FAQs Q1: What does Evernode’s CEO mean by XRP not functioning as a liquidity bridge? Ashish Birla refers to XRP’s current inability to facilitate large-scale capital transfers between financial institutions. While retail users actively trade XRP, banks and corporations aren’t yet using it for substantial working capital or settlement purposes, which would create the sustained demand needed for price appreciation. Q2: Why doesn’t high retail transaction volume translate to XRP price increases? Retail transactions typically involve smaller amounts and shorter holding periods than institutional transactions. While millions of small transactions show network adoption, they don’t create the consistent, substantial buying pressure needed to overcome market sell orders and drive sustained price appreciation. Q3: What specific developments would indicate growing institutional adoption of XRP? Key indicators include increased OTC trading volume, expansion of institutional custody solutions, regulatory approvals for XRP-based financial products, announced partnerships with major financial institutions, and measurable use in corporate treasury operations or cross-border settlement systems. Q4: How does XRP’s current situation compare to other cryptocurrencies that achieved institutional adoption? Similar to Bitcoin and Ethereum in their earlier phases, XRP shows strong network fundamentals without corresponding price appreciation. These assets eventually transitioned when institutional infrastructure developed, regulatory clarity improved, and demonstrated utility attracted larger capital deployments. Q5: What timeframe might be involved in XRP transitioning to institutional-driven valuation? Transition timelines depend on multiple factors including regulatory resolutions, technological developments, and market conditions. Historical parallels suggest such transitions typically require 2-4 years from initial institutional interest to substantial capital deployment, though specific circumstances for XRP may accelerate or delay this process. This post XRP Price Stagnation: How Overwhelming Retail Traffic Holds Back Cryptocurrency’s Crucial Growth first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

21 Mar 2026, 00:00

Is Shiba Inu’s Price About to Pump? Large SHIB Outflows Hint at Accumulation

Shiba Inu’s recent behavior indicates a market experiencing both volatility and underlying accumulation. While the asset has faced short-term price pressure, on-chain and exchange flow data show growing interest from holders who appear to be positioning for longer-term prospects. Data from CryptoQuant shows a noticeable shift in exchange behavior, with more SHIB tokens leaving trading platforms than entering them. A negative netflow of this magnitude generally reflects reduced immediate selling intent, as assets are moved into private wallets or alternative storage solutions. This pattern often signals that holders are opting to retain their positions rather than trade them in the short term. By removing tokens from exchanges, the available supply for quick liquidation decreases, which can influence price stability if demand persists. Supporting this observation, Coinglass data presents a similar, though smaller-scale, trend. Over the same 24-hour period, inflows to exchanges were valued at approximately $5.95 million, while outflows reached $6.13 million. This results in a net difference of $181,350, equivalent to roughly 30 billion SHIB at current price levels. Although the figures differ from CryptoQuant’s estimates, both datasets indicate that withdrawals are more than the deposits. Price Movement and Market Reaction Earlier in the week, SHIB experienced a decline lasting three consecutive days, with a total drop of around 6%. This followed a rejection near the $0.00000644 level, which acted as a short-term resistance point, but market conditions shifted shortly afterward. The asset has since recorded a gain exceeding 5%, supported by renewed buying activity during the Asian trading session. Technical indicators, including a dragonfly doji formation on the daily chart, suggest that selling pressure weakened toward the end of the previous trading cycle. At present, SHIB is attempting to recover the losses it recorded earlier in the week. Continuous upward movement would depend on its ability to maintain momentum and overcome nearby resistance levels. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Liquidations Show Market Imbalance The recent price fluctuations have led to increased liquidation activity. In total, about $186,080 worth of positions were closed involuntarily within 24 hours. Long traders were more affected, accounting for approximately $139,200 of these liquidations, compared to $46,880 attributed to short positions. However, shorter timeframes reveal a shift in dynamics. Over a 12-hour window, short liquidations exceeded long liquidations, with $38,710 in short positions closed versus $12,700 in long positions. This suggests that bearish traders are beginning to encounter pressure as the market shows signs of recovery. SHIB is currently trading near the $0.0000060 resistance zone . If the token successfully moves above this level, it could open the path for further gains. On the other hand, failure to break through may result in another pullback, with support levels located around $0.00000545 and $0.00000507. Although there are still signs of short-term volatility, the consistent outflow of tokens from exchanges shows that some market participants are accumulating, and this may influence price direction in the coming sessions. 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 urged to do in-depth 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 Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Is Shiba Inu’s Price About to Pump? Large SHIB Outflows Hint at Accumulation appeared first on Times Tabloid .

21 Mar 2026, 00:00

Over Half A Billion Dollars Wiped Out As Bitcoin Locks In At $70,000

Whale wallets quietly shifted to buying mode over the past two weeks — even as the broader crypto market absorbed one of its worst single-day liquidation events in recent memory. Related Reading: Bitcoin Stalls Near $75K As Traders Move Coins To Exchanges A Massive Options Expiry Freezes The Price Friday’s settlement of Deribit’s March options contracts has effectively put Bitcoin on hold. The expiry involves 24,838 contracts with a combined notional value of $1.72 billion, and BTC has landed squarely at the $70,000 strike — the exact level known as “max pain,” where the greatest number of options contracts expire worthless. That pins price in a tight band. Traders expect it to hold between $69,000 and $71,000 until contracts settle later today. Max pain is not a coincidence. It describes the point where option sellers — typically institutional market makers — collect maximum losses from buyers. When open interest is concentrated enough, the market tends to drift toward that level as expiry approaches, and that appears to be exactly what happened this week. Bitcoin fell about 1.4% from midnight Thursday, landing at $70,000 by the time derivatives traders were watching closely. Longs Got Crushed While Shorts Walked Away The damage across the broader market was severe. Data shows 141,810 traders were liquidated over a 24-hour stretch, with total losses reaching $541 million. Long positions — bets that prices would rise — accounted for $443 million of that, or roughly 80% of the total. Short sellers, by contrast, lost only $97 million. Bitcoin led the wreckage at $191 million in liquidations. Ether followed at $165 million. The single largest loss was a $18 million ETH/USDT position on the Aster exchange, wiped out in one move. Open Interest, Futures Down The time breakdown tells the story clearly. The one-hour window showed relatively balanced liquidations at $18 million. But zoom out to four hours and the figure jumps to $126 million — and over 12 hours, it hit $300 million, almost entirely from leveraged buyers who got caught on the wrong side. Related Reading: Bitcoin Gains Ground On Gold Even As Both Assets Slide Futures open interest industry-wide fell 5.6% to close to $107 billion. Ether futures dropped 9% alongside a 6% decline in spot price, a combination that points to capital leaving the market outright, not just prices falling. Funding rates for Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, and BNB have all turned negative, a sign that short positions are back in demand across the board. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView