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20 May 2026, 09:25

Bitcoin Liquidation Risk: $1.08 Billion at Stake if BTC Falls Below $75K

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Liquidation Risk: $1.08 Billion at Stake if BTC Falls Below $75K Bitcoin faces a critical price threshold that could trigger a cascade of forced selling. According to data from CoinGlass, a drop in the price of Bitcoin (BTC) below $75,035 would result in the liquidation of approximately $1.08 billion in long positions across major centralized cryptocurrency exchanges. This figure represents the total value of leveraged buy orders that would be automatically closed if the market moves against them. Understanding the Liquidation Thresholds The data highlights two key price levels that currently define the market’s risk profile. The first, at $75,035, acts as a major support level for long positions. If breached, the automated liquidation of these leveraged bets could add significant downward pressure on the price, potentially accelerating a sell-off. Conversely, a rally above $78,037 would put $543.31 million in short positions at risk of liquidation, potentially fueling a short squeeze that could drive prices higher. These figures, compiled by CoinGlass, aggregate open interest and leverage data from exchanges such as Binance, Bybit, and OKX, offering a real-time snapshot of market leverage. Why These Levels Matter to Traders Liquidation clusters act as both support and resistance zones. When a large volume of long positions is concentrated at a specific price, it often represents a ‘liquidity pool’ that market makers and large traders may target. The potential for a $1.08 billion liquidation event makes the $75,000 region a focal point for both bulls and bears. For retail traders, understanding these zones is crucial for risk management. A sudden move through $75K could trigger a chain reaction, similar to the cascading liquidations seen during the May 2021 crash, where over $1 billion in long positions were wiped out in a single day. Market Context and Implications The current data arrives during a period of reduced volatility for Bitcoin, which has been trading in a relatively narrow range. The presence of such a large concentration of leveraged longs suggests that many traders are betting on continued upward momentum. However, this also makes the market vulnerable to sudden shocks, such as regulatory news or macroeconomic data releases. The asymmetry between the two figures—$1.08 billion in long liquidations versus $543 million in short liquidations—indicates that the market is currently skewed toward bullish bets, increasing the potential for a sharp correction if sentiment shifts. Conclusion The $75,035 and $78,037 price levels represent more than just psychological barriers; they are concrete points of financial risk for leveraged traders. While not a guarantee of a market move, the concentration of liquidations at these levels makes them key areas to watch in the coming days. Traders should monitor volume and volatility near these thresholds, as a break in either direction could lead to amplified price action. The data serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in leveraged cryptocurrency trading, where rapid, automated liquidations can turn a routine price fluctuation into a significant market event. FAQs Q1: What does it mean when a long position is liquidated? A long position is liquidated when the price of an asset falls below a certain level set by the exchange, causing the trader’s collateral to be insufficient to cover the position. The exchange automatically closes the trade to prevent further losses, and the trader loses their initial margin. Q2: How does CoinGlass calculate these liquidation figures? CoinGlass aggregates data from major centralized exchanges using their public APIs. It calculates the total value of open long and short positions that would be liquidated if the price hits a specific level, factoring in the leverage used by traders on each exchange. Q3: Should I expect Bitcoin to definitely hit $75K because of this data? No. Liquidation data indicates potential risk zones, not guaranteed price movements. The market may never reach those levels. However, if it does, the probability of increased volatility and rapid price movement is higher due to the concentration of forced liquidations. This post Bitcoin Liquidation Risk: $1.08 Billion at Stake if BTC Falls Below $75K first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 May 2026, 09:15

Circle Mints 250 Million USDC, Expanding Stablecoin Supply on Ethereum

BitcoinWorld Circle Mints 250 Million USDC, Expanding Stablecoin Supply on Ethereum Blockchain tracking service Whale Alert reported the minting of 250 million USD Coin (USDC) at the USDC Treasury on the Ethereum network. The transaction, which occurred on June 12, 2025, adds a significant amount of liquidity to the stablecoin ecosystem, one of the most widely used digital dollars in decentralized finance (DeFi) and centralized exchanges. What the Minting Means for the Market The minting of new USDC tokens is a routine operational activity performed by Circle, the company behind the stablecoin. It typically occurs in response to demand from institutional clients and exchanges who need to facilitate trading, lending, or cross-border payments. An increase in supply can signal growing demand for dollar-denominated digital assets, particularly in volatile market conditions where traders seek a stable store of value. This specific minting event brings the total circulating supply of USDC to approximately 33.5 billion tokens, according to on-chain data. While this is a notable increase, it remains below the peak supply of over 55 billion USDC seen in mid-2022, before a series of industry shocks, including the de-pegging of USDC in March 2023 during the Silicon Valley Bank crisis. Context: USDC’s Role in the Crypto Economy USDC is a fully reserved stablecoin, meaning each token is backed by cash and short-term U.S. Treasury bonds held in segregated accounts. Circle publishes monthly attestations from a top accounting firm to verify its reserves. This transparency has made USDC a trusted pillar of the crypto financial system, used for everything from yield farming on DeFi protocols to settling large over-the-counter trades. The recent minting follows a pattern of steady supply growth throughout 2024 and 2025, as market conditions have stabilized and institutional interest in digital assets has increased. Analysts at Kaiko have noted that stablecoin supply growth often correlates with rising trading volumes and can be a leading indicator of bullish sentiment. Impact on DeFi and Liquidity An injection of 250 million USDC directly increases the liquidity available on Ethereum-based decentralized exchanges like Uniswap and Curve. For DeFi users, this can mean tighter spreads and lower slippage on large trades. For centralized exchanges, it provides the necessary inventory to support fiat on-ramps and trading pairs. It is important to note that minting does not automatically imply immediate circulation. The newly created tokens are held at the Treasury and may be distributed to partner exchanges or custodians over time. The actual market impact will depend on how quickly these tokens enter active trading pools. Conclusion The minting of 250 million USDC by Circle is a routine but significant event that reflects ongoing demand for regulated stablecoins. It provides additional liquidity to the Ethereum ecosystem and reinforces USDC’s position as a key infrastructure layer for the digital asset economy. While not a market-moving event in itself, it is a positive signal of sustained institutional activity and stablecoin utility. FAQs Q1: Why does Circle mint new USDC? Circle mints USDC in response to demand from institutional clients and exchanges. When a client deposits U.S. dollars, Circle creates an equivalent amount of USDC tokens. The minting process is the on-chain representation of that deposit. Q2: Does minting USDC affect its price? No. USDC is designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with the U.S. dollar. Minting increases supply, but it is always backed by an equal amount of fiat reserves, so the peg remains stable. Price fluctuations are rare and typically related to market panic or reserve concerns. Q3: Is this minting bullish for crypto markets? It can be interpreted as a mildly bullish signal because it indicates that institutions are adding dollar-based liquidity to the system. However, it is not a direct predictor of price movements. The actual market impact depends on how the newly minted tokens are deployed. This post Circle Mints 250 Million USDC, Expanding Stablecoin Supply on Ethereum first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 May 2026, 09:02

Former XRP Market Maker Just Said Something Most People Completely Missed

Crypto researcher Ripple Bull Winkle recently pointed to remarks from Alexis Sirkia, a former market maker for both XRP and Ethereum, who argued that investors may be focusing on the wrong metric when assessing XRP’s role in the financial system. According to the post, Sirkia believes the major development unfolding around XRP in 2026 is not tied to short-term price movement, but to the increasing integration of blockchain infrastructure into regulated financial operations. Ripple Bull Winkle said many market participants questioned why XRP’s price showed limited movement following the May 6 pilot connected to Ripple’s payment infrastructure. However, the post claimed that the actual settlement process used RLUSD , Ripple’s U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, while XRP serves as the underlying rail facilitating the transaction flow. According to the post, Sirkia explained that institutional-grade payment systems require a stable asset for compliance purposes. Ripple Bull Winkle noted that RLUSD is backed by U.S. Treasuries and cash reserves and operates under the regulatory structure of the New York Department of Financial Services. The post argued that these factors make the stablecoin suitable for institutional settlement activity. A former market maker for both XRP and Ethereum just said something most people completely missed. He wasn't talking about price. He was talking about something much bigger. And it reframes everything happening right now. — Ripple Bull Winkle | Crypto Researcher (@RipBullWinkle) May 18, 2026 XRP Positioned as Infrastructure Rather Than a Speculative Asset Ripple Bull Winkle emphasized Sirkia’s view that XRP should be seen as infrastructure supporting financial transactions rather than as an asset driven purely by speculative trading activity. The post stated that XRP’s utility may not immediately reflect in the market price because institutional adoption often develops gradually before transaction volume expands at scale. The X post quoted Sirkia as saying the separation between XRP’s market price and its network utility should not be automatically interpreted negatively. Instead, he reportedly described the current phase as a transition period in which blockchain networks are being evaluated based on their ability to support real financial systems. The post stressed that the focus is shifting toward operational efficiency, compliance, and settlement capability rather than short-term market momentum. Ripple Bull Winkle argued that this development is occurring quietly through institutional testing, financial working groups, and infrastructure rollouts. CME Group Developments Mentioned as Key Institutional Milestones Ripple Bull Winkle also pointed to upcoming developments involving CME Group. According to the post, CME Group plans to launch XRP index futures on June 8. It’s also transitioning all crypto futures trading to a 24/7 structure beginning May 29. The post suggested that these changes represent a major shift in how traditional financial institutions are approaching digital asset markets. Ripple Bull Winkle described the June 8 launch as an institutional entry point that has not previously existed for XRP-related products. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 In addition, the post referenced the proposed Clarity Act and claims that regulatory certainty could potentially unlock between $4 billion and $8 billion in XRP ETF inflows . Ripple Bull Winkle noted that Sirkia did not present those figures as a direct price target, but rather as an estimate of institutional capital that may enter the market once legal conditions become clearer. Ripple Bull Winkle Says Financial Infrastructure Is Quietly Changing The X post concluded by arguing that major shifts in global finance often happen gradually rather than through headline announcements. Ripple Bull Winkle said the transformation is taking place through fast settlement systems , compliance-focused payment pilots, and the expansion of institutional infrastructure. According to the post, the key issue is not whether the market notices these developments immediately, but whether investors recognize the significance of the infrastructure being built before transaction volume increases substantially. 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 Former XRP Market Maker Just Said Something Most People Completely Missed appeared first on Times Tabloid .

20 May 2026, 08:59

Crypto News Today, May 20: Trump Linked Bitcoin ETF Withdrawal, IRS Drama, and Iran Tensions Hit Crypto

Today, the crypto news cycle is being driven by institutional fear, political controversy, and global tension. We woke up to fresh concerns surrounding Bitcoin ETF outflows, the growing debate over the Trump IRS allegations, his company withdrawing its Bitcoin ETF application from the SEC, and rising geopolitical anxiety tied to the Iran escalation. Altcoins, meme coins, and tokenized asset projects all saw volatility as investors tried to reposition before another potentially chaotic week. Bitcoin is moving sideways, dotting the $76K – $77K range after heavy institutional selling pressure since the end of last week. The market is struggling to regain momentum after weeks of aggressive leverage and nonstop optimism. Ethereum, XRP, and Solana also lost steam during Asian trading hours before stabilizing slightly during the European session. Bitcoin (BTC) 24h 7d 30d 1y All time One of the largest talking points and catalysts involved tokenized equities after a report that the U.S. regulators are preparing a framework for blockchain-based stock trading. The development is a major step toward mainstream adoption, worthy of comparison to the early DeFi boom, except this time, traditional finance appears far more willing to participate directly. Today, Bitcoin ETF Outflows Dominate Crypto News The latest Bitcoin ETF data showed huge capital leaving institutional products, creating renewed concern that Wall Street demand may be cooling “temporarily.” However, we believe the current heavy outflows represent profit-taking, even as sentiment across derivatives markets turned noticeably more defensive overnight. Meanwhile, most crypto news today is now focused on Bitcoin rotation into tokenization and infrastructure plays. Projects connected to real-world assets, payment rails, and decentralized exchanges experienced sharp spikes in trading volume. Ondo and Hyperliquid are two of the best examples, with Hype posting 21% jump in a week, as Ondo is racking up 50% rally in 30 days. Ondo (ONDO) 24h 7d 30d 1y All time Outside both Ondo and Hype, XRP once again became one of the most discussed assets in Asia. South Korean exchanges reportedly saw XRP volumes surpass both Bitcoin and Ethereum during peak retail trading hours. The SBI holding Japan XRP ETF report brings institutional adoption and keeps XRP among the strongest-performing large-cap tokens this week. Xrp (XRP) 24h 7d 30d 1y All time At the same time, several large whales moved substantial amounts of Bitcoin onto exchanges, increasing speculation and volatility. Funding rates across perpetual futures markets also cooled sharply. Despite that weakness, many long-term holders believe that the market structure remains bullish as long as macroeconomic conditions improve. BlackRock Deposits $450M In Bitcoin To Coinbase Prime BlackRock has successfully moved 5,847 $BTC worth approximately $450M into the Coinbase Prime custody layer. This movement follows a series of high-volume inflows as the world’s largest asset manager scales its ETF… pic.twitter.com/8U46gtZ6F4 — BSCN (@BSCNews) May 19, 2026 Discover: The best pre-launch token sales Trump IRS Allegations and Iran Crypto Tensions Shake Markets Political uncertainty became another major theme today after renewed attention surrounding the Trump IRS controversy spread across crypto news. Critics questioned potential conflicts involving crypto-linked business relationships, while supporters backed the president, arguing the issue was being exaggerated for political reasons. Regardless of political alignment, we should fear that the headlines could increase regulatory pressure at a sensitive moment for the industry. BREAKING: Acting AG Todd Blanche signed an order Tuesday barring the IRS from examining President Trump’s prior tax returns and blocking the agency from pursuing pending claims against Trump, his family or his businesses. pic.twitter.com/QhEGUjeyMU — Fox News (@FoxNews) May 19, 2026 Another Iran discussion emerged around energy prices and regional instability that could affect crypto mining costs. We know and have seen that prolonged geopolitical stress could create temporary pressure on risk assets, including crypto. But we also saw that uncertainty strengthened Bitcoin’s appeal during COVID, as a decentralized alternative during periods of distrust and global financial fragmentation. The controversial Trump-linked media and crypto ecosystem also remained under heavy scrutiny after reports connected to a withdrawn filing fueled fresh speculation online. People start linking the development back to the Trump IRS drama, especially as political narratives increasingly intersect with digital asset markets. We all still remember Trump’s family members’ namesake memecoins that don’t last at high for more than a working bee’s lifespan. Despite the chaos today, venture firms and crypto developers are still pushing aggressively into tokenization, AI trading infrastructure, and on-chain financial products. We believe that the next major bull cycle will be driven less by retail speculation and more by institutions integrating blockchain technology directly into traditional finance systems. For now, the combination of crypto news volatility, persistent Bitcoin ETF pressure, expanding Trump IRS controversy, and mounting Iran crypto concerns continues shaping sentiment across the crypto market. Discover: The best crypto to diversify your portfolio with The post Crypto News Today, May 20: Trump Linked Bitcoin ETF Withdrawal, IRS Drama, and Iran Tensions Hit Crypto appeared first on Cryptonews .

20 May 2026, 08:42

Zest Protocol crypto price soars 128%: here’s why altcoin is rising

The Zest Protocol (ZEST) coin has recorded a sharp upward move, gaining 128.9% in the past 24 hours to trade at $0.1787 at press time. The rally placed the cryptocurrency among the most actively traded altcoins of the day, with heavy activity recorded across multiple exchanges. The price action unfolded alongside intense trading activity, with 24-hour volumes reported near $98.6 million. This level of turnover reflected aggressive participation from both new entrants and short-term traders reacting to recent market developments around the token. Exchange listings and new liquidity channels drive momentum The strongest driver behind ZEST’s rally has been a wave of new exchange listings that significantly expanded access to the token. On May 19, 2026, KCEX introduced both spot and futures trading for ZEST, while BitMart also added support, opening additional entry points for retail and derivatives traders. The arrival of futures markets added leverage-based exposure, which typically amplifies both upside moves and volatility during early price discovery phases. Binance Alpha also played a role in the token’s visibility surge, alongside Binance Wallet perpetual trading support. The introduction of perpetual contracts on Binance Wallet lowered friction for derivatives participation, allowing traders to gain exposure without holding spot assets directly. Alongside this, a trading competition involving ZEST was launched on Aster, further increasing attention across derivative-focused participants. A separate but important catalyst was the Season 1 airdrop rollout, which created short-term demand as users positioned themselves to qualify for or claim distributions. Eligible Binance Alpha participants with at least 240 points could receive allocations of 800 ZEST tokens on a first-come, first-served basis, adding urgency around trading activity during the launch window. Liquidity expansion was further supported by Bitflow, which integrated ZEST into its decentralised exchange infrastructure. The introduction of liquidity pools allowed on-chain participants to provide capital directly, improving depth across decentralised markets. This combination of centralised exchange listings, derivatives access, and decentralised liquidity formation created multiple parallel channels for trading activity within a short period. ZEST coin price outlook ZEST’s price movement has taken place within a rapidly shifting market structure characterised by sharp volatility and fast-moving order flow. The token reached an all-time high of $0.1911 during the 24-hour period, while the lowest recorded level in the same window stood at $0.06573. This wide range highlights the intensity of price discovery following new listings and liquidity injections. At the current price of $0.1787, the asset remains close to its intraday peak, suggesting continued strong participation from buyers during the rally phase. However, trading conditions have remained highly reactive, with price movements closely tied to liquidity conditions across exchanges. A key short-term level being monitored is $0.15, which has emerged as a structural support zone following its role as a prior resistance area. Holding above this level has been associated with continued consolidation after sharp upward moves. If price fails to maintain support at this level, downside movement toward the $0.10 to $0.12 range has been identified as a potential area where earlier demand previously appeared. The post Zest Protocol crypto price soars 128%: here’s why altcoin is rising appeared first on Invezz

20 May 2026, 08:40

On-Chain Data Reveals Bitcoin’s Healthy Correction Floor at $66K, Fresh Buying at $76K

BitcoinWorld On-Chain Data Reveals Bitcoin’s Healthy Correction Floor at $66K, Fresh Buying at $76K A cryptocurrency analyst has identified a potential healthy correction range for Bitcoin (BTC) between approximately $66,000 and $78,000, drawing on on-chain data that reveals significant buying activity at these levels despite recent price declines. Analyst Points to On-Chain Support Levels In a detailed post on X, analyst Murphy (@Murphychen888) referenced Glassnode’s UTXO Realized Price Distribution (URPD) data from May 15 to highlight where the most significant change of hands occurred. According to the data, the $66,000 and $78,000 levels saw the largest volume of Bitcoin moving between wallets, suggesting strong interest from buyers at these prices. Murphy noted that, in contrast, trading activity between $80,000 and $82,000 was relatively thin, despite the price holding in that range for approximately one week. This divergence indicates that the market may be seeking a more solid foundation at lower levels. Fresh Buying Pressure Emerges at $76,000 Perhaps the most telling signal came on May 19. Even as the price of Bitcoin continued to fall, the volume of coins held at an average purchase price of around $76,000 grew substantially. According to Murphy’s analysis, the amount of BTC at that level increased from approximately 200,000 BTC to 380,000 BTC, signaling that additional buying pressure emerged even as the market dipped below that cost basis. This accumulation suggests that investors view the current price range as a value zone, potentially creating a stronger support level if more volume accumulates in this area. Murphy predicted that if this trend continues, the $76,000 level could form a more robust floor than previously observed. What This Means for Bitcoin Investors For market participants, the on-chain data provides a data-driven perspective on where Bitcoin may find support during corrections. Unlike traditional technical analysis that relies on price patterns, URPD data reflects actual transaction costs, offering a clearer picture of where holders are most concentrated. The $66,000 level, in particular, represents a zone where many buyers entered the market, making it a potential area of strong demand during future dips. The analysis also underscores the importance of monitoring on-chain metrics during volatile periods, as they can reveal hidden buying pressure that is not immediately visible on price charts alone. Conclusion While Bitcoin’s short-term price direction remains uncertain, the on-chain data analyzed by Murphy offers a measured, evidence-based view of where the market may find support. The $66,000 to $78,000 range, supported by growing volume at $76,000, provides a framework for understanding potential correction floors. As always, investors are reminded that on-chain data is one tool among many, and market conditions can shift rapidly. FAQs Q1: What is URPD data and why is it useful for Bitcoin analysis? URPD (UTXO Realized Price Distribution) data from Glassnode shows the distribution of Bitcoin based on the price at which each coin last moved. It helps analysts identify support and resistance levels by revealing where large volumes of coins were acquired, making those price points more significant for future price action. Q2: Does the $66,000 level guarantee a Bitcoin price floor? No, on-chain data does not guarantee price floors. It provides statistical evidence of where buying interest has historically been concentrated, which can act as a support zone. However, market conditions, sentiment, and external factors can always override historical patterns. Q3: How reliable is analyst Murphy’s analysis? Murphy is a known cryptocurrency analyst on X who frequently uses Glassnode data. The analysis is based on publicly available on-chain metrics, which are considered reliable for identifying broad market trends. However, individual analyst interpretations should be cross-referenced with other data sources for a comprehensive view. This post On-Chain Data Reveals Bitcoin’s Healthy Correction Floor at $66K, Fresh Buying at $76K first appeared on BitcoinWorld .