Bitcoin compresses between $90K and $94K – A big move is brewing

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-01-11Last updated on 2026-01-11

Abstract

Bitcoin is currently consolidating between $90K and $94K after a recent rejection at the higher level, signaling a market at a critical juncture. Key data shows that while there are more long positions in the Futures market, large investors (whales) on Bitfinex have begun aggressively closing their long positions. Historically, this behavior has preceded significant price rallies, such as a past +50% surge. Market liquidity is heavily skewed towards the short side, with major liquidation clusters identified. A break above $94K could trigger a short squeeze, while a drop below $90K support may lead to increased long liquidations and further downside. The Long/Short Ratio remains below 1, indicating prevailing bearish sentiment. The outcome hinges on whether bulls can muster enough demand to break out or if bears will force a breakdown.

Bitcoin’s attempted bullish move slowed days ago after BTC was rejected at $94k. Since then, Bitcoin has traded within a thin margin, holding between $90k and $93k, indicating a market at a critical point.

At press time, the king coin traded at $90,739, down 0.12% on the daily charts. Amid this market stagnation, investors in the Futures market, especially whales, have reduced buy-side exposure.

Bitfinex whales aggressively close Bitcoin longs

Significantly, activities in the Bitcoin Futures market have heated up over the past days. In fact, according to CoinGlass data, there are more 2x longs than short positions on Bitcoin, reflecting a positive market perception.

However, in a major shift, whales have started to reduce their exposure. Thus, Bitcoin whales on Bitfinex began repeating a classic bull signal, closing long positions in BTC.

After a year of overall declining market exposure, whales are closing positions at a significantly higher rate.

Historically, such market behavior has had major implications on BTC’s price movement, as it has preceded major price pumps.

For instance, the last time Bitfinex whales closed longs, Bitcoin pumped +50% in 43 days and hit a new ATH of 112k. This followed major shorts getting liquidated.

Therefore, if history is anything to go by, Bitcoin could see another major rally and clear all losses since October 2025.

Market liquidity remains stacked on the short side

Currently, BTC remains stuck between two major liquidation clusters, as per Coinglass’s Liquidation heatmap.

As such, there are short liquidation zones between $91.8-92.2K and $93.8k-$94.2k. In this zone, if Bitcoin breaks above them, shorts will be forced to close, potentially triggering a short squeeze.

At the same time, there are long liquidation zones around $89k and $88k, and if BTC drops below either, liquidations could increase downside risk.

However, market liquidity remains heavily skewed toward the short side, according to Cryptopulse. Although there are more longs around $88k, the most weight remains with short sellers.

Even more, short sellers have continued to pile up. In fact, Bitcoin’s Long/Short Ratio has remained below 1 for five consecutive days.

At press time, this ratio was around 0.9, reflecting higher demand for short positions in the market. Usually, when this metric sits here, it suggests most traders are bearish and are aggressively betting against the market.

What’s next for BTC?

Bitcoin has shown relative weakness, driven by reduced capital inflow and extreme market calm. In fact, its Relative Strength Index (RSI) dropped from 65 to 52, making a bearish crossover.

Such a decline here suggests weakened market demand, although sellers have yet to take full control. Such conditions point to a fierce battle between bulls and bears.

Thus, the continuation of the status quo could see a prolonged sideways movement.

However, if demand finally outpaces sellers, we could see a breakout above $94k, with short sellers liquidated, further strengthening the upside.

However, if bulls fail to hold $90k support, Bitcoin will find support at $88k, which could see significant long liquidation, further strengthening the downside.

Related Questions

QWhat price range has Bitcoin been trading within recently, and what does it indicate?

ABitcoin has been trading within a thin margin between $90k and $93k, indicating a market at a critical point.

QWhat significant action have Bitfinex whales taken recently, and what is its historical implication?

ABitfinex whales have been aggressively closing their long positions. Historically, this behavior has preceded major price pumps, such as the last time when Bitcoin pumped +50% in 43 days and hit a new ATH of $112k.

QAccording to the liquidation heatmap, what are the key price zones to watch for a potential short squeeze?

AThe key short liquidation zones are between $91.8k-$92.2k and $93.8k-$94.2k. If Bitcoin breaks above these zones, it could trigger a short squeeze.

QWhat does Bitcoin's Long/Short Ratio being below 1 for five consecutive days suggest about market sentiment?

AA Long/Short Ratio below 1 for five consecutive days, currently around 0.9, suggests that most traders are bearish and are aggressively betting against the market by taking more short positions.

QWhat are the two potential price scenarios for Bitcoin mentioned in the article based on the $90k support level?

AIf bulls hold the $90k support and demand outpaces sellers, a breakout above $94k could occur, triggering a short squeeze. However, if bulls fail to hold $90k, Bitcoin could drop to find support at $88k, leading to significant long liquidations and strengthening the downside.

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