Bitcoin tags $90K as crypto market spike liquidates $120M shorts

cointelegraphPublished on 2025-12-17Last updated on 2025-12-17

Abstract

Bitcoin (BTC) surged back to $90,000 during Wednesday’s Wall Street open, erasing recent losses and liquidating over $120 million in short positions. Analysts noted that liquidity dynamics continue to drive short-term price action, with a key breakout above $88,000 potentially pushing BTC toward $93,000–94,000. However, some traders warned of a possible breakdown below the 100-week moving average support near $85,000, with bearish targets as low as $76,000. Despite the bounce, uncertainty remains, with some viewing the move as a temporary squeeze rather than a sustained recovery.

Bitcoin (BTC) returned to $90,000 after Wednesday’s Wall Street open as traders eyed vulnerable short positions.

Key points:

  • Bitcoin erases recent losses with a fresh trip to the $90,000 mark.

  • Liquidity games remain the key driver of short-term BTC price action, with shorts this time getting punished.

  • Bearish price predictions include a “breakdown” below the 100-week moving average cloud.

Liquidity-hungry Bitcoin grills late shorts

Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed erratic BTC price action sparking 2.5% daily gains before a reversal.

BTC/USD one-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView


The momentum copied Tuesday’s US open, which saw a “battle” unfold between buyers and sellers. Then, as now, liquidity on both sides of the price was in the firing line.

“A great move upwards on $BTC and there are a lot of shorts ready to be taken out,” crypto trader, analyst and entrepreneur Michaël van de Poppe reacted on X, calling price action “great.”

“The $88K breakout is crucial, I think that it's very likely that we'll start moving all the way to $93-94K.”
BTC/USDT four-hour chart with RSI, volume data. Source: Michaël van de Poppe/X


Commentator Exitpump likewise praised a “strong” start to the US session, eyeing shorts getting “squeezed” above $88,000.

The latest data from monitoring resource CoinGlass showed crypto short liquidations over the four hours to the time of writing passing $120 million.

Total crypto liquidations (screenshot). Source: CoinGlass


“$BTC Pretty much back to where it traded about 6 months ago. Liquidity taken on the way up and on the way down,” trader Daan Crypto Trades summarized about longer timeframes.

“The biggest liquidity cluster in relatively close proximity sits at $95K. But all in all it's pretty empty all things considered.”
BTC liquidation heatmap. Source: Daan Crypto Trades/X

BTC price “breakdown” still expected

For Caleb Franzen, creator of trading resource Cubic Analytics, Bitcoin’s 100-week simple (SMA) and exponential (EMA) moving averages were key.

Related: Bitcoin institutional buys flip new supply for the first time in 6 weeks

As Cointelegraph reported, these levels, now both just below $85,000, were already on the radar as a form of last-ditch support level.

“Bitcoin is on the verge of breaking below its 100-week moving average cloud, Franzen warned Tuesday.

Franzen thus joined those expecting a BTC price breakdown, saying that this should occur “soon” but that it would also provide an opportunity to buy the dip using dollar cost averaging (DCA).

BTC/USD three-day chart with 100-week SMA, EMA. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView


Others continued to see new macro lows on the horizon, including $76,000, which trader Roman described as “coming in the near future.”

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.



Trending Cryptos

ctr
CitreaCTR
wstusdt
wrapped stUSDTWSTUSDT
apr
CapricornAPR
audio
AudiusAUDIO
comp
CompoundCOMP
mantra
MantraMANTRA
xvs
VenusXVS
waxl
AxelarWAXL
bill
Billions NetworkBILL
pyth
PYTH (Pyth)PYTH
rune
THORChainRUNE
velodrome
Velodrome FinanceVELODROME
brev
BrevisBREV
zrx
ZRX（0X）ZRX
cake
PancakeSwapCAKE

Related Reads

Major Altcoin Market Players Did This During the Massive Rally!

As the cryptocurrency bull market intensifies, large-scale transactions by crypto 'whales' are drawing significant attention. Blockchain data reveals multi-million dollar positions opened and closed in Bitcoin ($BTC), Ethereum ($ETH), and Hyperliquid ($HYPE). A major investor, likely tied to Matrixport, closed a 40,000 $ETH long position worth ~$100.5M for a $9.9M profit. The investor still holds 80,000 $ETH (~$201M) and 500 $BTC (~$39M), with an unrealized profit of ~$22.9M. This turned their previous $92.5M total loss into an approximate $32.8M overall profit. On Hyperliquid, a trader known as loracle.hl reportedly lost over $70M trading $HYPE in the past three months. The investor currently holds ~$54.88M in $HYPE short positions, at risk of liquidation if $HYPE's price reaches $101.15. Notorious trader Machi Big Brother, who reportedly survived 500 liquidations, capitalized on the recent rally. He grew his portfolio from $152K to $12.72M in just three days, yielding over $12.5M in profit. While $HYPE hits a new all-time high, Multicoin Capital has deposited 427,422 $HYPE (~$31.74M) to Coinbase Prime over three days, raising speculation about a potential sale or portfolio rebalance. In Bitcoin markets, an anonymous whale stands out, selling ~2,700 $BTC (~$211.8M) in a recent transaction. Over three days, this whale sold a total of 7,700 $BTC, valued at approximately $576.6M.

cryptonews.ru9m ago

Major Altcoin Market Players Did This During the Massive Rally!

cryptonews.ru9m ago

Goldman Sachs' Summary After Silicon Valley Investigation: Agents Enter the Execution Era, AI Competition Shifts to Workflows, World Models Rise

Based on a recent field research in Silicon Valley, Goldman Sachs highlights a key shift in the AI industry: moving from systems that "answer questions" to autonomous AI agents that "execute tasks." Commercial models are transitioning from per-seat subscriptions to usage- and outcome-based pricing. The competition is shifting from raw model capability to mastery over specific business workflows, with value accruing to proprietary data, domain context, and operational expertise. A major hurdle for enterprise Agent deployment is not technical ability but "controllability"—issues of accountability, auditability, and error correction, especially in regulated fields. Workflows with clear rules, verifiable outcomes, and reversible actions (e.g., invoice processing) are being automated first. The model landscape is evolving toward a division of labor. Frontier models (like GPT-4) are expected to handle high-value, high-reliability core tasks, while improving open-source models will likely capture the majority (~90%) of inference tokens for standardized, high-volume tasks due to cost advantages. Finally, attention is moving from Large Language Models (LLMs) to "World Models," which understand physical environments, causality, and dynamic interactions. This shift elevates the importance of proprietary, real-world data (from industrial, scientific, and robotic systems) and could drive a second wave of compute demand. Goldman Sachs projects compute needs could grow ~24x over five years, benefiting cloud and infrastructure providers.

marsbit1h ago

Goldman Sachs' Summary After Silicon Valley Investigation: Agents Enter the Execution Era, AI Competition Shifts to Workflows, World Models Rise

marsbit1h ago

Fidelity Warns: The Boom in AI Agents May Not Be a Feast for Public Blockchains

Fidelity Digital Assets cautions that the anticipated boom in AI agents does not automatically guarantee a corresponding surge in public blockchain adoption or token value. While AI agents that can autonomously perform tasks like payments and data calls could theoretically utilize blockchain for settlement, a significant gap exists between "can use" and "must use." The analysis highlights six key risks. First, many AI agents, especially in corporate settings, may prefer closed, permissioned systems over public blockchains due to needs for speed, cost, compliance, and control. Second, increased on-chain transactions from AI-driven micropayments may not benefit native tokens if fees remain low or if value is captured by stablecoins and payment service providers instead. Third, while AI lowers development costs and increases the number of projects, more code does not equal more economic value and can lead to market oversaturation. Fourth, AI commoditizes coding, making pure technological advantage less of a sustainable moat; competition may shift to brand, liquidity, and user networks. Fifth, AI can also lower the cost of attacks by making vulnerability discovery easier, potentially outpacing security auditing and increasing ecosystem risk. Sixth, institutions may require "controlled blockchain" systems with robust identity, permissioning, and audit trails, conflicting with the permissionless nature of public chains. Ultimately, Fidelity argues against simply equating AI growth with blockchain prosperity. The narrative requires moving from speculation to a concrete analysis of which infrastructures can convert real AI agent needs into sustainable economic value, critically examining each step of the assumed value chain.

marsbit1h ago

Fidelity Warns: The Boom in AI Agents May Not Be a Feast for Public Blockchains

marsbit1h ago

Telegram Introduces WEB-Proxy Technology: Masks Traffic as Regular Website Visits

Telegram has introduced a new experimental WEB-Proxy technology designed to circumvent blocking by disguising messenger traffic as regular, secure website visits. Announced on August 21, 2026, the technology routes MTProxy data through an in-app WebView using HTTPS or WebSocket transport, making the data stream indistinguishable from legitimate web surfing. The core innovation is a multiplexed stream sent through a single WebView session. It uses special frame formats to pack multiple logical Telegram connections into one encrypted channel that externally resembles loading a web page. A server-side relay receives this stream, separates it into individual connections for the standard MTProxy, without decrypting content or knowing final destinations, thus preserving privacy. The WEB-Proxy operates on a standard HTTPS domain that also hosts a public website. The proxy bridge page is only activated by a specific URL parameter derived via HMAC-SHA256 from the proxy configuration; all other requests receive the normal site homepage. This provides reliable cover against automated detection systems. Currently a proof-of-concept, the system includes a desktop implementation, an experimental Android client, and plans for iOS support. The technology represents a shift towards more sophisticated integration with legitimate web infrastructure, complicating filtering systems that must choose between blocking HTTPS traffic entirely or allowing service access. Its long-term value will depend on resilience to adaptive traffic analysis and scalability without performance loss.

cryptonews.ru1h ago

Telegram Introduces WEB-Proxy Technology: Masks Traffic as Regular Website Visits

cryptonews.ru1h ago

Justin Sun Declares War on Altcoin: 'It Freezes User Assets Through a Hidden Function'

Justin Sun has declared war on the altcoin $USD1, accusing World Liberty Financial (WLF) of embedding "backdoor functions" in its stablecoin that could allow the company to freeze or destroy user assets. In a statement via X, Sun detailed his ongoing legal battle with WLF. He claims his legal team successfully opposed WLF's attempt to move their dispute into private arbitration, keeping the case public in a California federal court. Through this process, Sun alleges he discovered $USD1 has similar hidden authorization mechanisms that grant WLF unilateral control over user funds, posing a significant counterparty risk. Sun also raised concerns about WLF's financial health. He questioned the company's ability to cover potential liabilities, including his own claims which could reach hundreds of millions of dollars. He emphasized that the roughly $4 billion in collateral backing $USD1 belongs to its users and cannot be used to satisfy company obligations. Sun urged investors to exercise "extreme caution." WLF has not yet issued an official response to these allegations. Sun's claims remain unproven at this stage.

cryptonews.ru2h ago

Justin Sun Declares War on Altcoin: 'It Freezes User Assets Through a Hidden Function'

cryptonews.ru2h ago

Trading

Spot

Hot Articles

What is DOGE M

Doge Matrix ($doge m): The New Breed of Community-Driven Cryptocurrency Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, new projects constantly emerge, each aiming to capture the interest of investors and enthusiasts alike. One of the latest entrants to this domain is Doge Matrix, represented by the ticker symbol $doge m. This project has attracted attention thanks to its roots in the popular meme culture surrounding Dogecoin, establishing its place within the web3 space. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Doge Matrix, covering its overview, creator, investors, functionality, timeline, and notable aspects. What is Doge Matrix ($doge m)? Doge Matrix is a community-driven cryptocurrency project that seemingly builds upon the widespread appeal of Dogecoin, a digital currency known for its Shiba Inu mascot and its meme origins. While the overarching objectives of Doge Matrix are not extensively defined, it is characterised by a commitment to harnessing community involvement and support. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies that often emphasise utility or intrinsic value through underlying technologies, Doge Matrix positions itself within a space that embraces the cultural phenomenon of cryptocurrencies, particularly appealing to those who resonate with the ethos of meme-based assets. Drawing on the strengths of the Dogecoin community, Doge Matrix operates as part of a broader ecosystem, inviting participation and engagement from users who share an interest in cryptocurrency and the digital landscape. Who is the Creator of Doge Matrix ($doge m)? The identity of the creator of Doge Matrix remains unknown. This lack of transparency is not an uncommon occurrence in the cryptocurrency space, where some projects are launched without revealing the identities of their founders. The absence of information regarding the founding team can raise questions among potential investors about the project’s accountability and direction. Who are the Investors of Doge Matrix ($doge m)? As it stands, there is no publicly available information detailing the investors or investment foundations that back Doge Matrix. The project appears to rely primarily on community support rather than institutional investment. This model aligns with the community-driven nature of the initiative, fostering an environment where the direction of the project is shaped by its participants rather than being dictated by a select few financial backers. How Does Doge Matrix ($doge m) Work? The specifics regarding the operational mechanisms of Doge Matrix are somewhat vague, reflecting a broader trend of projects in the meme coin space where innovative functionalities are not always clearly articulated. Nonetheless, Doge Matrix seems designed to tap into the existing cryptocurrency ecosystem by encouraging user participation while tapping into the familiar cultural references associated with Dogecoin. Its potentially unique characteristics derive from community interactions rather than technological advancements, emphasising shared experiences and collaboration among token holders. While the exact innovations have not been explicitly outlined, the project appears to create a space where community members can engage, share ideas, and propel the project's potential forward. Timeline of Doge Matrix ($doge m) Reflecting on the project’s timeline reveals notable events that have defined its journey thus far: November 25, 2024: Doge Matrix reached its all-time high value, marking a significant milestone in its early history. January 1, 2025: Conversely, Doge Matrix hit its all-time low value, illustrating the volatility often associated with cryptocurrencies, especially in the early stages of a project's lifecycle. Ongoing: The project continues to be actively traded and supported by its community, although specific future milestones or objectives have yet to be disclosed. Key Points About Doge Matrix ($doge m) Community Focus At the heart of Doge Matrix is a commitment to community engagement. The project thrives on the premise of collaboration and shared objectives among its members, emphasising the importance of collective effort. Unlike centralised projects that often have a defined leadership structure, Doge Matrix at present showcases a more fluid approach to governance, where every community member's voice matters. Volatility The cryptocurrency market is notorious for its volatility, and Doge Matrix is no exception. Its price history reflects significant fluctuations between high and low values, which is typical of many new cryptocurrencies but underscores the risks associated with investment in emerging tokens. Lack of Detailed Information One of the most striking features about Doge Matrix is the scarcity of detailed information regarding its technological underpinnings and operational mechanisms. This ambiguity necessitates that potential investors conduct thorough due diligence before engaging with the project. Conclusion In summary, Doge Matrix ($doge m) illustrates a new wave of cryptocurrency projects that lean heavily on community engagement and cultural relevance. While lacking in certain specifics—such as clear leadership, defined objectives, and detailed functionality—the project has managed to generate interest within the crypto community, leveraging the established appeal of meme culture. As with any investment in the cryptocurrency space, understanding the inherent risks and conducting comprehensive research is essential for potential participants. Doge Matrix stands as a reminder of the dynamic, sometimes unpredictable nature of the crypto industry, marked by constant evolution and enthusiasm for community-driven initiatives.

682 Total ViewsPublished 2025.02.03Updated 2025.02.03

What is DOGE M

What is $M

Understanding Mantis ($M): A New Era in Cross-Chain Interoperability In the continually evolving landscape of Web3 and cryptocurrency, new projects strive to offer innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the user experience and expanding functional possibilities within the decentralised financial ecosystem. One such project garnering attention is Mantis ($M), a pioneering protocol founded on the principles of cross-chain interoperability and intent-based settlements. This article delves into the essential aspects of Mantis, including its core functionality, creators, investment backing, innovative features, and critical milestones. What is Mantis ($M)? Mantis is described as a multi-domain intent settlement protocol that simplifies cross-chain interactions, enabling users to execute complex financial transactions across various blockchain platforms seamlessly. The protocol operates through three primary layers: Intent Expression: Users can articulate their transaction goals using natural language facilitated by the DISE LLM, an advanced AI language model. For instance, a user might express a desire to swap Ethereum (ETH) for Solana (SOL) with a specific slippage tolerance of 1%. Execution: This layer employs a network of solvers that compete to fulfil user intents. Transactions are executed using mechanisms such as Coincidence of Wants (CoWs) and Order Flow Auctions (OFAs), which ensure that user demands are met optimally. Settlement: Leveraging the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, Mantis enables atomic cross-chain transactions, allowing users to operate across various supported chains, including Ethereum, Solana, and Cosmos. Mantis is engineered to introduce native yield generation for idle assets, employing cryptographic proofs to maintain the integrity of transactions throughout the entire process. Creators & Development Team Mantis was conceived by the Composable Foundation, a research-driven organisation notable for its emphasis on blockchain interoperability solutions. This foundation collaborates with esteemed academic institutions, including Harvard University and the University of Lisbon, contributing to extensive research and development efforts that inform Mantis's architecture and functionality. The Composable Foundation’s commitment to fostering innovation in the blockchain space positions Mantis as a robust solution for the growing demand for interoperability among multiple blockchain networks. Investors & Backing While specific details about individual investors have not been publicly disclosed, Mantis enjoys substantial backing from various entities, including: Ecosystem grants from IBC-enabled chains, which support the protocol's growth and integration within decentralised finance ecosystems. Strategic partnerships with infrastructure providers that enhance Mantis's network capabilities and deployment strategies. Funding through the Composable Foundation's treasury, ensuring sustained financial support for ongoing development and operational costs. These collaborative efforts reflect a consensus among stakeholders about the importance of enhancing cross-chain functionality and the potential utility of Mantis's infrastructural innovations. Key Innovations Mantis sets itself apart through several pioneering innovations that enhance its functionality and utility: Chain-Agnostic Intents: Users can initiate transactions from any supported chain while settling on another. This flexibility empowers users, driving increased interaction among different platforms. AI-Powered Interface: The integration of DISE LLM allows users to conduct complex DeFi operations using natural language, thereby simplifying interactions and making blockchain technology accessible to a broader audience. Cross-Domain MEV Capture: Mantis creates an internal market for maximal extractable value (MEV) through competitions among solvers. This innovative approach allows for greater efficiency and value extraction in complex transactions. Modular Settlement Layer: The protocol supports various verification methods, including zero-knowledge proofs and optimistic rollups, providing a versatile framework that can adapt to emerging blockchain technologies. Historical Timeline Mantis's development is marked by several critical milestones that chart its trajectory and growth: | Year | Milestone | |————|————————————————————————-| | 2022 | Initial concept development within the Composable Foundation's research division. | | Q3 2024 | Launch of the testnet with bridging capabilities between Solana and Ethereum. | | Q1 2025 | Anticipated Token Generation Event (TGE) alongside the mainnet launch. | | Q2 2025 | Expected integration of DISE LLM and expansion of cross-chain capabilities. | | 2025 H2 | Planned support for over 15 chains through further IBC upgrades. | This timeline outlines Mantis's evolution, from conceptual discussions to active implementation and future growth phases. Ecosystem Growth Strategy Mantis's strategy for ecosystem growth includes several initiatives designed to encourage user participation and developer engagement: Credits System: Users can earn protocol credits by providing liquidity and engaging in referral programmes. These credits are redeemable for incentives in the future, fostering a robust user community. Modular Software Development Kit (SDK): This toolkit empowers developers to create applications based on intent-driven models utilising Mantis's infrastructure, thus promoting innovation within its ecosystem. Governance Model: As the protocol matures, $M token holders will have a voice in protocol governance, allowing them to vote on proposed upgrades and changes, thereby enhancing community engagement and decentralisation. Mantis represents a significant advancement in the realm of cross-chain architecture. By seamlessly integrating advanced AI algorithms with a robust settlement framework, Mantis seeks to tackle the problems of fragmentation within multi-chain ecosystems. Its innovative approach prioritises improved user experiences while adhering to the foundational principles of decentralisation and security, setting a new standard for the future interoperability of blockchain technologies. As Mantis continues its journey of growth and implementation, it promises to be a project to watch closely in the competitive landscape of Web3 and decentralised finance. With its focus on crossing boundaries and elevating user engagement, Mantis is poised to be an integral part of the future developments in the cryptocurrency space.

216 Total ViewsPublished 2025.03.18Updated 2025.03.18

What is $M

Discussions

Welcome to the HTX Community. Here, you can stay informed about the latest platform developments and gain access to professional market insights. Users' opinions on the price of M (M) are presented below.

活动图片

Top Questions