Bitcoin flash crash deepens as whales, market makers dump into leveraged longs

Bitcoin and major cryptos tumbled as US–EU tariff tensions sparked a $100b wipeout and heavy long liquidations, pushing BTC toward critical support.

Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies experienced sharp declines over the weekend as geopolitical tensions triggered widespread selling and significant liquidations across digital asset markets, according to market data.

The leading cryptocurrency lost substantial value during the sell-off, with the total cryptocurrency market capitalization declining by approximately $100 billion in a matter of hours, according to market tracking services.

DeFiTracer, a blockchain analytics platform, reported that major holders sold large quantities of Bitcoin during the decline, with institutional participants and exchanges among those divesting positions. The analytics firm characterized the activity as coordinated selling involving large holders, exchanges and market makers.

Multiple tracking services reported that major cryptocurrencies declined while trading volume increased substantially during the market movement. Bitcoin remained modestly higher over a seven-day period despite the recent volatility, according to price data.

Market analysts attributed the decline to escalating trade tensions following tariff threats issued by the United States toward European nations and reports of planned retaliatory measures from the European Union. The announcements coincided with statements regarding Greenland, and U.S. stock index futures opened lower. Risk assets broadly declined, with the cryptocurrency market experiencing the impact through large-scale liquidations.

Market commentators stated the decline reflected broader risk-off sentiment rather than cryptocurrency-specific weakness, noting the interaction between geopolitical developments and highly leveraged trading positions.

Technical analysts identified a potential reversal pattern at the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level following a recent rejection at that technical threshold. Some analysts drew comparisons to 2022 price action, when Bitcoin briefly tested a similar technical level before a steep decline that coincided with the collapse of exchange FTX and Federal Reserve monetary tightening.

Other analysts noted differences in current macroeconomic conditions, citing indications of monetary policy adjustments and continued high volatility and leverage in cryptocurrency markets. The liquidation activity suggested overleveraged traders contributed to the price movement, with market makers and exchanges appearing to anticipate the decline, according to market observers.

Bitcoin now approaches critical support levels as traders monitor for further downside or a potential recovery, according to technical analysts.