Long Positions Dominate $118M Crypto Futures Liquidations Amid Market Fear

VADODARA, January 13, 2026 — The cryptocurrency perpetual futures market experienced $118.37 million in forced liquidations over the past 24 hours, with long positions accounting for the majority across major assets. According to data from Coinness, Bitcoin saw $61.87 million liquidated (62.27% longs), Ethereum $40.92 million (73.78% longs), and Solana $15.58 million (55.5% longs). This latest crypto news event occurs as the Crypto Fear & Greed Index registers a score of 26, indicating extreme fear, and Bitcoin trades at $91,104, down 1.09% on the day.

Market Context & Background

Market structure suggests this liquidation event mirrors patterns observed during the 2021 correction, where sustained long-side liquidations preceded a multi-month consolidation phase. Similar to the 2021 scenario, high leverage in perpetual futures markets has created a liquidity grab, with price action testing key order blocks. Historical cycles indicate that when long positions dominate liquidations during fear sentiment, it often signals a local bottom formation or further downside pressure if support fails. The current environment is compounded by macroeconomic uncertainty, with the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions impacting risk assets. Related developments include the US Senate CLARITY Act deadline and Bitwise CIO's warning on crypto winter, which add regulatory and structural headwinds.

What Happened?

On-chain data from derivatives tracking platforms confirms forced liquidations totaling $118.37 million in the past 24 hours. According to the primary source at Coinness, Bitcoin liquidations were $61.87 million, with long positions making up 62.27%. Ethereum liquidations reached $40.92 million, dominated by longs at 73.78%. Solana followed with $15.58 million, where longs accounted for 55.5%. These figures represent a significant deleveraging event, particularly in Ethereum's market, where the high percentage of long liquidations suggests aggressive selling pressure. The data aligns with broader market sentiment, as reflected in the Crypto Fear & Greed Index score of 26, indicating fear-driven trading behavior.

Technical Analysis & Price Action

Price action analysis reveals Bitcoin is testing a critical support zone around $90,000, which coincides with the 50-day exponential moving average and a previous Fair Value Gap (FVG). The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the daily chart is at 42, indicating neutral momentum with a bearish bias. Volume profile shows increased selling volume near the $92,000 resistance level, creating an order block that must be reclaimed for bullish continuation. For Ethereum, support is observed at $2,800, with resistance at $3,100. The high long liquidation percentage in ETH suggests a potential gamma squeeze if price breaks below support. Bullish Invalidation for Bitcoin is set at $90,000; a close below this level invalidates the current uptrend structure. Bearish Invalidation is at $95,500, where a break above would signal resumption of the bullish trend.

By The Numbers

Why It Matters

This liquidation event matters institutionally as it highlights systemic risk in leveraged crypto markets, potentially affecting hedge funds and trading desks with high exposure to perpetual futures. According to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), derivatives markets require robust risk management, and events like this underscore volatility concerns. For retail traders, the dominance of long liquidations serves as a warning against over-leverage during fear sentiment, emphasizing the need for strict stop-loss strategies. The impact extends to market liquidity, as large liquidations can create cascading effects, similar to the Mt. Gox hacker's recent Bitcoin deposit, which tested market structure resilience.

Community Sentiment

Market analysts on social media platforms express caution, with many noting the alignment of high long liquidations with fear sentiment as a bearish signal. Bulls argue that this could represent a washout event, paving the way for a rebound, while bears point to the persistent selling pressure and regulatory uncertainties, such as those discussed in the Kraken SPAC IPO filing. Sentiment remains divided, but the data-driven consensus leans toward short-term volatility with a watchful eye on key technical levels.

Price Prediction / Future Outlook

Bullish Case: If Bitcoin holds the $90,000 support and reclaims the $95,500 resistance, market structure suggests a move toward $100,000. This scenario requires a reduction in long liquidations and a shift in the Fear & Greed Index toward neutral. Historical patterns indicate that fear-driven liquidations often precede rallies, provided macroeconomic conditions stabilize.Bearish Case: If Bitcoin breaks below $90,000, the next support lies at $85,000, corresponding to the 200-day moving average and a Fibonacci retracement level. Continued long-side liquidations could exacerbate downside momentum, potentially leading to a test of $80,000. This scenario aligns with prolonged fear sentiment and increased regulatory pressure, as seen in past crypto winters.