Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin ETF Exodus and Leverage Fuel $1.3B Crypto Liquidation Surge

The crypto market is experiencing heightened turbulence as leveraged positions in Bitcoin and Ethereum accelerate liquidations, driven by volatile price swings and shifting institutional flows. Bitcoin fell to a six-month low near $95,000 last week, while Ethereum retreated to $3,144, triggering over $1.3 billion in liquidations across both assets in a 24-hour period. The moves have intensified scrutiny on derivatives markets, where open interest in Bitcoin futures and options has contracted to $140 billion, down from $220 billion before the October 10 flash crash according to Decrypt.

The recent selloff has been exacerbated by record outflows from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs. On November 13, net redemptions reached $866.7 million - the second-largest single-day withdrawal since the funds launched in January 2024 according to CryptoSlate. Grayscale's Bitcoin Mini Trust and BlackRock's IBIT led the exodus, reflecting a broader de-risking trend as investors shifted capital to cash and gold amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Ethereum ETFs fared worse, with $107.1 million in outflows recorded on Tuesday, compounding pressure on the altcoin's price.

Leveraged positions have become a focal point for market observers. Coinglass data shows $1.3 billion in long liquidations concentrated at Bitcoin's $98,000 level, while Ethereum's $3,500 support faces repeated tests. The liquidations have been amplified by thin liquidity pockets, particularly in altcoins like Hyperliquid (HYPE), which lost $4.9 million in a single stress test event as retail demand waned. Analysts warn that cascading liquidations could deepen corrections if key support levels are breached, particularly as the 200-day EMA for Bitcoin sits at $103,000.

Institutional activity offers a mixed outlook. Harvard University tripled its stake in BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF, holding 6.8 million shares valued at $442.8 million as of September 30. Meanwhile, SharpLink Gaming reported a 1,100% revenue surge in Q3 2025, driven by its Ethereum treasury strategy, which now holds 861,251 ETH. Such moves highlight continued institutional confidence despite short-term volatility.

Ethereum's fundamentals, however, suggest resilience. Whale activity has surged, with a key holder accumulating $1.38 billion in ETH over 10 days while leveraging Aave to expand positions. On-chain data also reveals Ethereum whales with 10K–100K ETH balances increasing holdings by 180K in a week according to FXStreet. Yet, the asset remains vulnerable to selling pressure if prices fall below $2,950, a critical cost basis for large holders.

Market participants remain divided on near-term prospects. Max Xu of Bybit estimates Bitcoin derivatives could take two quarters to recover from October's crash, contingent on macro conditions and rate-cut expectations. Conversely, bullish signals emerge from ETF inflows rebounding to $523.9 million on November 7, signaling potential stabilization.

As the crypto market navigates this volatile phase, the interplay between leveraged positions, ETF flows, and institutional strategies will likely dictate the trajectory of Bitcoin and Ethereum in the coming months.