Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin's $115K Surge Triggers $1.58B Liquidations as Bulls and Bears Clash Over Outlook

Bitcoin's price surged above $115,000 in early October 2025, triggering approximately $1.58 billion in short liquidations across derivatives markets, according to data from Binance and CoinGlass. The threshold marked a critical inflection point for leveraged traders, as cumulative short positions under liquidation stress totaled $1.58 billion, concentrated at 25x and 50x leverage levels. This event followed a week of volatility, with Bitcoin dipping to $112,000 earlier in September, which resulted in $1.7 billion in liquidations-the largest single-day liquidation event of 2025.

The market's momentum has shown signs of divergence, with the 30-day momentum index from CryptoQuant dipping below zero, signaling a potential shift from bullish to neutral-bearish sentiment. Technical indicators, however, suggest mixed signals. While the RSI (62) and MACD crossover on the BTC/USDT pair indicated bullish momentum, the price remained in a tight range between $108,600 and $112,000, reflecting indecision among traders. Analysts like Captain noted a breakout from a descending broadening wedge pattern, suggesting a potential upside target of $120,000 if the price clears $115,000.

Derivatives exposure has amplified risks, with open interest in crypto futures reaching $220 billion in September 2025, the highest monthly total on record. CoinGlass highlighted that Bitcoin's price could trigger further liquidations if it moves beyond key levels: $104,500 (risking $10 billion in long liquidations) or $124,000 (threatening $5.5 billion in short losses). This volatility was exacerbated by the Federal Reserve's rate-cut expectations, with the CME FedWatch tool showing a 75% probability of a 25-basis-point cut at the October 29 meeting.

Market participants remain divided on Bitcoin's trajectory. Bullish analysts, including CrediBULL Crypto, argue that Bitcoin is in a fifth-wave rally under an Elliott Wave framework, with potential for a parabolic surge to $150,000 by year-end. Conversely, bearish observers like Captain Faibik anticipate a correction toward $100,000, citing a breakdown of a rising wedge structure on daily charts. The uncertainty is compounded by geopolitical factors, including rumors of a U.S. government announcement on a strategic Bitcoin reserve, which some analysts suggest could reshape market dynamics.

Institutional demand continues to underpin Bitcoin's resilience. Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded their highest weekly inflows since July 2025, with Fidelity's ETF alone adding 183,695 BTC ($237 million) in early October. This surge aligns with historical patterns, where positive September gains have historically led to October rallies, as seen in 2023 and 2024. However, the market remains vulnerable to regulatory shifts, with Nigeria's evolving crypto framework-transitioning from a 2021 banking ban to 2025's legal recognition of digital assets-highlighting the broader challenges of institutional adoption.

[1] Bitcoin Price Surge $115K Triggers $1.58B Short Liquidation (https://www.coingabbar.com/en/price-prediction/bitcoin-price-surge-115k-triggers-1-58-billion-short-liquidation)

[2] Biggest Liquidation of 2025: 5 Things About Bitcoin This Week (https://cointelegraph.com/news/biggest-liquidation-of-2025-5-things-bitcoin-this-week)

[4] September Could Face New Liquidation Record (https://beincrypto.com/september-could-face-new-liquidation-record/)

[8] Bitcoin Stronger Breakout Rally (https://bitcoinist.com/bitcoin-stronger-breakout-rally/)

[10] Analysts Predict Strong October Bitcoin Rally Amid Historical Trends (https://thecurrencyanalytics.com/altcoins/analysts-predict-strong-october-bitcoin-rally-amid-historical-trends-199362)

[11] Bitcoin Price Surge: What's Behind the Latest Rally? (https://www.analyticsinsight.net/price-analysis/bitcoin-price-surge-whats-behind-the-latest-rally)