BTC $600M Short Squeeze and $753M ETF Surge Create $100k Tipping Point in 2026 Crypto Bull Run

Bitcoin $95k surge triggered a $600 million short liquidation cascade, creating a self-reinforcing feedback loop that could propel the asset toward $100k. The 3.66% 24-hour gain pushed BTC to its highest level since mid-November, coinciding with $753.8M in net inflows to US spot Bitcoin ETFs.

Fidelity’s FBTC led with $351.4M, followed by Bitwise’s BITB ($159.4M), BlackRock’s IBIT ($126.3M), and Ark/21Shares’ ARKB ($84.9M).

On-chain data reveal limited retail participation at the $90k level, with mid- to large-sized orders dominating the buying flow. The $600M in bearish Bitcoin liquidations—the largest short squeeze since October 10—showcased a critical inflection point. $290M of those losses were attributed to Bitcoin alone.

QCP Capital described the macro environment as "Goldilocks": "With potentially further fiat currency debasement... rotation to digital assets." The firm’s analysis highlighted stable inflation and robust jobs data as tailwinds.

Meanwhile, the Clarity Act—aimed at defining crypto regulatory frameworks—was cited as a catalyst for institutional adoption.

Three potential BTC scenarios emerged from the data:

1) A squeeze-and-fade range trade,
2) Flow-led accumulation, or
3) A reflexive breakout. Allen Ding of Bitfire Research noted: "Decisive breakout past $96,000 for BTC confirms upward direction."

Look, the interplay between ETF inflows and short liquidations isn’t just technical—it’s a macro signal. When institutional buying aligns with forced longs from collapsing shorts, the market’s psychology shifts. This isn’t just a $100k countdown; it’s a systemic validation of Bitcoin’s role in 2026’s financial architecture.

⚠️ LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.