Relay_Station / Zone_39
MARKET
18.09.2026
Bitcoin Surges Past $80,000 Mark, Triggering $183 Million in Short Liquidations
This unexpected rally followed closely on the heels of the Bank of Japan's decision to raise its policy rates to a 31-year high of 1.25%, a move that was notably well received by the cryptocurrency markets. The flagship digital asset had been trading around $78,000 for several hours before accelerating its offensive, breaking the significant $80,000 psychological barrier.
The broader crypto market mirrored Bitcoin's performance. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, climbed past $2,550 with a 2.3% hourly jump. Ripple's XRP also saw a significant increase, rocketing to over $1.35 after a 3% gain within the same short timeframe. Solana (SOL) and Binance Coin (BNB) registered slightly more modest, yet still positive, gains, indicating a widespread uplift in digital asset valuations.
The sudden surge proved particularly painful for traders betting against further price appreciation. Data from CoinGlass reveals that of the $192 million in liquidations, Bitcoin shorts were responsible for the largest share, totaling $119 million. Ethereum shorts followed with $36 million in losses, illustrating the concentrated impact on highly leveraged bearish positions.
This market action comes amidst a week characterized by significant macroeconomic and regulatory pressures. Just days prior, Bitcoin had slumped to $75,000 on Tuesday evening following the setback of the CLARITY Act in the U.S. Senate, a proposed crypto-friendly bill that failed to advance. Additionally, the Federal Reserve had executed its first interest rate hike in three years earlier in the week, typically a bearish signal for risk assets like cryptocurrencies.
Despite these perceived headwinds, the market demonstrated remarkable resilience. Bitcoin quickly rebounded past $76,000 after the initial shock of the CLARITY Act's stalled progress and continued to fluctuate before today's decisive move. Analysts noted that underlying institutional demand remained robust, with exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows quickly returning even after periods of caution around major events.
The ability of the crypto market to not only withstand but aggressively rally in the face of what should have been a much more challenging week suggests a potential shift in investor sentiment or a decoupling from traditional risk asset reactions to central bank policy. The question now remains whether this momentum can be sustained, or if the market will consolidate these gains, testing new support levels in the wake of such a rapid ascent.
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Mobile_Relay / Zone_37