Bitcoin V-turn jumps to $82.4k; $380M liquidations as Fear & Greed turns neutral

Published: 2026-05-11 01:27:41 |

Bitcoin early trade surged again, reclaiming the May 6 peak near $82,496. Price was about $81,322, up ~0.87% in 24 hours, after a rebound from the April 30 trough around $75,436 (+7.8%). The move triggered a sharp squeeze: total crypto liquidations in 24 hours reached about $380.16M, affecting 91,764 traders. Shorts were hit hardest—short liquidations were $248.91M (65.5%) and recent ~4 hours showed $123.14M more liquidations with short dominance (83%). Sentiment improved quickly. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index rose from “15 (Extreme Fear)” one month ago to 48 today, shifting back to “Neutral.” This comes alongside a risk-on backdrop: US equities hit new highs (S&P 500, Nasdaq), and Bitcoin spot ETFs reportedly logged net inflows for the 5th straight week (e.g., April monthly net inflow cited as $2.44B). Altcoins outperformed: SOL broke its 14-day high (around $96.44; +2.61% today) and XRP also printed a 14-day high (around $1.50; +2.64%). Traders should watch whether Bitcoin can hold above the May 6 peak (~$82.5k) and whether ETF inflows remain positive. Keyword focus: Bitcoin remains the driver, and the liquidation data suggests bears are still de-risking after the rally.

Bullish

This news is bullish because the Bitcoin V-turn is backed by both positioning (short-heavy liquidations) and macro/flow support (US equities at highs and spot Bitcoin ETF net inflows). Historically, large short liquidations often act like a “reset” for bears, allowing price to climb faster after the forced selling ends. The Fear & Greed Index moving from Extreme Fear (15) to Neutral (48) also signals reduced panic and improved risk appetite. Short-term, traders may see continued volatility and momentum as remaining leveraged shorts unwind, but also a risk of pullbacks if Bitcoin fails to hold above the May 6 peak (~$82.5k). Long-term, sustained ETF inflows and a calmer macro backdrop can support higher demand for Bitcoin, improving the odds of a broader trend continuation—provided ETF weekly flows do not flip negative and macro uncertainty (e.g., trade/tariff headlines, oil-driven risk) doesn’t reintroduce fear.