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$500 million liquidated in crypto as btc hits $78 k

$500 Million in Crypto Long Liquidations | BTC Drops Back to $78K

By

Vitalik Buterin

May 18, 2026, 09:07 PM

Edited By

Nicolas Brown

2 minutes of duration

Graph showing Bitcoin's price drop to $78K, highlighting $500 million in long liquidations with market indicators in the background.
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In a sharp turn of events, Bitcoin slumped from $82K to $78K overnight, leading to $500 million in long liquidations. This downturn coincides with a dismal session for U.S. stocks, marking the worst day since March.

Bonds Fuel Selloff Amid Inflation Woes

The global bond selloff gained momentum as U.S. Treasury yields continued their climb, placing significant pressure on risk assets. The sixth-week ETF inflow streak came to an end too, resulting in a notable loss of net inflows for U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs. According to sources, institutional traders have started reassessing their risk exposure amid rising inflation data. As inflation rises, expectations for rate cuts are being pushed back, which makes marginal buyers cautious.

Curiously, when asked about the recent fluctuations, some people remarked:

"The momentum falls off a cliff once againβ€”who could’ve seen this coming?"

Institutional Moves: Mubadala Investment Company

In contrast to the liquidations, Mubadala Investment Company raised its stake in the BlackRock IBIT by 16%, now totaling $566 million. This sovereign wealth fund has consistently increased its Bitcoin exposure over five quarters, even during rocky periods. They notably took advantage of price dips, buying more Bitcoin when prices dropped from $87K to $62K in Q1 2026.

One observer noted:

"Maybe it’s a good time to buy πŸ€”."

Sentiment Analysis: Mixed Feelings in the Community

  1. Cautious Approach: Many express wariness about the stock market's decline affecting crypto.

  2. Buying Opportunity: Some believe current prices present a potential buying opportunity, especially for long-term holds.

  3. Manipulation Concerns: A segment of the people feels crypto prices are manipulated by wealthy players to maximize their investments.

Key Takeaways

  • β–³ $500 million in long positions liquidated amid market downturn.

  • β–Ό ETF inflows stop for the first time in six weeks.

  • πŸ”Ό Mubadala invests further despite price drops, indicating strong institutional faith.

The question remains: Will Bitcoin bounce back in the face of rising inflation and a shaky market? As the situation evolves, traders and investors alike will be watching closely.

What's Next for Bitcoin and the Market?

Looking at current trends, there's a strong chance Bitcoin might recover some losses if inflation data eases and investor sentiment shifts positively. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that we'll see a bounce back if major economic indicators signal stability in the coming weeks. Additionally, if institutional investors continue to buy during dips, it could bolster confidence in crypto markets. However, any persistent decline in the stock market might further pressure Bitcoin and could lead to a significant downturn.

A Fresh Lens on Market Recovery

One intriguing parallel can be drawn from the 2008 financial crisis when major financial institutions faltered yet, unexpectedly, certain sectors surged; tech stocks soared amid the chaos, implying that investors shifted to what they deemed safer bets. Similarly, as Bitcoin and crypto face their own turmoil, a segment of the investing public may turn to these assets, viewing current prices not merely as losses but as opportunities for future gains, reminiscent of how resilient walks of life adapated during and after the economic shock.