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Bitcoin panic selling: capitulation or leverage reset?

Bitcoin Panic Selling | Forced Liquidations Spark Market Fears

By

Chen Wei

Feb 9, 2026, 03:51 PM

Updated

Feb 9, 2026, 07:07 PM

2 minutes needed to read

A graph showing Bitcoin prices dropping with anxious traders looking on, illustrating panic selling behavior.

In a turbulent shift, short-term Bitcoin holders are panic-selling at substantial losses, creating uncertainty over whether this is capitulation or just a leverage reset. The recent fall to $60,000 has fueled anxiety, mirroring broader financial market instability.

Market Sentiment Divided

Recent reactions show a split in sentiment among the community. While some people hold a pessimistic view, others are eyeing potential buying opportunities. Commenters noted, "Yes it might but most likely not this year since its following its cycle near perfectly," reflecting skepticism about an immediate recovery.

"Somewhere stop losses and others got wrecked as well, and of course some gave up and sold, since it's looking really bad currently," a commentary captured the mood.

Key Themes from the Discussion

  1. Forced Liquidations Spark Panic: Increased selling correlates with forced liquidations, as many leveraged holders succumbed to market pressure.

  2. Cautious Predictions: Speculation about Bitcoinโ€™s price trajectory continues, with comments ranging from hopes of returning to $126,000 to fears of sliding to $50,000. A user stated, "It went way below the 200 after last cycle, I'm not expecting it to hold this time around."

  3. Market's Cycle Impact: Discussions around market behavior indicated a strong sentiment towards the cyclical nature of Bitcoin transactions, suggesting many are reluctant to hold during downturns.

Current Position and Outlook

As pressure from selling subsides, all eyes are on the market's recovery potential. Renewed demand is important as conditions stabilize, but uncertainty lingers. Some analysts are cautiously optimistic about the coming weeks; many are unsure if this phase indicates a leverage reset or deeper issues within the Bitcoin ecosystem.

The Road Ahead

Market analysts assign a 60% chance that Bitcoin could gradually recover towards $70,000 if demand increases. However, there remains a 40% likelihood of a drop to the $50,000 range depending on ongoing economic factors. Short-term panic might present a buying chance for those looking at a longer horizon. Cautious investors should keep an eye on market trends and sentiment shifts.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Panic selling surged, increasing market floods.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Forced liquidations continue to influence trading behavior.

  • ๐Ÿ”Ž "Yes it might, but most likely not this year since it's following its cycle."

As investors react to price shifts, will those looking to buy seize on these moments of uncertainty or hold out for clearer skies? Stakeholders watch carefully.