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Unmasking the Liquidation: How Wall Street is Offloading Millions and What It Means for Investors

· By Dave Wolfy Wealth · 4 min read

Deck: Behind Bitcoin’s wild swings, Wall Street plays a high-stakes game with crypto—here’s how savvy investors can navigate the storm.


Introduction

Bitcoin’s recent volatility isn’t just luck or typical market noise. As millions get liquidated in minutes, it’s clear Wall Street has a strong hand in crypto’s price swings. Traders caught in revenge trades are taking heavy losses, while big players rack up gains. But what does this mean for everyday investors? In this article, you’ll learn why these liquidations happen, how institutional players control the game, and smart strategies to protect your crypto portfolio in turbulent times.


Wall Street’s Grip on Crypto: The Liquidation Showdown

In one intense session, Bitcoin surged $3,300, wiping out $16 million worth of short positions in just 30 minutes. Then, it plunged $3,400, liquidating $52 million in long positions over the next 45 minutes. This rollercoaster isn’t random—it’s a calculated move by Wall Street traders who have the resources and experience to dominate the crypto markets.

Investor takeaway: Wall Street’s ability to trigger massive liquidations creates rapid price swings that trap less-experienced traders. Trying to “revenge trade” losses often leads to deepening losses.


Why Bitcoin Price Moves Don’t Tell the Full Story

Many retail investors believed Bitcoin’s rise above $100,000 was the start of a never-ending bull run. But the current correction—with a maximum drop around 35.6%—is normal in crypto cycles.

Importantly, long-term holders are selling at the highest rate in five years. This isn’t a panic. It’s profit-taking and redistribution, common in markets maturing and consolidating. The big players aren’t unloading Bitcoin; they’re reshuffling positions.


Bitcoin Is Different From Gold and Silver

Unlike the gold and silver markets, where price “fixes” and paper ounces massively outweigh physical supply, Bitcoin’s limited supply of 21 million coins makes full-scale manipulation far harder. Traditional markets have decades of price-setting mechanisms—for example, the London Gold Fix and later the LBMA—designed to control prices behind the scenes.

Bitcoin’s decentralized nature means that while Wall Street can induce volatility, they cannot completely rig prices long term.


On-Chain Signal: Bitcoin’s Oversold RSI and Historical Buying Opportunities

Bitcoin’s weekly Relative Strength Index (RSI) recently hit the most oversold levels seen since the tail end of the 2018–2019 bear market—a time that presented excellent buying opportunities. The March 2020 crash also showed a similar pattern, with Bitcoin dropping roughly 50% but setting up a strong long-term rally.

Answer Box:
What does an oversold RSI indicate for Bitcoin investors?
An oversold RSI signals that Bitcoin is trading at a weaker momentum than usual, often preceding a potential price rebound. Historically, such levels have marked strong buying opportunities during bear markets.


Why the Bottom Isn’t Guaranteed, But the Long-Term Path Is Up

No expert, no matter how many followers, can accurately predict Bitcoin’s short-term price direction. We could see further corrections, even declines of up to 40%. But based on macro trends—like inflation, monetary policy, and growing institutional adoption—the long-term trajectory remains bullish.

Wall Street’s involvement might crank volatility, but it doesn’t negate Bitcoin’s fundamental value.


Macro Drivers: Stimulus, Tariffs, and Inflation Fuel Bitcoin’s Ascent

U.S. government stimulus payments totalling $1,776 to over 1.45 million service members, funded by tariff revenue (effectively a tax), show how more money supply enters the economy. Meanwhile, Federal Reserve officials acknowledge inflation remains a bigger risk than employment, leading to ongoing stimulus injections—over $16.8 billion recently.

Such policies erode fiat currency value, making scarce assets like Bitcoin increasingly attractive as inflation hedges.


Risks: What Could Go Wrong for Bitcoin Investors?

  • Continued Volatility: Sharp price drops can persist, leading to emotional decisions.
  • Regulatory Changes: Governments might impose stricter crypto regulations, affecting liquidity.
  • Market Manipulation: While partial, Wall Street’s ability to trigger liquidations can punish retail traders.
  • Macroeconomic Shocks: Unexpected economic downturns or policy shifts could delay Bitcoin’s bull run.

Actionable Summary

  • Wall Street’s large liquidations create rapid price swings—avoid revenge trading.
  • Selling by long-term holders signals profit taking, not panic.
  • Bitcoin’s decentralized structure limits full-scale manipulation compared to gold/silver markets.
  • Oversold RSI levels historically signal buying windows during bear markets.
  • Inflation and stimulus policies continue making Bitcoin a compelling long-term store of value.

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FAQ

Q1: How does Wall Street cause liquidations in crypto?
Wall Street traders use leverage and high volume to push prices rapidly, triggering margin calls that liquidate opposing positions automatically.

Q2: Is Bitcoin’s price manipulation similar to gold markets?
No. While gold markets have centralized price-setting mechanisms, Bitcoin’s decentralized supply and trading make sustained manipulation harder.

Q3: What is dollar cost averaging, and why is it useful now?
Dollar cost averaging involves regularly buying fixed amounts of Bitcoin regardless of price, which reduces risk by smoothing purchases during volatile markets.

Q4: Can Bitcoin’s price still drop 40% or more?
Yes. Short-term drops are possible; predictions about the bottom are uncertain, so risk management is crucial.

Q5: How does inflation affect Bitcoin’s value?
Inflation erodes fiat currency buying power, making Bitcoin’s limited supply attractive as a hedge for preserving wealth.


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risks, including volatility and loss of principal. Investors should conduct their own research or consult a professional before making decisions.

By Wolfy Wealth - Empowering crypto investors since 2016

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Disclosure: Authors may be crypto investors mentioned in this newsletter. Wolfy Wealth Crypto newsletter, does not represent an offer to trade securities or other financial instruments. Our analyses, information and investment strategies are for informational purposes only, in order to spread knowledge about the crypto market. Any investments in variable income may cause partial or total loss of the capital used. Therefore, the recipient of this newsletter should always develop their own analyses and investment strategies. In addition, any investment decisions should be based on the investor's risk profile

About the author

Dave Wolfy Wealth Dave Wolfy Wealth
Updated on Dec 18, 2025