EL7.AI
CryptoUpdated×5•Originally published 17 May 2026•Updated 18 May 2026•
1 min read

Bitcoin Crashes Below $77,000 as $600 Million Liquidated in One Hour

Golden Bitcoin coins, digital charts, and upward green arrows on an orange world map background, depicting crypto growth.

Key Facts

1Bitcoin price dropped below the $78,000 level, reaching a two-week low.
2Rising short positions and macro fears fueled debate over a potential deeper correction or a bear trap.

Bitcoin price dropped below the $77,000 level, reaching $76,901 following a sudden and sharp market crash. According to reports, approximately $600 million in trading positions were liquidated within a brief 60-minute window. This rapid decline has intensified selling pressure after the cryptocurrency failed to maintain its previous support levels.

This violent move reflects a significant deterioration in risk sentiment compared to last week. Peer instruments have mirrored this weakness, with Coinbase (COIN) shares falling nearly 4% per market data, following US inflation hitting 3.8% on May 12, 2026. Analysts note that the scale of recent liquidations marks a critical technical breakdown that could lead to prolonged volatility.

Market participants are now monitoring psychological support levels with Bitcoin trading at $76,901 (close May 18, 2026). While the upcoming economic calendar shows no major crypto-specific catalysts for the next seven days, upcoming Federal Reserve commentary will be vital to gauge liquidity shifts following this massive liquidation event.

Latest Updates · 3

  1. Notable·

    Update: Recent technical indicators suggest the formation of a bearish 'head and shoulders' pattern, with the $80,000 level emerging as a critical neckline risk zone. This shift follows a failed momentum breakout during the Q4 cycle, further strengthening the case for sustained near-term downward pressure.

  2. Notable·

    Update: Recent technical analysis indicates that the price rejection occurred at the 200-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA200) near $82,000. However, TD Sequential indicators are now flashing potential buy signals as long as the price maintains its position above the newly identified support level at $76,500.

  3. Notable·

    Update: Bitcoin price has stabilized slightly above the $78,000 level following a period of relatively quiet trading. According to reports, positive developments regarding the CLARITY Act have contributed to recent market stability, suggesting that the recent price action may constitute a bear trap rather than a fundamental breakdown.