Bitcoin Drops Below $72,000 as Strategy Sells BTC for First Time in 4 Years
Bitcoin fell below $72,000 on Monday as Strategy sold BTC for the first time in four years, triggering over $93 million in liquidations in the past hour.
Bitcoin dropped below $72,000 on Monday, extending a sharp pullback from intraday highs above $74,000, as Strategy (MSTR) sold BTC for the first time in four years, according to an 8-K filing. The move triggered a wave of forced selling, with over $93 million in crypto positions liquidated in the past hour, 95% of them longs, per CoinGlass data. BTC alone accounted for $72.34 million of that total, while ETH saw $7.77 million in liquidations. The 24-hour liquidation tally now stands at $402 million across 135,585 traders, with longs taking $275 million of the hit and shorts $127 million.
The sell-off accelerated through European and U.S. trading hours as the market digested the implications of Strategy's first BTC sale in four years. The company, known for its massive bitcoin holdings, had been a symbol of institutional conviction, and any reduction in its position can signal a shift in sentiment. For crypto traders, this event adds to the pressure from broader risk-off moves, as rising US Treasury yields and a stronger dollar have been weighing on speculative assets. Traders can track these moves in real time on NowPrice's live crypto dashboard to monitor liquidation cascades and price action.
Looking ahead, market participants will watch for further disclosures from Strategy regarding its bitcoin strategy, as well as the broader macroeconomic backdrop. Key data releases this week, including U.S. jobs data and Fed commentary, could influence risk appetite. On-chain metrics such as exchange reserves and whale activity will also be closely monitored for signs of additional selling pressure. The $70,000 level now emerges as a key support zone, with a break below potentially accelerating losses toward the $68,000 area.